Lock Repairs 101 The Ultimate Guide For Beginners Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself


It is essential to repair a door lock as soon as it starts to begin to show signs. You could leave your property open to burglars.

Fortunately, many of the most frequent problems with door locks are fixable without the need for the help of a professional. Read on to learn more about the signs to look out for and how to fix them at home.

Damaged Cylinder of Lock Cylinder

Car owners should be aware and look for any damage to door lock cylinders, even though they are less common in modern vehicles as power door locks are now the standard. This is the mechanical tumbler that your keys slide into. It can wear out or break, causing keys to become stuck or hard to turn. It's important that you act quickly if you notice your vehicle is experiencing this issue.

The easiest method to fix this problem is by spraying the inside of the cylinder with compressed air to clean of any obstructions that could be blocking it. You can also lubricate it with a graphite or silicon spray. Be careful not to overdo it as this will cause the pins wear out more quickly. If your key won't turn after trying all of these options You may have to replace the cylinder. You can also have it repaired by an experienced locksmith.

Once you've sprayed the piston and tried a different key, it could be necessary to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder in place and manually move it so that it is properly aligned with the keyhole on the door. Retighten g28carkeys but not too tight as this could cause internal components to wear out or be damaged.

You may also have to remove the lock's faceplate, depending on the type. If this is the case, you'll find them hidden behind seams or indentations at the faceplate's edge or by inserting the screwdriver or putty knife into these areas. Once you've removed the faceplate, you'll need to use a screwdriver to disassemble the internal components of the lock. You can then replace any damaged or worn out.

When assembling the lock again ensure that you secure the faceplate securely and fix the screws. It is also important to check the cylinder to make sure that it can be turned and inserted without difficulty. If you have trouble doing this, it's time to contact an expert as the lock cylinder might need to be replaced.

Loose Door Handles

Sometimes the handle of a door loosens over time and can begin to spin freely or even fall off the door completely. This could be a problem because it makes it difficult to open the door and can put people at risk. It is crucial to know why the handle is loose, and how it can be repaired.

Often, this is simply down to a screw in the door plate that requires tightening. Modern doors might have difficult-to-reach chassis screws, while older designs are easily accessible. You can tighten them easily however it is recommended to use a threadlocker that will secure the screws in the correct position.

If the screw is exposed, you can take the handle off and expose the screws to tighten. You may need to loosen the ring on the base of the handle first, and then you can pull it off of the knob by pressing the metallic detent pin. The screws that hold the mounting plate can be tightened by removing the rose. You should also check the strike plate screws which hold the plate on the edge of the doorway which the latch clicks into when it is closed.

Other times, the problem can be down to the spring cassette of the handle. This may break down over time, but it's usually due to wear and tear and requires a simple replacement.

You can do it yourself, or your local locksmith will install it for you. There are a range of cassettes, so be sure to select the correct one for your particular handle.

It can also be down to a broken faceplate or mounting ring, however this is extremely rare with newer handles. You can usually find a replacement for yours from a hardware store or online. After you have installed the new part you will need to tighten all the fixings and then reconnect the handle. It is also recommended to align the holes on the handle to the holes on the plate. If you're worried that this is too much of a DIY job, a locksmith could give you a quote.

Keys that Don't Turn

There are a number of reasons why keys don't turn inside locks. It is usually due to a lack of lubrication. This can be fixed by applying a lubricant, like WD-40, silicone-based spray or graphite lubricant. Applying the lubricant and inserting the key will allow the pins to move upwards and downwards and this should allow the key to unlock the lock.

Sometimes keys could be the issue. Making use of a key as a box cutter, can opener, or for something other than accessing your home can result in the tip of the key to become blunt over time. The key may not fit into the lock cylinder in a proper way which can result in it becoming stuck or jammed in the lock. Re-tipping the lock key using the aid of a bastard tool could help it fit better.

Another reason why the key may not turn in a lock is because it is bent or damaged. Using keys as tools to cut things or as a can opener could cause the tip of the key to bend which can make it difficult for it to fit into the lock cylinder properly. In this situation, you may need to re-tipping the key with a bastard or replace the entire key.

It is vital to be aware that gluing two pieces of metal together will not work when a key is damaged inside a lock. This could cause further damage to the lock mechanism and it is advised to contact a locksmith that offers replacement keys to fix the problem.

If the key isn't broken, it could be because the lock cylinder is blocked by dust or other debris. In this case it is possible to warm the cylinder by putting the key in hot water for just a few minutes. After the cylinder has been warmed up, you will be in a position to insert the key into the cylinder to unlock the door. You can also use a hairdryer for blowing hot air directly into the lock to help thaw out the mechanism.

Sticky Locks

Locks are a vital part of home security. But the fact is, they're often overlooked until they stop working properly. Locks that stick could be a source of trouble. However, they are simple to fix and prevent bigger problems from developing.

A malfunctioning mechanism is one of the most common causes of a stuck lock. It can be fixed with a bit of 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 put into the lock and rotated back and forth to spread the lubricant across the internal mechanisms. The key is then removed and the lock should be able to turn smoothly once more.

Another option is to use a graphite-based lubricant. Graphite is a great oil for small parts of metal and won't wash away or attract dirt as oil-based solutions do. Powdered graphite is available in a variety of hardware stores and can be applied to the keyhole directly. You can use pencils, which are made from the same material.

You should always wipe off any excess lubricant that you've applied to it to stop it from accumulating and becoming a source of future problems. If you've tried the suggestions above and your lock isn't moving, it might be time to contact an expert locksmith to evaluate the situation and determine the most effective option. If you don't take care of sticky locks, they can be a serious issue and cause keys to snap in the lock. It's better to take action now rather than later if you encounter a stuck lock. Regular lubrication will help prevent these problems from occurring in the first place. Add this to your annual maintenance tasks will give you peace of mind that your locks are functioning properly, securing your home.