How to Do Your Own Lock Repair If your locks start to fail, you can try to repair them yourself or hire an professional locksmith. However, repair of locks can be a challenge and if you don't follow the correct procedure, it could result in further damage. The first step is to ensure that the issue isn't caused by dirt or dust. This is usually solved by applying a graphite spray or silicone-based oil. 1. Door Handle or Knob Loose Over time door knobs and handles could become loose. This can lead to the knob or handle becoming jiggly that is difficult to open. It is crucial to fix loose door knobs as they can be a nuisance and can also compromise the security of your building. Fortunately, a loose doorknob or handle is relatively easy to fix. There are many methods to fix it, dependent on the lock your door comes with. Some lock systems have visible mounting screws that are easy to access, whereas others have a backplate that obscures the screws holding the lock together. This is a more complicated method in the case of an underlay that hides the screws. Most interior doorknobs have a small screw called a setscrew that is located on the inside of the knob to prevent it from sliding over the spindle. This is part of the latch assembly. If the knob you have is jiggly it could be due to tiny screws, referred to as a setscrew, that is located on the inside of the doorknob that's stopping it from sliding over the spindle. Utilize flashlights to locate the screw and use an Allen wrench to tighten it. Once it's tightened up, test the knob and check if it no longer appears to be as jiggly. If your knob feels jiggly, it's possible that the set screw isn't in place correctly. Find the small button that matches the spindle to make sure the screw is in the right position. Move the knob over the spindle after pressing the button using the screwdriver that has a flat head. The knob should click into position as you do this, which indicates that it is positioned correctly on the spindle. After you've confirmed that the set screw is positioned correctly and tightened it again to secure the knob. If this does not resolve the issue, you might need to remove the knob from the backplate and look 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 repair, you must call an experienced locksmith who can provide repairs for damaged locks. 2. The key won't turn in the lock. There are a variety of reasons why your key could stop turning in the lock. One of the most common reasons is that the pins in the cylinder are worn down. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/rochdale-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ means that they no longer have the proper shape that allows for the sliders or wafers to move with the key. In this case an easy fix would be spraying the lock with graphite or lubricant made of silicone to coat the pins and allow them move again. If the issue is more serious and the key is been bent out of shape, you may need to have it professionally straightened. A professional locksmith can employ an instrument specifically designed to straighten the keys, that is designed with a curved end to fit into the recessed groove of the tip of the key. This kind of tool is not able to be found in hardware stores. However you can purchase a kit that includes the necessary tools through the internet or from a locksmith. Another possibility is that the lock has become dirty or contaminated. As time passes, dust will build up in the lock's cylinder, which could cause the pins and springs to swell up. In this situation, you'll have spray the lock with graphite spray, or a silicone-based lubricant to get rid of it and restore the pins to their original position. It may also be a problem in the event that the key is damaged. Over time, the repeated use can cause wear and tear on the grooves on a key. This could lead to the key not fitting properly into the cylinder, so it is important to be aware and make sure that your key is fitted correctly. In colder weather locks can freeze which can stop springs and pins from moving when the key is inserted. This is a problem that can be frustrating however, it's usually fairly easy to solve by heating the lock using hot water and using a lubricant to re-lubricate it. If the lock is damaged beyond repair, or has frozen the lock, it will have to be replaced. 3. The lock isn't turning If you've ever encountered a lock that doesn't turn and isn't able to be opened, it can be extremely frustrating. If this happens frequently you might want to consider having a locksmith come and inspect the lock to see whether they can assist. Fortunately, this isn't necessary since there are things that can be easily solved without professional assistance. Sometimes, the key won't turn in a lock due to it is damaged. This could happen when you've lost your key, or it's broken in the lock. Instead of trying to pull it out of the lock, which could cause the damaged piece of the key to push further inside the mechanism and cause the problem to become more severe, try using needle-nosed pliers to take it out of the lock. You'll want to be careful not to break any of the broken piece with the pliers or you may cause damage to the lock. You could also have an incorrectly aligned lock, which could cause the door not to latch properly. If you're lucky enough to have an extra key, this can be tested inside the lock to confirm that it is working properly and doesn't cause the cause of the problem. If you find that the lock is not aligned correctly by tightening the screws around the strike plate could solve the issue and allow the lock to work normally. A lock might not rotate due to dust or dirt. Using graphite sprays or a silicone-based lubricant will solve this problem by coating the pins within the lock, allowing them to move up and down in a normal manner. It is important to avoid using oil based products like WD-40 to solve this problem, however, 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 into all locks. If this is the case, you may need to have a new key manufactured by a local hardware shop. 4. The Cylinder is Rotating Hairpin vortices may form when a cylinder turns in a confinement space. These vortices can impose significant forces on the cylinder that is rotating. The forces are proportional to dimensions of the radius x of curvature and the confinement factor. The head, the tube and the 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 damaged. Rekeying your lock could resolve the problem. There are kits designed for this purpose, and can be purchased online or at many big box stores.