The 10 Most Scariest Things About Lock Repair
How to Do Your Own Lock Repair
When your locks become faulty You can attempt to repair them yourself or hire an professional locksmith. However, the process of fixing locks can be a challenge and if you don't follow the correct procedure, it could cause further damage.
The first step is to confirm that the issue isn't caused by dust or dirt. replacement locks for double glazed windows Repair My Windows And Doors is usually solved by applying some graphite spray or silicone based oil.
1. Loose Door Knob or Handle
Over time doors knobs and handles may become loose. This can result in the knob or handle becoming jiggly that is difficult to open. It is important to repair loose door knobs because they are not only annoying and can also compromise the security of your home. Fortunately, a broken doorknob or handle is fairly simple to repair. There are several ways to do this, dependent on the lock system your door is using. Some lock systems have visible mounting screws that are easy to access, whereas others utilize a backplate which hides the screws that hold it together. If your door is the one that is hidden, the process might be more difficult.
The majority of interior doorknobs come with a small screw known as a setscrew on the inside of the knob that prevents it from sliding across the spindle. This is part of the latch assembly. If yours is jiggly it could be due to a small screw, known as a setscrew, located inside the knob that blocks it from sliding over the spindle. You can make use of an flashlight to locate the set screw, then tighten it using an Allen wrench. Once the screw is tightened then turn the knob to check if it feels solid.
If the knob is still like it's jiggly, then the set screw isn't positioned correctly. To make sure the screw is in the correct position Look for a small, corresponding button on the spindle. Slide the knob over the spindle after pressing the button with the screwdriver with a flat head. As you do so the knob should click which indicates that it has been positioned properly on the spindle.
After ensuring 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 does not resolve the issue, you might have to remove the knob from the backplate and check for loose or missing screws. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the screws before you can re-secure the knob or handle. If you're not sure about this type repair, call an expert who is skilled in damaged lock repair.
2. The key won't turn inside the lock.
There are many reasons why your lock key won't be turning. One of the most frequent reasons is that the pins in the cylinder have begun to wear down, which means they no longer have the proper shape to move the wafers, sliders, or tumblers that allow the key to open the lock. In this instance an easy fix would be to spray the lock with graphite spray or lubricant based on silicone to coat the pins and allow them move again.
However, if the problem is much more serious and the key has been bent out of shape you might need to have it straightened professionally. A professional locksmith will employ a special tool that has a curved edge to fit into the groove that runs along the edge of the key. This type of tool is not sold at hardware stores, however you can purchase a kit with the right tools online or at an establishment that sells locksmith tools.
Another possibility is that the lock has become dirty or contaminated. As time passes, dust will accumulate in the lock cylinder, which could cause the pins and springs to seize up. In this situation, spray the lock with WD-40 or graphite spray to clear the pins, and then return them to their original positions.
If the key itself is damaged, it could also be a cause for concern. In time, repeated use may wear out the grooves of a key. This can cause the key to not fit into the cylinder. It is essential to regularly check to make sure that the key is fitted correctly.
In colder weather locks can freeze, which can stop springs and pins from moving when the key is inserted. This can be a nagging issue however it is fairly easy to solve by warming up the lock with hot water and using the lubricant again to re-lubricate. 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 a hassle to find locks that aren't turning or open. If it happens frequently you might consider getting locksmiths to come take a look and see if they are able to assist. Fortunately, this isn't always necessary since there are issues that can be easily fixed without the need for professional assistance.
Often the key won't turn in a lock due to it's damaged. This could happen when you've lost your key or it's broken in the lock. Instead of trying to pull the key out of the lock which could cause it to be forced deeper into the mechanism and increase the risk, use needle-nosedpliers to remove the key from the lock. Be careful not to harm the lock by breaking off any part of the broken key with the pliers.
You could also have an improperly aligned lock that can cause the door to latch properly. If you have an extra lock key, you can test it to verify that the lock functions correctly. If you discover that the lock is not correctly aligned, tightening screws around the strikeplate could fix the issue and allow the lock to function normally.
A lock might not turn due to dust or dirt. Using a graphite spray or a silicone-based lubricant will solve this problem by coating the pins inside the lock to allow them to move up and down in a normal manner. It is important to avoid using oils-based products such as WD-40 to solve this problem, however, because they can cause obstructions later on.
It's also worth noting that there are certain kinds of keys that don't fit into all locks. If this is the case, you might need to have a new key manufactured by a local hardware shop.
4. The Cylinder is rotating.
Hairpin vortices may form when a cylinder is rotated within a confinement. These vortices can impose significant forces on the cylinder rotating. These forces are proportional the dimensionless radius of curvature x and the confinement factor k. The simplified model presented here predicts the effect of these parameters on the torque and force on an encircled rotating cylinder. The cylinder's tube, head and main body are all composed of aluminum alloy.
If you are able insert your key and turn it but the lock is still rotating the cylinder, it could be faulty. Rekeying the lock can solve the issue. You can buy kits for this purpose online or in a lot of big box stores.