5 Lock Repairs Projects For Every Budget

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Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself

It is crucial to fix locks on doors when it begins to start to show signs. Otherwise, you could be making your home at risk of burglary.

Fortunately, a majority of the most frequent issues that arise with door locks can be fixed without calling in an expert. Read on to learn more about the signs to look out for and how you can fix them at home.

Damaged Cylinder of Lock Cylinder

Car owners must be aware of and watch out for damage to the door lock cylinders, even when they aren't as prevalent in newer cars as power door locks are now the commonplace. This is the tumbler that the key slides into and it could wear down or break, causing your keys to stick when inserted or turning in a sharp. If you observe this happening to your vehicle, it's crucial to act quickly to stop the problem from worsening.

The most effective way to address this problem is by spraying the inside of the cylinder with compressed air to clear out any debris that may be hindering it. You can also lubricate it with a graphite or silicone spray. Be cautious not to overdo it as this can cause the pins to wear out faster. If your key doesn't turn after trying all of these options, you may need to replace the cylinder. You can also have it repaired by a professional locksmith.

Once you've sprayed the cylinder and tried another key, it could be necessary to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder in place and then manually move it so that it is aligned properly with the keyhole on the door. Close the screws, but not too tightly since this could cause internal components to wear out or get damaged.

You may also need to remove the faceplate from the lock, depending on the type of lock. If so, you can locate them hidden behind seams or indentations along the edge of the faceplate or by inserting a putty knife or screwdriver into these areas. After you have removed the faceplate of the lock, you can use a screwdriver and disassemble its internal components. Replace any worn or damaged parts.

When assembling the lock again ensure that you secure the faceplate securely and fix the screws. Test the cylinder by inserting it and turning it. If you are having difficulty doing this, it's that you should call a professional as the lock cylinder may need to be replaced.

Loose Door Handles

Sometimes the door handle can loosen over time and may begin to spin freely or fall off the door completely. This can be a huge issue as it makes the door difficult to open and poses danger to those who use it. It is crucial to know why the handle is loosened, and how it can be fixed.

It is usually caused by a loose screw in the doorplate. Modern doors may have difficult-to reach chassis screws, while older models are easily accessible. You can tighten them easily, though it is best to use a threadlocker that will secure the screws in the correct position.

If the screw is exposed you can remove the handle and expose the screws to tighten. You may need to loosen the ring at the base of the handle before you can pry the knob away while pressing the detent pin made of metal. You can then remove the rose and expose the screws on the mounting plate that you can tighten. You should also check the strike plate screws, that hold the plate on the edge of the doorway which the latch clicks into when it is closed.

Sometimes, the problem is the spring cassette that's in the handle. This may break down over time, but most of the time it's just down to wear and tear and requires a simple replacement.

You can install it yourself or have a local locksmith do it for you. There are many cassettes, so be sure to choose the right one for your specific handle.

It can also be down to a damaged faceplate or mounting ring, however this is extremely rare with the newer handles. You can locate the replacement at a hardware store or online. After you have installed the new piece, you'll have to tighten all fixings, then reattach the handle. Re-aligning the holes in the handle with the holes on the plate is also crucial. If you're worried that this is too much of a do-it-yourself job, a locksmith could offer a price.

Keys that won't turn

There are a variety of reasons why keys won't turn inside locks. It is usually due to a lack lubrication. This can be fixed by applying a lubricant such as WD-40 or a silicone-based spray. Applying the lubricant and then inserting the key will allow the pins to move back and forth and this should allow the key to open the lock.

Sometimes keys could be the issue. The point of a key can become blunted in time, especially if it's used for purposes other than just to gain entry into your home. This can stop the key from fitting into the lock cylinder correctly, which could lead to it getting stuck or encased inside the lock. In this case, re-tipping the key with the aid of a bastard tool can help it fit better.

Another reason that a key might not turn inside a lock is that it is bent or damaged. The edge of a key may be bent if used to open or cut cans. This can also prevent the key from fitting into the lock cylinder in a proper way. In this situation, re-tipping with a bastard file or replacing the entire key could be necessary to fix the issue.

If the key has snapped in the middle of the lock, it's important to be aware that attempting to glue the two pieces of metal back to each other won't work. This can cause further damage to the locking mechanism. It is best to contact a locksmith who offers keys replacement.

If the key isn't broken, it may be because the lock cylinder is clogged with dust or other debris. In this case, it may be helpful to warm the cylinder by putting the key in hot water for a few minutes. After the cylinder has warmed up, you should be in a position to insert the key into the cylinder to unlock the door. You can also make use of a hairdryer to blow hot air directly into the lock to melt out the mechanism.

Sticky Locks

Locks are an integral component of the security of your home. But the fact is, they're often ignored until they stop working correctly. Sticky locks can be a problem. However, they are simple to fix and prevent bigger problems from developing.

A dirty mechanism is among the most frequent causes of stuck locks. It can be fixed with a bit of cleaning and lubrication.

A common solution is to apply a dry lubricant such as WD-40 or GT85 spray. The key is then put into the lock and rotated back and forth to spread the lubricant throughout the internal mechanisms. The key is now removed and the lock should rotate smoothly once more.

A graphite-based lubricant is a different option. Graphite is an excellent oil for small parts of metal and doesn't sludge away or draw dirt like oil-based solutions. Powdered graphite is sold in many hardware stores and can be click here applied to the keyhole directly. You can also employ a pencil for the same purpose, as it's made of the same material.

Make sure to clean up any excess lubricant applied after having used it. This will stop it from building up and causing future problems. If your lock that is sticky isn't moving after trying all of the above methods, it's time to call an expert locksmith who will evaluate the situation and decide what the best course of action is. If you don't take care of sticky locks, they can cause a lot of trouble and cause keys to snap in the lock. It's better to take action now than later if you have locked that is stuck. And regular lubrication can help prevent these types of issues from arising in the first in the first. You can have peace of assurance that your locks work correctly and protect your home by including this in your annual maintenance tasks.