Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
It is essential to repair the door lock immediately when it begins to begin to show signs. It is possible to leave your home open to burglars.
A lot of the most frequent problems that arise with door locks can be resolved without contacting a professional. Find out more about the most frequently occurring issues with door locks, and how to fix them yourself.
Damaged Cylinder Damaged Cylinder
Car owners must be aware and look for any damage to door lock cylinders, when they aren't as prevalent in newer cars as power door locks are now the standard. This is the mechanical tumbler your key slides into, and it is prone to be damaged or worn out which causes keys to stick when you insert them or turn into a tense. It's important that you immediately take action if you notice your vehicle is experiencing this issue.
The most effective way to address this problem is by spraying the inside of the cylinder with compressed air to clean out any debris that could be hindering it. You can also try lubricating it with a graphite or silicone spray, but be careful not to use too much as this could cause the pins to wear out quicker. If your key doesn't turn, it might be time to replace the cylinder, or get it repaired professionally by a locksmith.
Once you've sprayed the cylinder and tried using a different key, it may be necessary to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder in place and manually move it so that it is properly aligned with the keyhole on the door. Make sure to tighten the screws, but not too tight, as this could cause the internal components to wear or damaged.
Depending on the type of lock you are using, you may have to remove the faceplate to access the screw heads that secure it. You can locate them by looking behind gaps, seams, or indentations on the edge of your faceplate. You can also make use of a screwdriver or a knife to access these areas. Once you've removed the faceplate, make use of a screwdriver to remove the internal components of the lock and replace any that are damaged or worn out.
Assemble the lock and attach the faceplate securely. Secure the screws. Test the cylinder by inserting and turning it. If you have trouble doing this, it's likely that you should call an expert as the lock's cylinder could need to be replaced.
Loose Door Handles
Sometimes the handle of a door loosens over time and can begin to spin freely or even fall off the door completely. This could be a problem, as it makes it difficult to open the door, and also puts people at risk. It is essential to understand the reason for the handle being loose and how to fix it.
It is usually caused by loose screws in the doorplate. Modern doors might have difficult-to-reach screws for the chassis, whereas older models have them visible and easily accessible. These screws can be tightened easily. It is recommended to use a threadlocker to lock them in their place.
If the screw is visible, you can remove it and tighten the screws. You may have to loosen the ring around the base of handle before you can take the knob off while pressing the metal detent pin. You can then take off the rose and expose the mounting plate screws which you then tighten. Make sure you check the strike plate screws, which hold the plate at the edge of the doorway. This is where the latch snaps in when it closes.
Sometimes, G28 could be due to the handle's spring cassette. It can wear out over time. A simple replacement is usually needed.
You can do this yourself, or have a local locksmith can fit it for you. There are a variety of cassettes, so be sure to choose the right one for your handle.
It could also be caused by a damaged mounting plate or ring, but it is rare for newer handles. You can locate a replacement at a hardware store or on the internet. Once you have fitted the new piece, you'll be required to tighten all fixings, and then reattach the handle. Also, you should align the holes on the handle to the holes on the plate. If you are worried that this is too much of a DIY task, a locksmith will give you a quote.
Keys that don't turn
There are many different reasons why keys don't rotate inside locks. This is often due to a lack lubrication. This can be remedied by using a lubricant such as WD-40, silicone-based spray or graphite lubricant. The pins will move up and down when you insert the key and apply the lubricant.
Other times, the key itself might be the cause. Making use of a key as a box cutter, can opener, or for something else other than getting into your home can cause the point of the key to become blunt over time. The key may not fit into the lock cylinder correctly, causing it to become 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.
Another reason keys may not work in a lock is that it has been bent or damaged. Utilizing keys as a tool to cut objects or as a can opener could cause the point of the key to be bent, which could also make it difficult for it to fit into the lock cylinder correctly. In this case you may have to re-tippe the key using a bastard or replace the entire key.
It is crucial to understand that gluing two pieces of steel together is not a viable option when a key is damaged inside the lock. This could cause further damage to the locking mechanism. It is best to contact a locksmith who provides keys replacement.
If the key is not broken, it could be that the lock cylinder is blocked by dust or other debris. In this instance it might be beneficial to warm the cylinder by placing the key into hot water for a couple of minutes. Once the cylinder is warmed up, you should be in a position to insert the key into the cylinder to unlock the door. You can also use a hairdryer to blow hot air directly into the lock to help thaw out the mechanism.
Sticky Locks
Locks are an essential component of home security. However, they're often taken for granted--until they stop working properly. The problem of sticky locks is a common problem, but they're not difficult to fix by yourself and will stop larger problems from arising.
One of the most likely causes for a lock to become sticky is that the mechanism has become dirty and filthy. This can be easily fixed by a bit of cleaning and lubrication.
Dry lubricants like sprays of WD-40 or GT85 spray is a popular solution. The key is then placed inside the lock, and it is turned back and forth to spread the lubricant over the internal mechanisms. The key is now removed and the lock will be able to turn smoothly again.
Another option is to use a graphite-based lubricant. Graphite is an excellent for lubricant that can be used on small metal parts. It won't wash off or attract dirt, as opposed to oils-based solutions. Many hardware stores sell graphite powdered that can be applied directly to the keyhole. You can also use pencils, which are made from the same material.
Make sure to clean up any excess lubricant you have applied after using it. This will stop it from building up and causing future issues. If you've tried the suggestions above and your sticky lock still isn't moving, it might be time to contact a professional locksmith to assess the situation and determine the best course of action. If you don't address the problem, it can become major nuisances and result in keys snapping inside the lock or even the door handle. The act of ignoring a stuck lock can be a huge hassle, so it's always better to act sooner rather than later. Regularly lubricating your locks can help keep these kinds of issues from happening in the first place. You can be assured of peace of mind knowing that your locks work effectively and protect your home by adding this to your regular maintenance routine.