10 Inspirational Graphics About Lock Repair

How to Do Your Own Lock Repair

If your locks fail, you can try to repair them yourself or hire an expert locksmith. Lock repair can be tricky and a wrong choice may cause further damage.

The first step is to confirm that the issue isn't caused by dirt or dust. Graphite spray or silicone-based lubricant are a good choice to clear this problem.

1. Door Handle or Knob Loose

Door knobs and handles could be loose over time, which can result in an unbalanced door handle or knobs that are difficult to open. Door knobs that are loose aren't just annoying, they can compromise your building's security, so it is essential to identify and resolve the issue as quickly as possible. A loose doorknob is relatively simple to repair. There are several methods to fix it, dependent on the type of lock your door comes with. Some lock systems have visible mounting screws that are easy to access, while others have a backplate that conceals the screws that hold it together. This method is more difficult if your door uses an underlay that hides the screws.

Most interior doorknobs have a tiny screw referred to 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 tiny screw called a setscrew on the inside of the knob that prevents it from sliding over spindle. Make use of an flashlight to locate the screw and use an Allen wrench to tighten it. Once the screw is tightened then turn the knob to check if it feels solid.

If your knob is moving, it could be because the set screw hasn't been properly positioned. Look for an oblique button that is positioned to match the spindle to make sure the screw is in the right position. Place the knob on 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 rightly positioned on the spindle.

After you've made sure the set screw is properly positioned then tighten it once more to secure the knob or handle in the correct position. This should fix the problem however, if it doesn't it is, you will need to remove the knob and examine the backplate for loose or missing screws. You will need to replace the screws in this case before you can replace the knob or handle. If you aren't comfortable with this type repair, you must contact an experienced locksmith who can provide repairs for damaged locks.

2. Key Won't Turn in the Lock

There are a variety of reasons the lock key might stop turning. One of the most common causes is that the pins within the cylinder are worn out. This means that they no longer have a proper shape that allows for the sliders or wafers to move with the key. In this situation the best solution is spraying the lock with graphite spray or lubricant made of silicone to coat the pins and make them to move once more.

If the issue is more severe and the key is bent out of shape, you might need to have it professionally straightened. A professional locksmith will 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 tip of the key.  double glazing window lock repair Repair My Windows And Doors  of tool is not sold at hardware stores, however you can find an entire kit of the correct tools online or at the locksmith shop.

Another possibility is that the lock has become dirty or damaged. As time passes, dust will accumulate in the lock the cylinder, which may cause the pins and springs to swell up. In this situation, you'll be required spray the lock with WD-40, graphite spray, or a silicone-based lubricant to clean it out and restore the pins to their original position.

It could also be a problem if the key has been damaged. Over time, the repeated use may wear out the grooves on a key. This could lead to the key not fitting properly into the cylinder, so it's important to pay attention and check regularly whether your key fits properly.

Locks can freeze in the winter months. This will prevent the springs and pins from moving when keys are put in. This can be a frustrating problem however, it's usually fairly easy to solve by warming the lock using hot water and then using an oil-based 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

It can be frustrating to have locks that aren't turning or open. If it happens often, you may want to consider contacting locksmiths to examine the lock and see if they are able to help. Fortunately, this isn't always necessary as there are some issues that can be easily solved without professional assistance.

Often the key won't turn in a lock because it is damaged. It could happen in the event that you've lost your key, or it has been broken inside the lock. Rather than trying to fish it out of the lock, which could cause the broken piece of the key to be pushed further inside the mechanism, which could cause the issue to get worse Try using needle-nosed pliers to remove it from the lock. You should be cautious not to break off any broken pieces by using the pliers or you may cause damage to the lock.

It's also possible that the lock is misaligned and this could cause the door to not latch properly. If you happen to have an extra key, it can be tested in the lock to ensure that it is working properly and doesn't cause the cause of the problem. If you find that the lock isn't correctly aligned, tightening screws around the strikeplate will fix the issue and allow the lock to function normally.

Another reason your key might not be turning is because there is dust or dirt in the lock that is preventing it from moving. Using a graphite spray or a silicone-based lubricant could solve this issue by coating the pins inside the lock so that they are able to move up and down as normal. It is recommended to avoid oils-based products, like WD-40 as they could cause more clogging in the future.

It is important to remember that some keys don't fit into all locks. If yours is one of them, it might be time to get a replacement key made at an area hardware store to ensure that it can be used inside the lock.

4. The Cylinder is Rotating

Hairpin vortices may form when a cylinder is rotated in a confinement space. These vortices can exert significant forces on the cylinder rotating. These forces are proportional to the curvature radius that is dimensionless x and the confinement factor k. The simplified model presented here predicts the effect of these parameters on the torque and force on the cylinder that is confined. The cylinder's head, tube and main body are all composed of aluminum alloy.

If you can insert your key and turn it but the lock does not rotate the cylinder, it could be damaged. Rekeying your lock can resolve the problem. There are kits designed for this purpose, and can be purchased on the internet or at most big box stores.