What A Weekly Lock Repairs Project Can Change Your Life Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself

When a door lock starts to appear worn, it's important to have it replaced promptly. It is possible to leave your home open to burglars.

Fortunately, a lot of the most frequent issues that arise with door locks can be fixed without calling in a professional. Learn more about the most common issues with door locks and how to fix them yourself.

Damaged Cylinder Damaged Cylinder

Car owners need to be aware and watch for any damage to door lock cylinders although they are not as common in newer cars as door locks with power have become the commonplace. This is the tumbler made of mechanical that your key slides into, and it is prone to be damaged or worn out, causing your keys to stick when inserted or turned in a sharp. It is essential to immediately take action if you notice your vehicle has this issue.

Spray compressed air into the cylinder to remove any debris that might be blocking it. You could also lubricate the cylinder with a graphite or silicon spray. Be careful not to overdo the procedure as this could cause the pins to wear out more quickly. If your key is still refusing to turn, it might be time to replace the cylinder or have it professionally repaired by a locksmith.

After spraying the cylinder using the appropriate spray and using a different type of key, you may need to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder to its place. You can then manually move the cylinder so that it aligns properly with the keyhole. Close the screws but not too much because this could cause internal components to wear out or get damaged.

It is also possible to remove the lock's faceplate in accordance with the type of lock. If this is the case, you'll find them behind seams or indentations at the edge of the faceplate or by inserting screwscrewdrivers or putty knives into these areas. After you have removed the faceplate of the lock, you can use a screwdriver and disassemble the internal components. Replace any worn or damaged parts.

When reassembling the lock make sure you attach the faceplate securely and secure the screws. Test the cylinder by inserting and turning it. If you encounter difficulties doing this, it's time to contact a professional as the lock cylinder may require replacement.

Loose Door Handles

Over time, a door handle can loosen and begin to spin or drop completely. This can be a huge issue as it makes the door difficult to open and poses danger to those using it. It is important to know why the handle is loose and how it can be repaired.

It is usually caused by a loose screw in the doorplate. Modern doors might have difficult-to-reach screws for the chassis, while older styles are easily accessible. The screws can be tightened easily. It is best to employ a threadlocker to secure them in the right position.

If the screw is visible, you can take it off it and tighten the screws. It is possible to loosen the ring around the base of the handle before you can pull the knob off by pressing the metallic detent pin. You can then remove the rose and expose the screws on the mounting plate, which you can then tighten. Make sure you check the strike plate screws that secure the plate at the edge of the doorway. This is where the latch clicks in when it closes.

Sometimes, the issue is with the spring cassette inside the handle. This may break down over time, but usually it's simply due to wear and tear and requires the replacement of a spring cassette.

You can do it yourself, or have a local locksmith can fit it for you. There are a variety of cassettes available, so make sure to select the correct one for your specific handle.

This could also be due to a broken mounting plate or ring, but it is rare for handles with modern designs. You can find the replacement in a hardware store or on the internet. After you have installed the new part, you'll have to tighten all fixings, and then reattach the handle. It is also recommended to align the holes on the handle to those on the plate. If you're worried about this being too much of a DIY project, your locksmith can provide a quote for this service.

Keys That Don't Turn

There are a number of reasons why keys don't turn inside locks. Most of the time, this is due to an absence of the lubrication. It is possible to fix this using a lubricant like WD-40 or a silicone-based spray. The pins will move up and down when you insert the key and apply the oil.

Sometimes it is the key that causes the issue. The key's tip may become blunt in time, especially if it's used for purposes other than just to gain entry into your home. The key may not fit into the lock cylinder properly, causing it to become stuck or jammed inside the lock. In this case, re-tipping the key with a bastard file can make it fit better.

A key that isn't turning inside a lock can also be damaged or bent. Utilizing a key as a tool to cut things or use it as an opener for cans can cause the tip of the key to become bent, which could also make it difficult for it to fit into the lock cylinder correctly. In this instance it is possible to re-tippe the key using a bastard or replace the entire key.

It is important to know that gluing the two pieces of metal together won't work in the event that a key has been damaged inside the lock. This can actually lead to further damage to the mechanism It is recommended 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 clogged with dust or other debris. In g28carkeys , it can be helpful to warm the cylinder by putting the key in hot water for just a few minutes. Once 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 hair dryer and blow air directly into the lock mechanism, allowing it to warm up and then thaw it out.

Sticky Locks


Locks are an essential component of home security. Locks are often taken for granted until they stop functioning properly. The sticky locks could be a source of trouble. However, they are simple to fix and prevent bigger problems from developing.

A rusty mechanism is among the most common causes of a stuck lock. This can be easily fixed with a little bit of cleaning and the application of lubrication.

Dry lubricants, such as sprays of WD-40 or GT85 spray, is a common solution. The key is then inserted into the lock and rotated back and forth in order to spread lubricant on the internal mechanisms. The key is then removed, and the lock will be able to rotate smoothly again.

A graphite-based lubricant is a different option. Graphite is a fantastic for lubricant that can be used on small metal parts. It doesn't get soiled or attract dirt, unlike oil-based solutions. Many hardware stores carry powdered graphite that can be applied directly to the keyhole. You can also use pencils that are made of the same material.

Always clean up any excess lubricant that you've applied to it to stop it from accumulating and causing future issues. 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 best option. Locks that are stuck if not addressed can become major nuisances and can lead to keys snapping in the lock, or even the door handle. It's better to act now instead of waiting until you've got an unresponsive lock. Regularly lubricating your locks can help keep these types of issues from happening in the first in the first. Add this to your annual maintenance tasks can give you peace of heart that your locks work properly, securing your home.