How to Do Your Own Lock Repair If your locks fail If your locks fail, you can fix them yourself or hire an expert locksmith. However, the process of fixing locks can be tricky and the wrong approach could cause further damage. It is important to first determine if the issue is caused by dirt or dust. This is usually solved by applying a graphite spray or silicone-based lubricant. 1. Door Handle or Knob Loose Over time, door knobs and handles could become loose. This can lead to a jiggly knob or handle that is difficult to open. Loose door knobs aren't just annoying, they could compromise your home's security, making it important to find and solve the issue quickly. Fortunately, a loose doorknob or handle is relatively simple to repair. There are several methods to fix it, dependent on the lock your door comes with. Some systems have exposed mounting screws that are accessible, while others have a backplate that obscures the screws holding the lock together. This is a more complicated method in the case of a backplate that hides the screws. Most doorknobs with interiors have a small screw called an setscrew located on the inside of the knob that prevents it from sliding over the spindle. This is part of the latch assembly. If yours feels jiggly, it could be due to tiny screws, referred to as a setscrew, on the inside of the doorknob, which is hindering it from sliding across the spindle. Utilize flashlights to locate the set screw and use an Allen wrench to tighten it. Once it's tightened up, turn the knob to test if it no more appears to be like it's jiggly. If your knob still feels like it's jiggly, then the set screw isn't placed correctly. Look for a small button that matches the spindle to make sure the screw is in the correct position. Press the button using a flathead screwdriver, and then slide the knob across the spindle. The knob should move into the proper position after you have done this, indicating it is properly positioned on the spindle. After you've confirmed that the set screw has been properly placed and tightened it again to secure the knob. This should fix the problem, but if not it is, you will require removing the knob and examine the backplate for missing or loose screws. If this is the case, you will have to replace the screws before you can re-secure the knob or handle. If you're not comfortable with this kind of repair, contact an expert who specializes in repairing damaged locks. 2. Key Won't Turn in the Lock There are many reasons why your key could cease to turn in the lock. One of the most common reasons is that the pins within the cylinder have begun to wear out and no longer have the proper shape to move the wafers, sliders, or tumblers that allow the key to open the lock. In this situation the best solution is spraying the lock with graphite or silicone-based lubricant to coat the pins and allow them to move once more. If the problem is more serious and the key has been bent, you may have to get it straightened by an expert. A professional locksmith will use a specialty 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 is not able to be found in hardware stores. However you can purchase an entire set of required tools on the internet or from a locksmith. Another possibility is that the lock has become dirty or damaged. The accumulation of dust over time can cause problems in the lock's cylinder and causes the springs or pins to become stuck. In this case, you'll have to spray the lock with graphite spray or a lubricant made of silicone to get rid of it and restore the pins to their original positions. It could also be an issue if the key has been damaged. In time, repeated use can wear down the grooves on a keys. This could result in the key not being able to fit in the cylinder. It is crucial to check regularly to make sure that the key is fitted correctly. Locks can freeze in the winter months. This can stop the pins and springs from moving when a key is put in. This is a problem that can be frustrating however, it can be solved by warming the lock up with hot water and changing the lubricant. If the lock is damaged beyond repair, or has frozen, it will need to be replaced. 3. The lock isn't turning If you've had a lock that doesn't turn and can't be opened, it can be very frustrating. If it happens frequently you might consider getting locksmiths to come check it out and see if they can assist. Luckily, this isn't always required as there are things that can be easily solved without professional assistance. Often the key won't turn in a lock because it is damaged. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/rochdale-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ can happen if you've lost your key, or it's broken inside the lock. Rather than trying to fish it out of the lock which could cause the damaged piece of the key to move further into the mechanism and make the problem much worse, try using needle-nosed pliers to remove it from the lock. Be careful not to damage the lock by cutting off any of the broken key with the pliers. It's also possible that the lock isn't aligned properly and this could cause the door to not latch properly. If you have an extra lock key, you may test it to verify that the lock functions correctly. If you find that the lock is not aligned correctly, tightening screws around the strikeplate will solve the issue and allow the lock function normally. A lock may not turn due to dust or dirt. This issue can be fixed by using the lubricant based on silicon or graphite to cover the pins of the lock. This allows them to move up & down normally. It is important to avoid using products that contain oil such as WD-40 for this though since they could cause more blockages later on. Also, it's important to note that there are some types of keys that simply can't fit in all locks. If this is the case, you'll need to have a new key manufactured by a local hardware store. 4. The Cylinder is Rotating When a cylinder rotates within a confinement gap it could cause the formation of hairpin vortices which can lead to significant forces on the cylinder. The forces are proportional to the dimensionless curvature radius and the confinement factor. The tube, head and the main body of the cylinder are constructed of aluminum alloy. If you're able to insert your key inside and turn it, but the lock isn't rotating there could be an issue with the cylinder itself. Rekeying the lock may solve the issue. There are kits specifically designed for this purpose, and can be purchased online or at the majority of big box stores.