Why Everyone Is Talking About Lock Repairs Right Now Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself

It's important that you repair locks on doors immediately when it begins to start to show signs. Otherwise, you could be leaving your home at risk of burglary.

Many of the most common problems in door locks can be resolved without the need for an expert. Find out more about the most frequently occurring problems with door locks and how to fix them yourself.

Damaged Lock Cylinder

Car owners must be aware and watch for any damage to door lock cylinders, even although they are not as common in the latest vehicles, since power door locks are now the standard. This is the tumbler that your key slides into, and it is prone to wear down or break which causes keys to become stuck when you insert them or turned into a tense. It is crucial to act quickly if you notice your vehicle is experiencing this issue.

The most effective way to address this issue is to spray the inside of the cylinder with compressed air to clear of any obstructions that could be blocking it. You can also try lubricating it using a graphite or silicone spray, but be careful not to use too much as this can cause the pins to wear down more quickly. If your key isn't turning after trying all of these options You may have to replace the cylinder. You can also have it repaired by a professional locksmith.

Once you've sprayed the piston and tried a different key, it might be necessary to loosen the screws that keep the cylinder in place and then manually move it in a way that it is aligned with the keyhole on the door. Make sure you tighten these screws following the move, but don't get too tight, as this could cause the internal components to become worn or damaged.

Depending on the type of lock you may need to remove the faceplate to gain access to the screw heads that secure it. You can find them by looking behind gaps, seams, or indentations on the edge of your faceplate. You can also make use of a screwdriver or a knife to reach these areas. After you have removed the faceplate of the lock, you can make use of a screwdriver to disassemble the internal components. Replace any damaged or worn components.

When assembling the lock, be sure to attach the faceplate securely and fix the screws. It is also important to test the cylinder to ensure that it is able to be inserted and turned without issue. If you are having trouble then it's time to contact an expert for assistance as the lock cylinder could require a change.

Loose Door Handles

Over time, a door handle will loosen and start to spin or drop completely. This could be a major issue because it makes the door difficult to open and puts at risk the people who use it. It is crucial to know the reason for the handle being loose and how it can be repaired.

This is often caused by a loose screw on the doorplate. Modern doors might have difficult-to-reach screws for the chassis, while older models have them visible and easily accessible. You can tighten them easily, though it is best to use a threadlocker, which will lock the screws into place.

If the screw is exposed, you can take the handle off and expose the screws to tighten. You may have to loosen the ring at the base of handle before you can take the knob off by pressing the detent pin made of metal. You can then remove the rose and expose the mounting plate screws which you then tighten. Make sure you check the strike plate screws, which hold the plate at the edge of the doorway, where the latch is triggered when it closes.

Sometimes, the issue is the spring cassette in the handle. This can break down over time, but it's usually simply due to wear and tear, and will require a simple replacement.

You can do it yourself or let your local locksmith install it for you. There are many kinds of cassettes and you should get the right one for the type of handle you have.

It could also be due to a damaged mounting plate or ring however it is uncommon for newer handles. You can find the replacement in a hardware shop or on the internet. Once you've fitted the new piece it is time to tighten all fixings and then re-attach the handle. Also, you should align the holes on the handle to the holes on the plate. If you're concerned that this is too much of a DIY job, a locksmith can provide a quote.

Keys that won't turn

There are many reasons why keys do not turn inside locks. automotive door lock repair of the time, this is due to the lack of the 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 upwards and downwards and allow the key to unlock the lock.

Sometimes it is the key that causes the problem. The tip of a key will become blunt in time, especially if it's employed for a different purpose than just to gain entry into your home. The key may not fit into the lock cylinder properly which can result in it becoming stuck or trapped in the lock. Re-tipping the key of the lock with the aid of a bastard tool could help it fit better.


A key that is not turning in a lock could also be bent or damaged. Using keys as tools to cut things or use it as a can opener can cause the point of the key to become bent which can prevent it from fitting into the lock cylinder properly. In this situation, re-tipping with a bastard file or replacing the entire key might be required to correct the problem.

It is vital to be aware that gluing two pieces of steel together is not a viable option if a key has broken inside the lock. This could cause further damage to the lock mechanism It is recommended to contact a locksmith that provides replacement keys to fix the issue.

If the key isn't damaged, it could be that the cylinder of the lock has become clogged by dust or other debris. In this situation it could be beneficial to warm the cylinder up by putting the key in hot water for a couple of minutes. Once the cylinder is warm and able to be used, it's time to insert the key and unlock the door. Alternately, you can use a hair dryer to blow air directly into the lock mechanism to melt it out.

Sticky Locks

Locks are a vital part of home security. Locks are often taken for granted until they fail to function properly. Locks that stick are a frequent problem, but they're not difficult to fix yourself and can stop bigger issues from arising.

One of the most likely reasons for a lock to become sticky is that the mechanism has become dirty and grimy. It can be repaired with a little cleaning and lubrication.

The most common method is to make use of a dry lubricant, like WD-40 or GT85 spray. The key is then inserted into the lock and rotated back and forward in order to spread lubricant on the internal mechanisms. The key is now removed and the lock will turn smoothly once again.

Another option is to choose an lubricant made of graphite. Graphite is an excellent lubricant for small metal parts and doesn't sludge away or draw dirt like oil-based solutions. Powdered graphite can be found in many hardware stores and can be applied to the keyhole directly. You can also use a pencil, which is made of the same material.

It is recommended to clean off any excess lubricant after applying it to avoid it from building up and causing future issues. If you've tried the suggestions above and your lock won't budge, it may be time to get a professional locksmith to analyze the situation and determine the best course of action. Sticky locks that aren't addressed can turn into major hassles and can lead to keys snapping in the lock, or even the door handle. It's better to act sooner instead of waiting until you've got a stuck lock. And regular lubrication can help keep these kinds of issues from occurring in the first in the first. In addition to your regular maintenance routine will give you peace of heart that your locks work effectively, protecting your home.