How to Tell If Your Locks Need Repair
Lubricating your door lock may help. If the lock is wiggles when you insert the key, it is time to contact a professional for lock repair or replacement.
In certain circumstances it might be more cost-effective to replace a damaged lock with a safer one.
Cylinder Damage
If your lock's cylinder is stiff or your key isn't turning smoothly, this is a sign that the cylinder has been damaged. A broken cylinder can leave your home vulnerable to burglaries and should be repaired immediately. You can try lubricating your lock to see if it helps but if you can't repair it on your own, a locksmith should be contacted.
Cylinder lock problems are often caused by corrosion and rust over time. You can prevent this by applying a regular coating of paint to the surface of the lock. Make sure the weather strip is also in good condition. This could cause water to enter the cylinder, which can weaken it over time.
A misalignment between the cylinder and the keyhole of the door is a common issue. This could be due to a number of reasons, including a loose screw or an incorrectly aligned keyway on the handle. To fix the issue, you'll need to remove the screws that attach the cylinder. Then you can gently adjust it. Be careful not to tighten the screws too tightly because this could cause damage to the parts.
An effective way to keep your cylinder in good shape is to apply a lubricant made of graphite. It is available in hardware stores, and can be applied directly on the cylinder. The lubricant will help the key turn easily and also prevent any future issues with the lock.
You may need to replace the cylinder if it is completely damaged. It's a fairly simple job that you can do at home. The first step is to take off the faceplate from the lock. Once this is done it's time to disassemble the lock's the cylinder. After you've removed your cylinder, be sure to note any set screws fixing it to the cylinder. These are important to identify to be able to reassemble it later.
Last but not least, use a screwdriver with an extremely fine tip to access the smaller areas of the lock. You should also keep a few plastic ziplock bags on hand to store the parts you remove for future reference.
Knobs that are loose or handles
Over time and use door knobs or handles are likely to get loose. This can cause a huge problem for employees as well as customers. This problem is usually easy to fix, and doesn't require the assistance of a locksmith.
In general, loose doorknobs can be caused by the same issues that cause locks to jiggle and pull away from the doors: wear and age loose screws; incompatible components. It's also possible that the house or business has shifted slightly and this can affect the way a door handle rests on the lock.
Handles or knobs that are loose could be easy to repair, but it is important to have the proper tools and to be careful not to over tighten the screw. This could damage the doorknob or handle. It's recommended to have a second hand to hold, give leverage, or assist in the tightening and twisting process.
It is essential to first locate the screw that is loose. The screw is usually hidden under a cap with a decorative design that covers the lockset mounting rings. To take off repair car lock doors and reveal the lockset mounting rings you must press a button or lever using an awl. It is then possible to tighten the nut by turning it counterclockwise.
Certain of the modern doorknobs use different methods of fastening. These doorknobs are attached to the doors using hidden screws and a device referred to as a detent. This type of fastener is somewhat more complicated, but it can be easily fixed by following the same steps previously.
After the screw is tightened, it is an ideal idea to put a washer on top of the screw. This will prevent the screw from loosening in the future. This is especially crucial for wooden doorknobs which may have a damaged screwhole due to repeated use. Washers can be found at any hardware store and are a simple and quick way to solve the problem that you face every day. Pick a washer that is compatible with the screw in your doorknob.
Poorly cut key
Poorly cut keys are the most frequent cause of a key not turning in your lock. This can be a result of a poor copy made by locksmiths or the original key getting worn down over time. It is crucial to only employ a reputable locksmith if you require keys copied or to have your locks rekeyed.
A locksmith must always inspect a key to determine the correct cut depth and ensure that the cuts are evenly spaced across the key. A good locksmith will inspect the lock and determine the problem. They will then suggest a solution, such as replacing the pins or adjusting your lock's cylinder.
Bring the key that won't turn to a locksmith so that they can test it on their duplicator. This will ensure the new key is cut correctly and it fits the lock correctly.
If the key won't fully fit into the lock it could be due to dirt or other debris that have accumulated inside the lock. Lubricating the lock with graphite spray or a silicone-based lubricant can aid in removing tumblers that are stuck or clogged.
Another issue that is common is that a key was not precisely cut when it was initially created. This can happen when someone attempts to make a low-cost and quick duplicate of an existing key. Only a locksmith equipped with the tools and knowledge required can create high-quality duplicates.
If a key has snapped off inside the lock, you can try to grip it with needle-nosed pliers or even a pair tweezers. You should not insert the pliers' tip or the tweezers into the lock too deep. This could cause the problem to get worse. It is easier for a locksmith to take out the broken piece without causing damage to the lock mechanism. Bring the damaged key to the locksmith to have them make a new one with their duplicator.
Sagging Locks
If you're having trouble locking your door, it could be due to a sagging lock. This could cause the latch or bolt to get stuck in the door's frame, making it more difficult to close the door. This can cause drafts and create a bigger gap between the door frame and the door. Both are susceptible to damage over time.
It is easy to repair locks that are sliding. Most often you can fix them by tightening the screws on hinges. If that doesn't work, you could try lubricating the lock. You can use graphite powder or a silicon based fluid. Choose a lubricant which won't damage the lock over time.
Another common issue that could affect the ability of a door to shut and open properly is a locked system that isn't aligned properly. This is usually the result of a door that wasn't installed properly or a change in climate that causes frames and doors to shift. If ignored, could make your home or business more vulnerable.
To correct this issue it is necessary to begin by examining the door as well as frame to determine whether they're at the same level. If not it's time to move the hinges to the correct height and alignment.
The next step is to inspect the mortise and strike plate. If the strike plate is sliding out and you want to reposition it, try using a hammer and chisel. After you have relocated it and tested it, make sure it is aligned with the latch.
Call a locksmith if you are having problems with your lock. A locksmith can fix any lock, no matter if it's a Yale lock or mortice lock.
Be aware that only certain types of lock damage can be repaired. Don't try to bend a damaged bolt back into its original position. This will weaken the bolt and break the cylinder. If you're having serious issues you should call an expert. They'll assess the damage, and tell you what options you have.