Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself
It's important that you repair locks on doors immediately when it begins to begin to show signs. Your home could be open to burglars.
Fortunately, many of the most common issues that arise with door locks can be fixed without the need for a professional. Learn more about the signs to look for and how to fix the problem at home.
Damaged Cylinder of Lock Cylinder
Car owners must be aware and watch for any damage to door lock cylinders, even when they aren't as prevalent in the latest vehicles, since power door locks are now the commonplace. This is the mechanical tumbler that keys slide into. It is prone to wear out or break which causes keys to become stuck or difficult to turn. If you notice this happening to your vehicle, it's important to act swiftly to prevent the issue from worsening.
Spray compressed air inside the cylinder to get rid of any debris blocking it. You could also try lubricating it with a graphite or silicone spray, but be careful not to use too much as this can cause the pins to wear down faster. If your key is still refusing to turn, it may be time to replace the cylinder, or have it professionally repaired by a locksmith.
After you've sprayed the cylinder and tried the same key, it might be necessary to loosen the screws that keep the cylinder in place and then manually move it so that it is aligned with the keyhole on the door. Be sure to retighten these screws following the move, but don't get too tight, as this could cause the internal components to wear out or damaged.
It is also possible to remove the faceplate from the lock, depending on the type of lock. You can find them by looking behind seams, indentations or holes on the edges of your faceplate. You can also make use of a screwdriver or a knife to access these areas. After removing the faceplate of the lock, use a screwdriver and disassemble its internal components. Replace repair car door lock damaged or worn components.
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 time to contact an expert because the lock cylinder may need to be replaced.
Loose Door Handles
Over time, a door handle can loosen and begin to spin or fall off completely. This could be a problem since it makes it difficult to open the door and can put people at risk. It is crucial to know the reason for the handle being loose and how it can be repaired.
This is usually because of a loose screw on the doorplate. Modern doors may have difficult-to reach chassis screws, while older models are easily accessible. You can tighten these easily, though it is best to use a threadlocker that will lock the screws into the correct position.
If the screw is visible, you can remove it and tighten the screws. You might need to loosen the ring at the handle's base first, and then pull it off of the knob while pressing the detent pin made of metal. The screws that hold the mounting plate can be tightened by taking off the rose. Also, you should check the strike plate screws which hold the plate on the edge of the doorway which the latch clicks into when it is closed.
Sometimes, the problem is with the spring cassette inside the handle. It is prone to wear out over time. A simple replacement is typically needed.
You can install it yourself or let your local locksmith install it for you. There are a variety of cassettes available, so make sure to select the correct one for your specific handle.
It could also be due to a broken faceplate or mounting ring but this is very rare with modern handles. You can find an alternative in a hardware shop or online. Once you've put in the new piece it is time to tighten all the fixings, and then reattach the handle. It is also recommended to align the holes in the handle with those on the plate. If you're concerned that this is too much of a DIY job, a locksmith could offer a price.
Keys that don't turn
There are a variety of reasons why keys won't turn inside locks. Most often it is due to the lack of lubrication. This can be fixed by using a lubricant, such as WD-40 or a silicone-based spray. Applying the lubricant and inserting the key will allow the pins to move back and forth and allow the key to unlock the lock.
Sometimes keys are the source of the issue. The key's tip can become blunted over time if used for purposes other than to get into your home. This could prevent the key from fitting into the lock cylinder properly and can result in it getting stuck or trapped inside the lock. Re-tipping the lock key with a bastard tool can aid in the fitting.
A key that is not turning in a lock could be damaged or bent. Using keys as tools to cut objects or as an opener for cans can cause the tip of the key to become bent, which could also hinder it from fitting into the lock cylinder in a proper way. In this situation, you may need to re-tippe the key using a bastard or replace the entire key.
It is vital to be aware that gluing two pieces of metal together will not work when a key is damaged inside a lock. This could cause further damage to the mechanism of the lock It is recommended to call a locksmith who offers replacement keys to repair the issue.
If the key is not damaged, it could be that the lock cylinder is blocked by dust or other debris. In this situation it could be beneficial to warm the cylinder up by placing the key into hot water for a few minutes. Once the cylinder has warmed up, you should be capable of inserting the key into the cylinder to unlock the door. Alternatively, you can make use of a hair dryer to blow air directly into the lock mechanism to thaw it out.
Sticky Locks
Locks are an essential part of home security. But the fact is that they're often ignored until they stop working correctly. Locks that stick are a frequent issue, but they're difficult to fix by yourself and can prevent larger issues from arising.
One of the most likely reasons for a sticky lock is that the mechanism has become dirty and grimy. This can be easily fixed with a little cleaning and the application of lubrication.
A common option is to apply a dry lubricant such as WD-40 or GT85 spray. The key is then inserted into the lock, and it is turned around and back to spread the lubricant over the internal mechanisms. The key is then removed, and the lock should turn smoothly once more.
Another option is to use the lubricant based on graphite. Graphite is a fantastic for lubricant that can be used on small metal parts. It doesn't wash off or attract dirt, as opposed to oil-based solutions. Powdered graphite is sold at a wide range of hardware stores and can be applied to the keyhole directly. You can use a pencil, which is made from the same material.
Clean up any lubricant that you may have applied after using it. This will stop it from accumulating and creating future problems. If you've tried these suggestions and your lock isn't moving, it might be time to contact a professional locksmith to analyze the situation and determine the best solution. Locks that are stuck if not addressed can escalate into major annoyances and result in keys snapping in the lock, or even the door handle. Ignoring a sticking lock can be extremely irritating and it's better to act sooner rather than later. Regular lubrication will help to prevent the problem from happening in the first place. You can rest in peace of mind knowing that your locks will work effectively and protect your home by adding this to your regular maintenance schedule.