How to Do Your Own Lock Repair When your locks become faulty You can attempt to repair them yourself or hire an expert locksmith. However, repair of locks isn't easy and if you don't follow the correct procedure, it could lead to further damage. It is important to first see if the problem is due to dust or dirt. This is usually resolved by applying a graphite spray or silicone based lubricant. 1. Door Knobs or Handles that are loose Over time door knobs and handles could become loose. This could result in the knob or handle becoming jiggly that is difficult to open. It is important to fix loose door knobs since they're not just annoying and can also compromise the security of your home. Fortunately, a loose doorknob or handle is fairly simple to repair. There are several ways to fix this dependent on the type of lock system your door is using. Some systems have exposed mounting screws that are easy to access, whereas others utilize a backplate which obscures the screws holding the lock together. If your door has the latter type, this method might be more difficult. Most doorknobs with interiors have a small screw called an setscrew located on the inside of the knob to prevent it from sliding across 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 blocks it from sliding across spindle. Make use of a flashlight to help you locate the set screw and use an Allen wrench to tighten it. After it's tightened, try turning the knob to check if it no longer appears to be like it's jiggly. If the knob is still jiggly, it's possible that the set screw isn't in place properly. Find the small button that matches the spindle to ensure the screw is in the right position. Depress the button with the flat-head screwdriver, then slide the knob across the spindle. The knob should move into the proper position after you have done this, which indicates that it is in the correct position on the spindle. After you've confirmed that the set screw has been properly placed then tighten it a second time to secure the knob. If this does not solve the issue, you may have to take the knob from the backplate, and then check for missing or loose screws. If this is the case, you'll need to replace these screws before re-securing the knob or handle. If https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/canterbury-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ with this kind repair, you must seek out an experienced locksmith who can provide repairs for damaged locks. 2. The key won't spin in the lock. There are a variety of reasons why your key could stop turning in the lock. One of the most frequent reasons is that the pins in the cylinder are beginning to wear down and no longer have the proper shape to move the wafers, sliders or tumblers that allow the key to open the lock. In this instance the best solution would be to spray the lock with graphite spray or lubricant made of silicone to coat the pins and help them to move once more. However, if the problem is more serious and the key is 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 at the tip of the key. This kind of tool can't be found in hardware stores. However you can buy an entire set of necessary tools online or from locksmiths. A soiled or dirty lock is a different possibility. The accumulation of dust over time can cause problems in the lock's cylinder and cause the pins or springs to get stuck. In this instance, spray the lock with WD-40 or graphite spray to clear the pins, and then return them to their original positions. It could also be an issue in the event that the key is damaged. In time, repeated use can wear down the grooves on a keys. This could result in the key not fitting into the cylinder, which is why it's important to pay attention and make sure that your key fits correctly. In the colder months, locks can freeze, which prevents the springs and pins from moving when the key is inserted. This can be a nagging issue however, it can be resolved by warming the lock up by using hot water and then re-lubricating it. If the lock is damaged or frozen beyond repair, it will likely require replacement by a professional. 3. The lock isn't turning It can be a hassle to find locks that aren't turning or open. If this happens frequently, you may want to think about calling a locksmith to take a look at the lock to determine if they are able help. This isn't always needed, as some problems can be fixed by yourself. The key won't turn in the lock if damaged. This can happen if you've lost your key or it is broken in the lock. Rather than trying to fish it out of the lock, which could cause the damaged piece of the key to be pushed further into the mechanism and cause the issue to get worse, try using needle-nosed pliers to remove it from the lock. Be careful not to damage the lock by tearing off any part of the broken key using the pliers. There could be a misaligned lock, which could cause the door not to latch properly. If you're lucky enough to have an extra key, it could be tested in the lock to make sure it works correctly and isn't the issue. If you find that the lock is not correctly aligned, tightening screws around the strikeplate can fix the issue and allow the lock function normally. A lock may not turn because of dirt or dust. This problem can be solved by using an lubricant made of silicone or graphite to coat the pins of the lock. This allows them to move up and down normally. It is important to avoid using oil based products like WD-40 to solve this problem, however, since they could cause more obstructions later on. Lastly, it's worth noting that there are certain kinds of keys that aren't able to fit in all locks. If this is the case, you'll require a new key made by a local shop for hardware. 4. The Cylinder Is Rotating When a cylinder is turned in a confinement space, it can result in hairpin vortices which can cause significant forces on the cylinder. The forces are proportional to the curvature radius that is dimensionless x and the confinement factor k. The simplified model that is presented here explains the impact of these parameters on the force and torque of the cylinder that is confined. The head, tube and main body of the cylinder are made of aluminum alloy. If you can insert your key and turn it, but the lock is still rotating the cylinder could be faulty. Rekeying the lock could solve the issue. You can buy kits to do this online or in many big box stores.