10 Quick Tips About Lock Repair How to Fix Common Lock Repair Problems

Locks that are stiff can be simple to fix with the proper lubricant. Try an penetrating spray or graphite oil and insert your key. Turn it a couple of times to distribute the fluid.

Regularly tighten the hinges on doors and wipe down the deadbolt, latch and track. This will keep loose handles and doors from catching or sticking.

Sticky Locks

Locks are used daily and we consider them normal until they become sticky or worse break. Most of the time locks require some lubrication to function properly. This is a common problem with home door locks and is a fairly easy fix if you know what to look out for.

The first step is cleaning out the lock mechanism. Blow away any debris or dust that has found its way into the keyhole using compressed air or canned air. Be cautious not to breathe in the graphite particles as this could lead to an infection or illness. After you have cleared the debris, use powdered graphite to take off the lock. Powdered graphite will not leave any residue or marks on your keys, unlike liquid graphite, which can get onto your lock. If you don't have powdered graphite at the shelf, a pencil lead is a good alternative since it's also a dry lubricant. Insert the key into the lock and then turn it back and forth a few times to spread the graphite around and let it perform its magic. Test the lock when you're done to ensure it's working again.

If the lubricant doesn't do the job, it could be that your lock has experienced some misalignment. This could happen over time as the door's frame moves due to changes in temperature and weather. A licensed locksmith will be able to determine and fix the alignment of the lock to restore the smooth operation.

If none of these methods work, you can spray the lubricant made of silicone directly onto the key instead of the lock itself. Be sure to buy an appropriate lubricant for locks, not WD-40 or sewing machine oil, because these can cause your lock to stick more and trap dirt in the mechanisms over time. Also be G28 to wipe off any excess lubricant before applying it, as this could draw more dirt and make the lock more sticky.

Broken Keys

Many people attempt to force a broken key out of a lock, but this could cause more harm than good. This is especially true if the key breaks inside the lock. When you try to take out the broken part, the mechanisms and pins in the lock can become misaligned. This makes it difficult to operate the lock, and also makes it more vulnerable to breakage. You will need to contact a locksmith if you cannot remove the damaged key.

If you have a large piece of your key protruding out of the lock, you will require pliers with needle noses to grab it and take it out. If the broken part is stuck deeper within the lock, you can often use household items such as a paperclip or bobby pin to pull it out. Just be sure that the item you use is thin enough to fit inside the lock but not too thick to reach the sides of the keyway.

In extreme circumstances you may be able to use a small jigsaw blade or hack saw to cut off a broken key from your lock. Just be sure that the serrations of the blade are facing back towards the lock, not forward so that you can hook the teeth onto the breakage in the key. If you feel that the saw teeth latch on to the broken key, turn it and pull it, and it will slip out.

Super glue can also be used to make the key reassembled. This is extremely risky and could end up damaging the cylinder of the lock, so it is best reserved for extremely desperate circumstances. It can be difficult to find the right amount of super glue for this type of use. It is possible to play around with it a bit before you find the right amount. Whenever you are attempting to remove a broken key from a lock, keep in mind that excessive pressure or the incorrect method could cause the key to break into smaller pieces, force it further into the lock, or cause damage to the lock's cylinder.

Damaged Cylinder

Cylinder heads are responsible for sealing and containing the internal combustion pressures and compression of your engine. They also allow passages for coolant to the engine, and help conduct away heat. If a head is damaged or warped, it may cause problems that affect engine performance and power. This can result in poor fuel economy, sluggish accelerating and difficulty climbing steep slopes. If you notice signs like leaks, misfires, or overheating, your cylinder head may be damaged.

The cylinder head is an important part of your engine, and if it's damaged or warped, you must fix it right away. This is a complex procedure that requires special equipment and experience. It is best left to a professional. A mechanic with the right expertise can repair the seals and check the cylinder head's condition.

If you're looking for a garage in Reading, look for one that has experience with hydraulic cylinder repair. They'll be able to identify and repair any problems you might encounter with your hydraulic cylinder, from minor leaks to more serious issues, like bent rods.

Hydraulic cylinders are used for a wide range of uses in construction, manufacturing, and aeronautics. They're built to withstand tough environments, but even the most robust cylinders may suffer wear and tear from time. It is essential to replace or repair your cylinder on a regular schedule to ensure its excellent condition.

The first step to fixing a hydraulic cylinder is removing the rod and piston assembly. Once you've removed these parts and rod assembly, you can begin disassembling the tube of the cylinder. Begin by loosening both the set screw and the end cap. Then you need to loosen the locknut. Now, you can take off the piston, the head/gland, and the lock nut. Before beginning your repair, make sure you inspect these parts and other polished components for signs of damage.


After disassembling the cylinder head, you can clean it using an oil-based cleaner. After cleaning it, use compressed air to dry it. After that, you can reassemble the assembly by reinstalling the piston, the rod assembly and the gland. When you're putting the entire assembly back together, replace the seal on the piston and then install the new lock nut.

Sagging Locks

Over time, the screws on your door lock may loosen up and wiggle. This causes your latch to not fit into the strike plate hole correctly. This can make it difficult to open the door using the key, and a misaligned lock is also more prone to break-ins since criminals are more likely to have a hard time in avoiding the bolt and latch of your door. You'll require a screwdriver in order to fix this issue. You'll also have to sand the hinge's mortise down to the point that it's not deep enough and then replace the hinges to ensure they are flush with the door frame.

Another issue with door locks is that they get stuck and will not turn at all. It's tempting to bend the bolt back into its original shape but this could end up damaging the lock. If the bolt has been damaged, it will need to be replaced and a locksmith must be contacted for the job.

The first thing you need to do in this situation is to check your door for any loose hinges and screws. It is also advisable to test the lock with an alternative key to ensure that there isn't an issue with the key.

If the issue isn't with the key, or if the sagging of the door has resulted in a misaligned locking mechanism, you can fix the issue by loosening screws and then readjusting to fit the mechanism into the strike plate's hole correctly. You'll need to align both door handles, and have someone hold them temporarily while you do so. Replace any broken or damaged screws.

You'll also need to lubricate your lock in order to enable it to rotate more easily. You can apply dry graphite or a silicone-based lubricant however, be cautious about the lubricant you select as it is important to apply a thin coating and not over-lubricate your lock. Over-lubrication can make it difficult to turn the bolt or latch, and too little lubricant could cause rusting.