What Lock Repairs Will Be Your Next Big Obsession? Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself

It is crucial to fix a door lock as soon as it starts to start to show signs. You could leave your property open to burglars.

Many of the most common problems with door locks can be fixed without contacting an expert. Read on to learn more about what to look out for and how you can fix them at home.

Damaged Lock Cylinder

Car owners should be aware and watch out for damage to the door lock cylinders, although they are not as common in newer cars as door locks with power are now the norm. This is the tumbler that your keys slide into. It's prone to wear or break and cause keys to become stuck or hard to turn. If you observe this happening to your vehicle, it's vital to take action quickly to prevent the issue from worsening.

The most effective way to address this issue is to spray the inside of the cylinder with compressed air to clean out any debris that could be blocking it. You can also try lubricating it using a graphite or silicone spray, but be cautious not to apply too much since this could cause the pins to wear out more quickly. If your key isn't turning after trying all these methods, you may need to replace the cylinder. Or have it repaired by an expert locksmith.

After spraying the cylinder using the correct spray and using a different kind of key, you might require to loosen the screws holding the cylinder to its place. You can then manually move the cylinder to ensure that it is in alignment with the keyhole. Make sure to tighten the screws, but not too tightly as this may cause the internal components to wear out or damaged.

Depending on the type of lock you are using, you may need to remove the faceplate as well to gain access to the screw heads that are used to secure it. If this is the case, you'll find them hidden 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, employ a screwdriver to remove the internal components. Replace any damaged or worn parts.

Assemble the lock and attach the faceplate securely. Secure the screws. Also, test the cylinder to ensure that it can be turned and inserted without any issues. If you're experiencing issues, it is time to call an expert as the lock cylinder could need to be changed.

Loose Door Handles

Sometimes the door handle can loosen over time and may begin to rotate freely or even fall off the door completely. This could be a major problem as it makes the door difficult to open and puts at risk those using it. It is crucial to know the reason for the handle being loose and how it can be repaired.

Most of the time, it's due to a screw inside the door plate that needs tightening. Modern doors may have difficult-to-reach screws for the chassis, whereas older designs are easily accessible. It is easy to tighten these screws but it is preferential to use threadlocker, which will secure the screws in place.

If car lock repair cost is exposed you can take the handle off and expose the screws to tighten. You may need to loosen the ring around the base of the handle before you can pry the knob off by pressing the metallic detent pin. The mounting plate screws can be tightened by taking off the rose. You should also examine the strike plate screws, that hold the plate on the edge of the doorway that the latch clicks into when it closes.

Sometimes, the issue may be related to the handle's spring cassette. It is prone to wear out over time. A simple replacement is usually required.

You can do this 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 that are newer. You can locate a replacement at a hardware store or on the internet. After you have fitted the new part you will be required to tighten all fixings and then reconnect the handle. Re-aligning the holes in the handle with the holes on your plate is also important. If you're worried about this being too much of a DIY project, your locksmith can provide an estimate for this service.

Keys that won't turn

There are many reasons that keys may not turn inside of locks. This is often due to a lack of lubrication. This can be fixed with a lubricant such as WD-40, silicone-based spray, or graphite lubricant. Applying the lubricant, and then inserting the key will allow the pins to move back and forth and allow the key to open the lock.

Sometimes keys are the source of the problem. The key's tip may become blunt in time, especially if it's employed for a different purpose than getting into your home. The key might not fit into the lock cylinder in a proper way and can cause it to get stuck or jammed in the lock. In this instance it is possible to re-tippe the key using a bastard file can make it fit in the lock better.

A key that isn't turning in a lock could also be bent or damaged. The point of a key could be bent if used to cut or open cans. This could also hinder the key from fitting into the lock cylinder properly. In this case, re-tipping with a bastard file or replacing the entire key may be required to correct the issue.

It is vital to be aware that gluing two pieces of metal together will not work when a key is damaged inside the lock. This can actually lead to further damage to the mechanism It is recommended to contact a locksmith that provides replacement keys to fix the problem.


If the key is not broken, it may be that the cylinder of the lock is clogged with dust or other debris. In this situation, it may be helpful to warm the cylinder up by putting the key in hot water for a couple of minutes. When the cylinder is warm it is then possible to insert the key and open 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 an essential part of home security. But the fact is, they're often taken for granted--until they stop working properly. Sticky locks could be a source of trouble. However, they're easy to fix and can stop bigger problems from arising.

One of the most likely reasons for a sticky lock is that the mechanism has become dirty and filthy. This can be easily cured with a little bit of cleaning and the application of lubrication.

A common solution is to use a dry lubricant like WD-40 or GT85 spray. The key is inserted into lock and rotated back and forth to spread the lubricant on the internal mechanisms. The key is now removed and the lock will be able to turn smoothly again.

Another option is to use an lubricant made of graphite. Graphite is an excellent oil for small parts of metal and doesn't wash away or draw dirt like oil-based solutions. Many hardware stores carry powdered graphite which can be directly applied to the keyhole. You can also make use of a pencil for the same purpose, since it's made from the same material.

It is recommended to clean off any excess lubricant after applying it to prevent it from building up and becoming a source of future problems. If your lock that is sticky won't move after you've tried all of the above methods It's time to contact a professional locksmith who will evaluate the situation and decide what the best course of action is. Sticky locks that aren't addressed can become major nuisances and can lead to keys snapping inside the lock or even the door handle. It's better to take action now than later if you have an unresponsive lock. Regular lubrication can prevent these problems from occurring in the first place. You can have peace of assurance that your locks will work effectively and protect your home by adding this to your annual maintenance schedule.