How to Do Your Own Lock Repair
If your locks fail You can attempt to fix them yourself or employ an professional locksmith. Repairing locks can be difficult, and the wrong approach could cause more damage.
The first step is to ensure that the problem is not caused by dust or dirt. A Graphite-based spray or a silicone-based lubricant are a good choice to clear this problem.
1. Door Handle or Knob Loose
Over time doors knobs and handles could become loose. This can result in an unbalanced knob or handle that is difficult to open. It is crucial to repair loose door knobs as they are not only annoying, but can compromise the security of your home. A loose doorknob is relatively simple to repair. There are several ways to do this, dependent on the type of lock system your door has. Some systems have exposed mounting screws that are easy to access, whereas others have a backplate that hides the screws that hold the lock together. This method is more difficult when your door has a backplate that hides the screws.
replace window locks are designed to slide over a cylindrical spindle, which is mounted in the door as a part of the latch assembly. If the knob you have is jiggly it could be due to a small screw, called a setscrew, that is located on the inside of the doorknob, which is keeping it from sliding over the spindle. Use flashlights to locate the set screw and use an Allen wrench to tighten it. After it's tightened, turn the knob to check if it no longer feels jiggly.
If your knob is jiggly, it could be that the screw that sets it hasn't been positioned correctly. Find the small button that matches the spindle, to ensure that the screw is in the right position. Move the knob over the spindle after pressing the button using the screwdriver with a flat head. As you do so the knob should click into place and show that it is placed correctly on the spindle.
After ensuring that the set screw is in the correct position then tighten it once more to fix the knob or handle in the correct position. If this doesn't solve the issue, you might need to remove the knob from the backplate and check for loose or missing screws. You will need to replace the screws in the event of this before you can replace the knob or handle. If you aren't comfortable with this kind repair, you must seek out a professional locksmith who offers damaged lock repair to help.
2. The key won't turn inside the lock
There are a variety of reasons the lock key might stop turning. One of the most frequent reasons is that the pins in the cylinder are beginning to wear down and do not have the right shape to move the sliders, wafers, or tumblers that allow the key to open the lock. In this situation an easy fix would be spraying the lock with graphite spray or lubricant based on silicone to coat the pins and allow them move again.
If the issue is more serious, and the key is bent or twisted, you may need to have it straightened by an expert. A professional locksmith will use a special tool to straighten the key which is designed with an angled tip that fits 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 kit with the essential tools online or from locksmiths.
A dirty or contaminated lock is also a possibility. As time passes, dust will accumulate in the lock cylinder, which could cause the pins and springs to seize up. In this case, spray the lock with graphite or WD-40 spray to clear the pins, and then return them to their original places.
If the key itself is damaged, it could also be a cause for concern. Over time, the repeated use may wear out the grooves of a key. This could result in the key not being able to fit into the cylinder. It is important to regularly check to ensure that the key fits properly.
Locks can freeze up during the winter months. This can stop the springs and pins from moving when a key is placed. This can be a frustrating problem however, it's usually fairly easy to solve by warming the lock with hot water and using a lubricant to re-lubricate it. If the lock is damaged beyond repair or has froze the lock, it will have to be replaced.
3. The Lock isn't Turning
If you've ever encountered a lock that doesn't turn and isn't opened, it can be extremely frustrating. If this happens frequently, you may want to think about hiring a locksmith to examine the lock to determine whether they can help. This is not always necessary however, as some issues can be fixed by yourself.
The key will not turn in the lock if it is damaged. This could happen if you have lost your key, or if it is damaged inside the lock. Instead of trying to get it out of the lock which could cause the broken piece of the key to move further inside the mechanism and cause the problem to become more severe Try using pliers with needles to remove it from the lock. You'll want to be careful not to break any of the broken piece by using the pliers or you could cause damage to the lock.
It's also possible that your lock isn't aligned correctly which could cause the door to not latch properly. If you're fortunate enough to have an additional key, it can be tested inside the lock to make sure it works correctly and isn't the cause of the problem. If you find that the lock is not correctly aligned, tightening screws around the strikeplate will solve the issue and allow the lock function normally.
A lock might not rotate because of dirt or dust. This issue can be fixed by using an lubricant made of silicone or graphite to cover the pins of the lock. This allows them to move up & down normally. It's crucial not to use oils-based products such as WD-40 to solve this problem, however, because they can cause clogging problems down the road.
It's also worth noting that there are certain kinds of keys that aren't able to fit into all locks. If yours is one of them you might want to purchase a replacement key from the local hardware store, so that it works inside the lock.
4. The Cylinder Is Rotating
Hairpin vortices can develop when a cylinder rotates in a confinement area. These vortices can exert significant forces on the cylinder that is rotating. These forces are proportional the radius of curvature that is dimensionless x and the confinement factor k. The simplified model presented here will predict the effect of these parameters on the force and torque on a confined rotating cylinder. The cylinder's head, tube and main body are all composed of aluminum alloy.
If you're able insert your key inside and turn it however the lock is still rotating it could be due to an issue with the cylinder. Rekeying the lock can fix the issue. There are kits specifically designed for this purpose, and can be purchased on the internet or at most big box stores.