Don't Buy Into These "Trends" Concerning Lock Repair How to Do Your Own Lock Repair

You can either fix your locks yourself, or hire a professional locksmith when they become faulty. Repairing locks can be a challenge and a wrong choice could cause more damage.

It is important to first determine if the issue is due to dust or dirt. This is usually resolved by applying a graphite spray or silicone-based lubricant.

1. Door Handle or Knob Lock

Door knobs and handles can become loose as time passes, which could result in a jiggly door handle, or a knob that is difficult to open. It is important to fix loose door knobs since they are not only annoying and can also compromise the security of your building. Fortunately, a loose doorknob or handle is relatively easy to fix. There are a few different ways to fix this dependent on the lock system your door has. Certain lock systems come with easily accessible mounting screws, whereas others use backplates that hide the screws. If your door uses the one that is hidden, the process may be more complicated.

Most interior doorknobs have a small screw called a setscrew on the inside of the knob that prevents it from sliding over the spindle. This is a part of the latch assembly. If yours is not jiggly, it could be due to a small screw, known as a setscrew, located on the inside of the knob that blocks it from sliding over spindle. Utilize flashlights to locate the set screw and use an Allen wrench to tighten it. Once the screw is tightened then turn the knob to test if it is solid.

If the knob is still jiggly, it's possible that the set screw isn't placed correctly. Look for the small button that matches the spindle to ensure the screw is in the correct position. Press the button with a flathead screwdriver, and then slide the knob across the spindle. When you do this the knob should click and show that it is rightly positioned on the spindle.

After ensuring the set screw is positioned properly, simply tighten it again to fix the knob or handle in place. replacement window lock should resolve the issue If not it is, you will need to remove the knob and check the backplate for missing or loose screws. If this is the case, you will have to replace the screws before you can re-secure the knob or handle. If you're not comfortable with this type repair, you must call a professional locksmith who offers repair for damaged locks to assist.

2. Key Won't Turn in the Lock

There are a number of reasons that your key may stop turning inside the lock. One of the most frequent reasons is that the pins within the cylinder have begun to wear down, which means they don't have the correct shape to move the sliders, wafers, or tumblers that allow the key to open the lock. In this instance the best solution is spraying the lock with graphite spray or lubricant made of silicone to coat the pins and allow them move again.

If the issue is more serious and the key has been bent it may be necessary to get it straightened by a professional. A professional locksmith will employ an exclusive tool that has an edge that is curved to fit into the groove that runs along the edge of the key. This kind of tool is not able to be found in hardware stores. However you can purchase an entire kit with the necessary tools online or from an experienced locksmith.

A soiled or dirty lock is a different possibility. Over time, dust may build up in the lock's cylinder, which could cause the pins and springs to swell up. In this instance, spray the lock with graphite or WD-40 spray to remove the pins and restore them to their original positions.

It could also be a problem if the key has been damaged. A key can be worn down over time by repeated use, which will cause the groves to wear down or even become smoother. This could result in the key not fitting properly into the cylinder, so it's crucial to pay attention and check regularly whether your key fits properly.


In the winter months, locks can freeze, which will prevent springs and pins from moving when the key is placed. This can be a frustrating problem, but it is usually fairly easy to solve by heating the lock using hot water and then using the lubricant again to re-lubricate. If the lock is damaged or frozen beyond repair, it may require replacement by an expert.

3. The lock isn't turning

It can be a hassle to find locks that aren't turning or open. If it happens frequently you may want to consider contacting locksmiths to check it out and see if they can assist. Fortunately, this isn't required as there are things that can be repaired without the need for professional assistance.

The key may not turn in a lock because it is damaged. This could happen if you've lost your keys or it's broken inside the lock. Instead of trying to get it out of the lock which could cause the damaged piece of the key to push further into the mechanism and cause the problem to become more severe Try using needle-nosed pliers to remove it from the lock. Be careful not to damage the lock by cutting off any part of the broken key with the pliers.

You may also have an improperly aligned lock that can cause the door to latch properly. If you're lucky enough to have an additional key, it could be tested in the lock to make sure it is working properly and doesn't cause the issue. If you find that the lock is not properly aligned, tightening the screws around the strikeplate will solve the issue and let the lock to function normally.

Another reason your key might not be turning is that there is dust or dirt inside the lock that is preventing it from turning. This issue can be fixed by using a graphite or silicone-based lubricant to coat the pins of the lock. This allows them to move up & down in a normal manner. It is recommended to avoid oils-based products, such as WD-40 for instance, as they can cause more blockages in the future.

It's important to know that certain keys won't fit into all locks. If this is the case, you'll require a new key manufactured by a local hardware shop.

4. The Cylinder is Rotating

Hairpin vortices may form when a cylinder rotates in a confinement space. These vortices can impose significant forces on the cylinder rotating. The force is proportional to the dimensionless curvature radius and the confinement factor. The tube, head and the main body of the cylinder are made of aluminium alloy.

If you are able to insert your key and turn it, but the lock is still rotating the cylinder could be damaged. Rekeying your lock can fix this problem. There are kits made specifically for this purpose and can be purchased online or in many big box stores.