17 Signs You Are Working With Lock Repair
How to Do Your Own Lock Repair You can repair your locks yourself or hire a professional locksmith when they start to malfunction. However, lock repair can be tricky and if you don't follow the correct procedure, it could lead to further damage. The first step is to make sure the issue isn't caused by dust or dirt. A Graphite-based spray or a silicone-based lubricant are a good choice to eliminate this issue. 1. Loose Door Knob or Handle Over time door knobs and handles could become loose. This could result in the knob or handle becoming jiggly that is difficult for you to open. Loose door knobs are not only annoying but they could compromise your home's security, which is why it's crucial to fix the problem quickly. A doorknob that is loose is easy to repair. There are a few different ways to fix this depending on what kind of lock system your door is using. Certain lock systems come with easily accessible mounting screws, whereas others use backplates to hide the screws. This method is more difficult if your door uses a backplate that hides the screws. Most doorknobs with interiors come with a small screw known as a setscrew on the inside of the knob that prevents it from sliding over the spindle. This is 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 that's keeping it from sliding over the spindle. You can utilize an flashlight to locate the set screw, then tighten it using an Allen wrench. Once it's tightened up, turn the knob to see if it no longer feels like it's jiggly. If your knob is still jiggly, it could be that the set screw isn't placed correctly. To make sure the screw is in the correct position Look for a small, identical button on the spindle. Press the button using an screwdriver with a flat head, and then slide the knob over the spindle. The knob should move into the proper position after you have done this, signalling that it is positioned correctly on the spindle. After you've made sure the set screw is positioned properly, simply tighten it again to ensure that the knob or handle is in place. This should solve the issue however, if it doesn't, you may require removing the knob and examine the backplate for missing or loose screws. You will need to replace the screws in this case before you can install the knob or handle. If you're not comfortable with this type of repair, call an expert who specializes in repairing damaged locks. 2. Key won't turn in the Lock There are many reasons why the lock key might stop turning. One of the most frequent reasons is that the pins inside the cylinder have begun to wear out and, consequently, they do not have the right shape to move the wafers, sliders or tumblers that allow the key to open the lock. In this instance, spraying the lock with lubricant based on silicone or graphite spray will help coat the pins and allow them to move again. If the problem is more severe, and the key is bent, you may have to get it straightened by an expert. 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 available at hardware stores, but you can find a kit that includes the proper tools online or at a locksmith shop. A dirty or contaminated lock is a different possibility. Dust can accumulate over time within the lock's cylinder, and cause the pins or springs to become stuck. In this situation, you'll be required to spray the lock with WD-40, graphite spray, or a silicone-based lubricant to get rid of it and return the pins to their original position. If the key itself has become damaged, it could also be a problem. Over time, the repeated use can cause wear and tear on the grooves of a key. This could result in the key not fitting properly into the cylinder, which is why it's important to pay attention and make sure that your key fits correctly. replace window locks can freeze during the winter months. This can stop the pins and springs from moving when a key is put in. This can be a nagging issue however it is usually resolved by warming the lock with hot water and changing the lubricant. If the lock is damaged or frozen beyond repair, it may require replacement by an expert. 3. The Lock Isn't Turning It can be frustrating to find locks that aren't turning or open. If this happens frequently you might want to think about calling a locksmith to examine the lock to see whether they can assist. This is not always necessary, as some problems can be solved by yourself. The key won't rotate in the lock if it's damaged. You may experience this in the event that you've lost your keys, or it's damaged inside the lock. Instead of trying to pull the key from the lock which could result in it being pushed deeper into the mechanism and make it worse you can use needle-nosedpliers to take the key from the lock. You should be cautious not to cut off the broken piece by using the pliers or you may damage the lock. There could be an incorrectly aligned lock, which can cause the door to latch properly. If you have an additional lock key, you can test it to ensure that the lock is working properly. If you discover that the lock is not correctly aligned, tightening screws around the strikeplate will solve the issue and allow the lock function normally. Another reason your key might not be turning is because there is dirt or dust in the lock hindering it from turning. This issue can be fixed by using an lubricant made of silicone or graphite to coat the pins of the lock. This will allow them to move up and down normally. You should avoid using products that contain oil, like WD-40 as they could cause more blockages in the future. It is important to remember that some keys don't fit in all locks. If yours is one of these, it might be time to get a new key made at the local hardware store so that it can be used in the lock. 4. The Cylinder is Rotating Hairpin vortices can form when a cylinder rotates in a confinement space. These vortices can impose significant forces on the rotating cylinder. These forces are proportional to the dimensionless radius of curvature x and the confinement factor k. The simplified model that is presented here predicts the effect of these parameters on the torque and force on a confined rotating cylinder. The cylinder's head, tube and main body are composed of aluminum alloy. If you're able to insert your key in and turn it however the lock is still rotating it could be due to an issue with the cylinder. Rekeying your lock can resolve the problem. There are kits specifically designed for this purpose, and can be purchased online or at most big box stores.