How to Do Your Own Lock Repair
You can fix your locks yourself, or employ a professional locksmith if they become faulty. However, the process of fixing locks isn't easy and if you don't follow the correct procedure, it could result in further damage.
You must first find out if the issue is due to dust or dirt. This is usually resolved by applying a graphite-based spray or silicone-based oil.
1. Loose Door Knob or Handle
Door knobs and handles could get loose as time passes, which could result in a jiggly door handle or knob that is difficult to open. It is crucial to fix loose door knobs since they're not just annoying and can also compromise the security of your building. Fortunately, a broken doorknob or handle is relatively simple to repair. Depending on the lock you have installed on your door, there are many ways to fix this. Certain lock systems have easily accessible mounting screws, whereas others have backplates that conceal the screws. This method is more complex when your door has a backplate that conceals the screws.
Most doorknobs with interiors have a small screw called a setscrew that is located on the inside of the knob, which 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 tiny screw, known as a setscrew, located inside the knob that prevents it from sliding across spindle. You can use a flashlight to locate the set screw, then tighten it with an Allen wrench. After it's tightened, test the knob and see if it no longer appears to be jiggly.
If your knob still feels jiggly, it's possible that the set screw isn't positioned correctly. To ensure that the screw is in the correct position you should look for a small, identical button on the spindle. Place the knob on the spindle after pressing the button with the screwdriver with a flat head. As you do this, the knob should begin to click, indicating that it is rightly positioned on the spindle.
After ensuring the set screw is positioned properly and tighten it once more to ensure that the knob or handle is in the correct position. This should fix the problem If not it is, you will need to remove the knob and inspect the backplate for loose or missing screws. If this is the case, you'll require replacing these screws before you can re-secure the knob or handle. If you aren't comfortable with this type repair, you must seek out an expert locksmith who can offer damaged lock repair to help.
2. Key won't turn in the Lock
There are many reasons why your key could stop turning inside the lock. One of the most common causes is that the pins within the cylinder are worn out. This means that they do not have a proper shape that allows the wafers or sliders to move with the key. In this case, spraying the lock with silicone-based lubricant or graphite spray will coat the pins and make them move again.
If window and door lock repair is more serious and the key is bent or twisted, you may need to get it straightened by an expert. A professional locksmith can use a special tool to straighten the key that is designed with a curved end to fit into the groove that is recessed on the key's tip. This type of tool cannot be found in hardware stores. However you can buy a kit that includes the required tools on the internet or from a locksmith.
A soiled or dirty lock is another possibility. Over time, dust may accumulate in the lock the cylinder, which may cause the pins and springs to seize up. In this instance, spray the lock with graphite or WD-40 spray to clear the pins and restore them to their original positions.
If the key itself is damaged, it could be a cause for concern. Over time, repeated use may wear out the grooves on a keys. This could cause the key to not fit into the cylinder. It is essential to regularly check to make sure that the key fits correctly.
Locks can freeze during the winter months. This will prevent the springs and pins from moving when keys are placed. This is a problem that can be frustrating however it is fairly easy to solve by heating the lock with hot water and using the lubricant again to re-lubricate. However, if the lock is damaged or frozen beyond repair, it will likely require replacement by an expert.
3. The lock isn't turning
It can be frustrating to have locks that aren't turning or open. If this happens often, you may want to think about hiring a locksmith to take a look at the lock to see if they are able help. This is not always necessary however, as some issues can be resolved by yourself.
The key will not turn inside the lock if it's damaged. This could happen when you've lost your key, or it is broken in the lock. Instead of trying to fish the key from the lock, which could cause it to be forced deeper into the mechanism and cause it to get worse you can use needle-nosedpliers to take the key from the lock. Be careful not to harm the lock by cutting off any part of the broken key with the pliers.
It's also possible that the lock isn't aligned correctly, which can cause the door to not latch properly. If you have an additional lock key, you can try it to make sure that the lock is working correctly. If you discover that the lock isn't properly aligned, tightening the screws around the strikeplate will solve the issue and allow the lock to function normally.
Another reason why your key may not be turning is that there is dirt or dust in the lock blocking it from moving. This issue can be resolved by using a graphite or silicone-based lubricant to cover the pins of the lock. This will allow them to move up & down in a normal manner. It's crucial not to use oil based products like WD-40 for this though as these can cause further clogging problems down the road.
It's also worth noting that there are certain kinds of keys that simply can't fit into all locks. If yours is one of these, it might be time to get a new key from an area hardware store, so that it works inside the lock.
4. The Cylinder is Rotating
Hairpin vortices can form when a cylinder turns in a confinement area. These vortices may exert significant forces on the cylinder rotating. These forces are proportional to the dimensionless radius of curvature x and the confinement factor k. The simplified model that is presented here explains the impact of these parameters on the torque and force on the cylinder that is confined. The head, tube and the main body of the cylinder are constructed of aluminum alloy.
If you're able to get your key in and turn it, but the lock isn't turning it could be due to an issue with the cylinder. Rekeying your lock could fix this issue. There are kits made specifically for this purpose and can be purchased on the internet or at most big box stores.