How to Do Your Own Lock Repair If your locks fail If your locks fail, you can fix them yourself or employ an expert locksmith. Lock repair can be tricky and if you take the wrong route, it could result in more damage. The first step is to ensure that the problem is not caused by dirt or dust. This is usually resolved by applying a graphite-based spray or silicone-based lubricant. 1. Loose Door Knob or Handle Door knobs and handles can get loose over time, which can result in a jiggly door handle or knob that is difficult to open. Knobs that are loose in the door aren't just annoying, they can also compromise your building's security, which is why it's essential to identify and fix the problem quickly. Fortunately, a broken doorknob or handle is relatively easy to repair. Based on the type of lock system that is installed on your door, there are many ways to fix this. Some lock systems have easily accessible mounting screws, whereas others use backplates that hide the screws. This is a more complicated method when your door has an underlay that hides the screws. The majority of interior doorknobs are designed to slide over a cylindrical spindle, which is attached to the door as a part of the latch assembly. If the knob you have is jiggly it could be because of a small screw, called a set screw, located on the inside of the doorknob which is stopping it from sliding over the spindle. You can make use of a flashlight to locate the set screw, then tighten it with an Allen wrench. Once the screw is tightened, turn the knob to test if it is solid. If your knob feels like it's jiggly, then the set screw isn't positioned properly. Look for a small button that matches the spindle to ensure the screw is in the proper position. Depress the button with 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, indicating it is positioned correctly on the spindle. After ensuring that the set screw is properly positioned and tighten it once more to secure the knob or handle in the correct position. This should fix the problem If not then you might have to take the knob off and check the backplate for missing or loose screws. You'll need to replace the screws in the event of this before you can replace the knob or handle. If you aren't comfortable with this kind of repair, seek out an experienced locksmith who can provide repair for damaged locks to assist. 2. The key won't turn inside the lock. There are several 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 down, which means they do not have the right shape to move the wafers, sliders, or tumblers that allow the key to open the lock. In this case, spraying the lock with lubricant made of silicone or graphite spray will coat the pins in order to allow them to move again. If the issue is more severe and the key has bent out of shape, you may need to have it professionally straightened. A professional locksmith will use an instrument that is specially designed with a curved edge to fit into the groove that runs along the edge of the key. This kind of tool is not able to be found in hardware stores. However you can buy an entire kit with the necessary tools online or from a locksmith. Another possibility is that the lock has become dirty or damaged. As time passes, dust will accumulate in the lock the cylinder, which may cause the springs and pins to swell up. In this situation spray the lock with graphite or WD-40 spray to remove the pins and return them to their original position. It could also be a problem if the key has been damaged. In time, repeated use can cause wear and tear on the grooves of a key. This can result in the key not to fit in the cylinder. It is crucial to check frequently to make sure that the key is fitted correctly. Locks can freeze during the winter months. This can stop the springs and pins from moving when keys are put in. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/cheltenham-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ is a problem that can be frustrating, but is usually easily solved by warming the lock up with hot water and re-lubricating it. If the lock is damaged beyond repair or has froze, it will need to be replaced. 3. The lock isn't turning If you've ever encountered locks that don't turn and isn't able to be opened it can be incredibly frustrating. If this happens frequently it is advisable to consider calling a locksmith to examine the lock to determine if they are able help. It is not always necessary since some issues can be fixed by yourself. The key will not rotate in the lock if it is damaged. This could happen in the event that you've lost your key, or it's damaged inside the lock. Instead of trying to fish the key from the lock, which could result in it being pushed deeper into the mechanism and cause it to get worse using needle-nosed pliers, you should remove the key from the lock. You'll want to be careful not to cut off the broken piece with the pliers or you may cause damage to the lock. You may also have an incorrectly aligned lock, which could cause the door not to latch properly. If you're fortunate enough to have an extra key, this can be tested in the lock to ensure that it functions properly and isn't the issue. If you do discover that the lock is misaligned, tightening the screws around the strike plate can fix the problem and allow the lock to perform normally. Another reason why your key may not be turning is because there is dirt or dust in the lock that is hindering it from moving. Using graphite sprays or a silicone-based lubricant can solve this problem by coating the pins inside the lock so that they are able to move up and down as normal. It's crucial not to use oils-based products such as WD-40 to solve this issue, because they can cause blockages later on. It's important to note that some keys don't fit in all locks. If your key is one of these you might want to get a replacement key from an area hardware store, so that it will work in the lock. 4. The Cylinder Is Rotating Hairpin vortices may form when a cylinder rotates within a confinement. These vortices can exert significant forces on the cylinder rotating. The forces are proportional to the dimensionless curvature radius x and the confinement factor. The head, the tube and main body of the cylinder are made of aluminum alloy. If you are able insert your key and turn it but the lock is still rotating, the cylinder may be defective. Rekeying your lock can resolve the issue. There are kits specifically designed for this purpose that can be purchased online or at many big box stores.