How to Do Your Own Lock Repair
If your locks fail You can attempt to fix them yourself or employ an expert locksmith. Repairing locks can be a challenge and if you take the wrong route, it may cause further damage.
The first step is to ensure that the issue isn't caused by dust or dirt. This is usually resolved by applying some graphite spray or silicone-based fluid.
1. Door Handle or Knob Loose
Door knobs and handles could get loose in time, which can result in an unbalanced door handle or knobs that are difficult to open. It is crucial to fix loose door knobs as they're not just annoying, but can compromise the security of your home. Fortunately, a loose doorknob or handle is relatively easy to fix. Depending on the lock you have installed on your door, there are many options to fix this. Some lock systems have visible mounting screws that are accessible, while others have a backplate that obscures the screws holding it together. This method is more complex when your door has an underlay that hides the screws.
Most interior doorknobs are designed to slide over a spindle that is cylindrical, which is mounted in the door as a part of the latch assembly. If yours is jiggly, it could be due to a tiny screw known as a set screw located on the inside of the knob that prevents it from sliding over the spindle. Utilize a flashlight to help you locate the set screw and use an Allen wrench to tighten it. After it's tightened, test the knob and see if it no longer feels like it's jiggly.
If your knob feels uneven, it could be that the set screw isn't positioned correctly. To ensure that the screw is in the correct position, look for a small, corresponding button on the spindle. Press the button using a flathead screwdriver, and then slide the knob over the spindle. As you do this, the knob should begin to click, indicating that it is positioned properly on the spindle.
After ensuring that the set screw is positioned properly and tighten it once more to secure the knob or handle in the correct position. This should resolve the issue however, if it doesn't it is, you will require removing 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 secure the knob or handle. If you're not comfortable with this type repair, you must seek out an experienced locksmith who can provide repair for damaged locks to assist.
2. Key Won't Turn in the Lock
There are a variety of reasons why your key could stop turning in the lock. repair window locks upvc RepairMyWindowsAndDoors of the most frequent reasons is that the pins inside the cylinder are beginning to wear down, which means they don't have the correct shape to move the wafers, sliders, or tumblers that allow the key to open the lock. In this situation spraying the lock with lubricant based on silicone or graphite spray will coat the pins in order to make them move again.
However, if the issue is more serious and the key has been bent out of shape, you might need to have it straightened professionally. A professional locksmith will use an instrument specifically designed to straighten the keys, which has a curved end to fit into the recessed groove of the tip of the key. This type of tool isn't readily available in hardware stores, but you can find a kit that includes the proper tools online or at the locksmith shop.
A dirty or contaminated lock is also a possibility. Over time, dust can accumulate in the lock the cylinder, which may cause the springs and pins to swell up. In this situation, you'll need spray the lock with WD-40, graphite spray or a silicone-based lubricant to clean it out and return the pins to their original positions.
It could also be an issue if the key has been damaged. Over time, the repeated use can cause wear and tear on the grooves of a key. This could result in the key not fitting into the cylinder, therefore it's crucial to pay attention and make sure that your key fits correctly.
Locks can freeze in the winter months. This will prevent the springs and pins from moving when keys are inserted. This can be a frustrating problem however, it's usually fairly easy to solve by warming up the lock with hot water and then using the lubricant again to re-lubricate. If the lock is damaged beyond repair or has froze the lock, it will have to be replaced.
3. The Lock isn't Turning
If you've ever had a lock that doesn't turn and isn't opened it can be incredibly frustrating. If it happens often, you may want to consider contacting locksmiths to come take a look and see if they are able to help. Luckily, this isn't always necessary as there are some things that can be easily fixed without the need for professional assistance.
The key won't turn in the lock if it is damaged. This can happen if you've lost your keys or it's broken in the lock. Rather than trying to fish it out of the lock, which could cause the damaged piece of the key to be pushed further into the mechanism and cause the issue to get worse, try using needle-nosed pliers to take it out of the lock. Be careful not to harm the lock by cutting off any part of the broken key using the pliers.
It's also possible that your lock isn't aligned correctly, which can cause the door to not latch properly. If you're lucky enough to have an extra key, this could be tested in the lock to ensure that it is working properly and doesn't cause the cause of the problem. If you find that the lock is not aligned correctly, tightening the screws around the strike plate will fix the problem and allow the lock to function normally.
A lock might not turn because of dirt or dust. This issue can be resolved by using an lubricant made of silicone or graphite to coat the pins of the lock. This allows them to move up and down in a normal manner. You should avoid using oil-based products such as WD-40 as they could cause more clogging in the future.
Lastly, it's worth noting that there are certain types of keys that don't fit into all locks. If this is the case, you'll require a new key made by a local hardware store.
4. The Cylinder is Rotating
Hairpin vortices may form when a cylinder turns in a confinement area. These vortices may exert significant forces on the cylinder that is rotating. These forces are proportional the curvature radius that is dimensionless x and the confinement factor k. The simplified model that is presented here will predict the effect of these parameters on the force and torque of an encircled rotating cylinder. The cylinder's tube, head, and main body are composed of aluminum alloy.
If you're able to get your key in and turn it but the lock isn't rotating, there may be an issue with the cylinder itself. Rekeying your lock can fix this issue. You can buy kits to do this online or in many big box stores.