15 Of The Most Popular Pinterest Boards Of All Time About Locks Repair How to Tell If Your Locks Need Repair

If your door lock is difficult to turn, lubricating it might aid. If it is wiggles when you insert the key, it's time to call for a professional locksmith repair or replacement.

In some cases it might be more economical to replace an old lock with a safer one.

Cylinder Damage

The cylinder might be damaged if it is stiff or when the key doesn't rotate smoothly. A damaged cylinder could make your door vulnerable to break-ins and should be fixed immediately. If you can't fix it yourself, you should call an expert locksmith.

Rust and corrosion are the most frequent causes of problems with cylinder locks. You can stop it by regularly painting the lock's surface with a protective coating. Also, ensure that the weather strip is in good condition. If it is not, this could cause water to seep in and weaken the cylinder over time.

Another issue that is common is when the cylinder becomes out of alignment with the keyhole on the door. This can be caused by a number of reasons, such as a loose bolt or a misaligned keyway for the handle. To fix it you'll need to take out the screws that attach the cylinder. Then you can gently adjust it. Be cautious not to tighten them too much because this could damage the parts.

An effective way to keep your cylinder in good condition is to use a graphite-based lubricant. It can be found in hardware stores and can be sprayed directly on the cylinder. The lubricant will help the key turn easily and will also help prevent any future issues with the lock.

You may need to replace the cylinder if it is completely damaged. Fortunately, this is an easy task that can be done at home. The first step is removing the faceplate. After you have removed the faceplate, you can start disassembling the lock cylinder. Once www.g28carkeys.co.uk have removed the cylinder, it's important to note any set screws fixing it to the cylinder. It is crucial to note these for later assembly.

Last but not least, make use of a screwdriver with an extremely fine tip to access the more narrow areas of the lock. You will also want to keep a few plastic ziplock bags in your bag to store the parts you take out to be able to refer back later.

Loose Knobs or Handles

Over time door knobs or handles will become loose. If this happens, it could cause a lot of inconvenience to employees and customers. The good part is that this issue is usually fixable and doesn't require a professional locksmith service.

In general, loose doorknobs could be the result of the same factors that cause locks to jiggle and pull away from doors: wear and tear loose screws; the wrong combination of components. It's also possible that the business or home has sunk a bit and this can affect how tightly a door handle is positioned on the lock.

It is possible to fix knobs or handles that are loose however, you need the proper tools. Be sure to not to over tighten the screw. This could damage the doorknob or handle. It's also a good thing to have a second hand to help you twist and tighten the doorknob.

First, it is important to identify the screw that is loose. The screw is usually hidden under an attractive cap that covers the mounting rings for the lockset. It is necessary to press a button or lever with an awl, or the tip of a small screwdriver with a flat blade in order to remove the cover and expose the ring for mounting the lockset. The bolt can be tightened by turning it counterclockwise.

Certain modern doorknobs are constructed using a different fastening method. These use a device called a detent. They are attached to the door using concealed screws. This type of fastener may be somewhat more complicated but can be fixed easily using the same methods above.

After the screw has been tightened, it is recommended to place a washer over the screw. This will stop the screw from coming loose in the future. This is especially important for wooden doorknobs which may have a damaged screw hole from repeated use. Washers can be found at any hardware shop and are a simple and quick way to solve a daily problem. Select a washer that matches the screw that is on the doorknob.

Keys that are poorly cut

Keys that are not cut properly are the most common reason why a key isn't turning inside your lock. This can be a result of a poor copy from a locksmith or the original key being worn down over time. It is essential to choose a reliable locksmith when you require keys copied or to have your locks rekeyed.

A locksmith must always inspect a key to determine the proper cut depth and make sure they are evenly spaced across the key. A professional locksmith will inspect the lock to determine the reason for the issue and come up with an answer for you, whether it is changing the pins or adjusting the cylinder of the lock.

Bring the key that isn't able to turn to a locksmith so they can test it on their duplicator. This will ensure that the key has been cut correctly, and that it fits your locks properly.

If a key is unable to fit completely into the lock, it could be caused by dirt or debris that has built up inside of the lock. Lubricating the lock with graphite or silicone-based lubricant will aid in clearing tumblers that are stuck or blocked.

Another problem that can be found is that a key was not cut precisely when it was initially created. This can happen when someone attempts to make a low-cost and quick duplicate of an existing key. Only a locksmith equipped with the necessary tools and training can create high-quality duplicates.

If a key has broken off in the lock you can try to grasp it with needle-nosed pliers or even a pair of tweezers. It is not recommended to insert the pliers' tips or the tweezers into the lock too deeply. This can cause the problem to get worse. It is simpler for a locksmith to take out the broken piece without damaging the lock mechanism. Bring the broken key to the locksmith and have them make a new one with their duplicator.

Sagging Locks

A loose lock could be the reason of your inability to lock your door. This could cause the latch or bolt to become stuck within the frame of the door, making it more difficult to close the door. It could also cause drafts, and it will cause a gap to grow between the frame and the door, which can damage both over time.

It is possible to fix sagging locks. Usually they can be fixed by tightening the screws on hinges. If this doesn't work you, try lubricating the lock. You can use powdered graphite or a silicone-based lubricant. Make sure you choose an oil that won't harm the lock over time.

A misaligned lock is another common issue that could affect a door's ability to open and close properly. This is usually the result of an installation that wasn't done correctly or a shift in the temperature which causes doors and frames to shift. If ignored, could make your home or business vulnerable.

To fix this, you'll need to start by examining the door and frame to determine whether they're at the same level. If they aren't, you'll need to reposition the hinges in the correct height and align.

The next step is to examine the mortise and strike plate. You can move the strike plate if it's sliding with a hammer, or chisel. Once you've repositioned it, check it to make sure that it is aligned with the latch.


If you're experiencing issues with your lock, it could be time to get in touch with an expert locksmith. A locksmith can fix any lock, no matter if it's a Yale lock or mortice lock.

Remember, only certain types of lock damage can be repaired. Do not attempt to bend a damaged lock bolt back into its original position. This will weaken the bolt and cause damage to the cylinder. It is best to consult a professional if you are experiencing serious issues. They'll examine the damage, and let you know what options you have.