How to Do Your Own Lock Repair
If your locks start to fail, you can try to fix them yourself or employ an expert locksmith. However, lock repair can be a challenge and the wrong approach could lead to further damage.
You must first see if the problem is caused by dust or dirt. Graphite spray or silicone-based lubricant are a good choice to clear this problem.
1. Door Handle or Knob Loose
Door knobs and handles can get loose in time, which can result in a jiggly door handle, or a knob that is difficult to open. It is essential to fix loose door knobs because they're not just annoying but also can affect the security of your building. A doorknob that is loose can be easy to fix. There are several ways to do this, dependent on the type of lock system your door is using. Some systems have exposed mounting screws that are accessible, while others use a backplate that hides the screws that hold it together. If your door uses the one that is hidden, the process may be more complicated.
Most doorknobs with interiors come with a small screw known as an setscrew located 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 jiggly, it could be due to a small screw, known as a setscrew, on the inside of the knob, which prevents it from sliding over spindle. You can use a flashlight to locate the set screw, then tighten it with an Allen wrench. After the screw has been tightened then turn the knob to test if it is solid.
If your knob feels like it's jiggly, then the set screw isn't in place correctly. Look for a small button that matches the spindle to make sure the screw is in the right position. Move the knob over the spindle after pressing the button using the screwdriver that has a flat head. As you do so, the knob should click, indicating that it is placed correctly on the spindle.
Once you have ensured that the set screw has been properly positioned and tightened it again to secure the knob. If this does not resolve the problem, you may need to remove the knob from the backplate, and then check for missing or loose screws. If this is the case, you will need to replace these screws before you can re-secure the knob or handle. If you're not comfortable with this kind of repair, you should contact a professional locksmith who offers repairs for damaged locks.
2. The key won't spin in the lock
There are several reasons why your lock key may stop turning. One of the most common reasons is that the pins within the cylinder are beginning to wear down and, consequently, they no longer have the proper shape to move the wafers, sliders, or tumblers that allow the key to open the lock. In this case, spraying the lock with lubricant made of silicone or graphite spray will coat the pins to allow them to move again.
If the issue is more severe, and the key has been bent it may be necessary to get it straightened by a professional. A professional locksmith will employ a special tool that has a curved edge to fit into the groove that runs along the edge of the key. This type of tool is not available at hardware stores, however you can purchase an entire kit of the correct tools online or in an establishment that sells locksmith tools.
Another possibility is that the lock has become dirty or affected. Over time, dust can accumulate in the lock cylinder, which can cause the pins and springs to swell up. In this instance you'll be required spray the lock with graphite spray, or a silicone-based lubricant to remove it and restore the pins to their original position.
replace window locks upvc may also be a problem in the event that the key is damaged. Keys can wear down over time by frequent use, which could cause the groves to wear down or even become smoother. This could result in the key not fitting into the cylinder, so it's crucial to pay attention and regularly check that your key is fitted correctly.
In colder weather locks can freeze which prevents the springs and pins from moving when the key is placed. This can be a nagging issue, but is usually easily resolved by warming the lock by using hot water and then changing the lubricant. If the lock is damaged or frozen beyond repair, it's likely to require replacement by a professional.
3. The Lock Isn't Turning
It can be frustrating to have locks that don't turn or open. If it happens often, you might consider getting locksmiths to check it out and see if they can help. It is not always necessary, as some problems can be solved by yourself.
Often the key won't rotate in a lock if it's damaged. This could happen when you've lost your keys or it's broken inside the lock. Instead of trying to fish the key out of the lock which could cause it to be further pushed into the mechanism, and increase the risk you can use needle-nosedpliers to take the key from the lock. Be careful not to scratch the lock by tearing off any piece of the damaged key using the pliers.
You could also have a misaligned lock, which could cause the door to not to latch properly. If you're lucky enough to have an extra key, it could be tested in the lock to confirm that it is working properly and doesn't cause the cause of the problem. If you discover that the lock is not properly aligned, tightening the screws around the strikeplate will solve the issue and let the lock function normally.
Another reason your key may not be turning is that there is dust or dirt in the lock preventing it from turning. Using graphite sprays or a silicone-based lubricant could solve this problem by coating the pins within the lock to allow them to move up and down normally. You should avoid using products that contain oil, such as WD-40, because they can cause more blockages in the future.
Also, it's important to note that there are certain kinds of keys that simply can't fit into all locks. If yours is one of these then it's time to get a replacement key made at a local hardware store so that it will work in the lock.
4. The Cylinder Is Rotating
When a cylinder is rotated in a confinement space, it may cause the formation of hairpin vortices which can lead to significant forces on the cylinder. The forces are proportional to the dimensionless radius of curvature x and the confinement factor k. The simplified model described here explains the impact of these parameters on the torque and force on an encircled rotating cylinder. The head, the tube and the main body of the cylinder are constructed of aluminium alloy.
If you're able to insert your key inside and turn it however the lock isn't rotating there could be an issue with the cylinder. Rekeying the lock could fix the issue. There are kits designed for this purpose, and can be purchased online or at many big box stores.