The Top Reasons Why People Succeed In The Lock Repair Industry
How to Do Your Own Lock Repair
You can either repair your locks yourself or engage a professional locksmith when they begin to fail. Lock repair can be tricky and if you take the wrong route, it may cause further damage.
The first step is to make sure the problem is not caused by dust or dirt. Graphite spray or silicone-based lubricant can be used to clear this problem.
1. Door Knobs or Handles that are loose
As time passes, door knobs and handles could become loose. This can result in a jiggly knob or handle that is difficult to open. It is crucial to fix loose door knobs as they are not only annoying, but can compromise the security of your home. Fortunately, a broken 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. Certain systems have mounting screws that are easy to access, while others have a backplate that obscures the screws holding it together. This method is more difficult in the case of an underlay that hides the screws.
Most interior doorknobs are designed to slip over a cylindrical spindle which is mounted in the door as part of the latch assembly. If yours is not jiggly, it could be due to a small screw known as a set screw located inside the knob that prevents it from sliding over spindle. You can use an flashlight to locate the set screw, then tighten it using an Allen wrench. After it's tightened, try turning the knob to test if it no more appears to be as jiggly.
If your knob is still jiggly, it could be that the set screw isn't positioned correctly. To make sure the screw is in the correct position Look for a small, matching button on the spindle. Press the button using a flathead screwdriver, and then slide the knob across the spindle. The knob should click into position when you do this, indicating it is properly positioned on the spindle.
Once you have ensured that the set screw has been positioned correctly, tighten it once more to secure the knob. This should resolve the issue If not then you might require removing the knob and inspect the backplate for missing or loose screws. You will need to replace the screws in the event of this before you can install the knob or handle. If you're not comfortable with this type of repair, you should call an expert locksmith who can offer repairs for damaged locks.
2. The key won't turn inside the lock.
There are several reasons why the lock key might stop turning. One of the most common reasons is that the pins within the cylinder are beginning to wear down, which means they do not have the right 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 can help coat the pins and allow them to move again.
If the issue is more serious and the key has been bent it may be necessary to get it straightened by a professional. A professional locksmith will use an instrument specifically designed to straighten the key, which has a curved end to fit into the recessed groove of the key's tip. This kind of tool can't be found in hardware stores. However you can buy an entire set of required tools on the internet or from a locksmith.
Another possibility is that the lock is dirty or affected. Dust can accumulate over time in the lock's cylinder and causes the springs or pins to get stuck. In this situation you'll have spray the lock with WD-40, graphite spray or a lubricant made of silicone to remove it and return the pins to their original position.
It could also be an issue if the key has been damaged. Over time, repeated use can wear down the grooves on a key. This could result in the key not fitting properly into the cylinder, which is why it's important to pay attention and check regularly whether your key fits properly.
In colder weather locks can freeze which will prevent springs and pins from moving when the key is placed. This can be a frustrating issue however it is usually solved by warming the lock by using hot water and then changing the lubricant. If the lock is damaged beyond repair, or has frozen, it will need to be replaced.
3. The lock isn't turning
It can be frustrating to find locks that don't turn or open. If it happens frequently you might consider getting locksmiths to come examine the lock and see if they can assist. It is not always necessary since some issues can be resolved by yourself.
Often the key won't turn in a lock due to it's damaged. It could happen in the event that you've lost your key, or it's broken inside the lock. Instead of trying to get keys out of the lock which could cause it to be pushed deeper into the mechanism, and make it worse, use needle-nosedpliers to remove the key from the lock. Be careful not to scratch the lock by breaking off any piece of the damaged key using the pliers.
You may also have a misaligned lock, which could cause the door to not to latch properly. If upvc window lock repairs Repair My Windows And Doors enough to have an additional key, it could be tested in the lock to make sure it is working properly and doesn't cause the issue. If you find that the lock is not properly aligned, tightening the screws around the strikeplate can fix the issue and allow the lock function normally.
Another reason your key may not be turning is because there is dirt or dust in the lock blocking it from turning. Using graphite sprays or a silicone-based lubricant can solve this problem by coating the pins within the lock, allowing them to move up and down normally. It is important to avoid using products that contain oil such as WD-40 to solve this issue, because they can cause blockages later on.
It is important to remember that some keys don't fit into all locks. If yours is one of them then it's time to get a new key from a local hardware store to ensure that it will work inside the lock.
4. The Cylinder Is Rotating
Hairpin vortices can develop when a cylinder is rotated within a confinement. These vortices can exert significant forces on the cylinder rotating. The forces are proportional to dimensionless curvature radius and the confinement factor. The cylinder's head, tube, and main body are made of aluminum alloy.
If you are able to insert your key and turn it, but the lock is still rotating the cylinder, it could be damaged. Rekeying the lock could fix the issue. You can buy kits to do this online or in most big box stores.