How to Do Your Own Lock Repair If your locks start to fail You can attempt to fix them yourself or employ an professional locksmith. However, repair of locks can be tricky and if you don't follow the correct procedure, it could cause further damage. It is important to first see if the problem is caused by dust or dirt. Graphite spray or a silicone-based lubricant can be used to clear this problem. 1. Door Knobs or Handles that are loose Door knobs and handles could be loose over time, which can result in an unbalanced door handle or knob that is difficult to open. It is crucial to repair loose door knobs as they are not only annoying, but can compromise the security of your home. A doorknob that is loose is simple to repair. There are many ways to do this, dependent on the type of lock system your door has. Some systems have exposed mounting screws that are easy to access, while others utilize a backplate which hides the screws that hold the lock together. If your door has the one that is hidden, the process may be more complicated. The majority of doorknobs for interior use are designed to slip over a spindle that is cylindrical, that is inserted into the door as part of the latch assembly. If yours is jiggly it could be due to a small screw known as a set screw on the inside of the knob that prevents it from sliding over spindle. You can use an flashlight to locate the set screw and then tighten it using an Allen wrench. Once it's tightened, test the knob and test if it no more appears to be as jiggly. If your knob is jiggly it could be because the screw that sets it hasn't been properly positioned. To ensure that the screw is properly positioned, look for a small, matching button on the spindle. Press the button using a flathead screwdriver, and then slide the knob over the spindle. The knob should click into position when you do this, indicating it is positioned correctly on the spindle. After ensuring the set screw is positioned properly and tighten it once more to secure the knob or handle in place. This should fix the problem, but if not it is, you will require removing the knob and inspect the backplate for missing or loose screws. If this is the case, you'll require replacing these screws before re-securing the knob or handle. If you're not comfortable with this type repair, call a professional who specializes in damaged lock repair. 2. The key won't spin in the lock There are a variety of reasons that your key may stop turning inside the lock. One of the most frequent causes is that the pins inside the cylinder have worn down. This means that they no longer have a proper shape that allows the wafers or sliders to be moved by the key. In this situation, a quick fix is to spray the lock with graphite or lubricant made of silicone to coat the pins and help them to move once more. However, if the issue is more serious and the key is bent out of shape, you may need to have it professionally straightened. A professional locksmith can employ an instrument specifically designed to straighten the key which has a curved end to fit into the groove that is recessed on the tip of the key. This type of tool isn't readily sold at hardware stores, however you can purchase a kit with the right tools online or at a locksmith shop. A dirty or contaminated lock is also a possibility. Dust can accumulate over time in the lock cylinder and cause the pins or springs to become stuck. In this case spray the lock with graphite or WD-40 spray to clean out the pins and return them to their original positions. It may also be a problem if the key has been damaged. Over time, repeated use can wear down the grooves on a key. This could result in the key not fitting properly into the cylinder, therefore it's important to pay attention and regularly check that your key is fitted correctly. Locks can freeze up during the winter months. This will stop the pins and springs from moving when a key is inserted. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/west-bromwich-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ can be a nagging issue however it is usually solved by warming the lock up with hot water and re-lubricating it. If the lock is damaged or frozen beyond repair, it's likely to need to be replaced by a professional. 3. The lock isn't turning If you've ever encountered locks that don't turn and can't be opened, it can be extremely frustrating. If it happens often, you may want to contact a locksmith to come take a look and see if they can help. Luckily, this isn't always necessary since there are things that can be easily solved without professional assistance. The key won't turn in the lock if it is damaged. This could happen in the event that you've lost your key, or if it has been damaged inside the lock. Instead of trying to get 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 take it out of the lock. You should be cautious not to break any broken pieces by using the pliers or you could cause damage to the lock. 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 ensure that the lock is working correctly. If you find that the lock is not properly aligned, tightening the screws around the strikeplate could solve the issue and let the lock to function normally. A lock may not turn because of dirt or dust. Using graphite sprays or a silicone-based lubricant will solve this problem by coating the pins within the lock so that they are able to move up and down normally. It is recommended to avoid products that contain oil, like WD-40 for instance, as they can cause more obstructions in the future. It's important to note that some keys don't fit in all locks. If yours is one of them you might want to purchase a replacement key from the local hardware store, so that it works inside the lock. 4. The Cylinder is Rotating When a cylinder rotates in a confinement space, it could cause hairpin vortices that can result in 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 presented here explains the impact of these parameters on the force and torque of an encircled rotating cylinder. The cylinder's tube, head and main body are all made of aluminum alloy. If you are able to insert your key and turn it, but the lock still rotates, the cylinder may be damaged. Rekeying your lock may solve the problem. There are kits designed specifically for this purpose and can be purchased on the internet or at many big box stores.