How to Do Your Own Lock Repair You can either fix your locks yourself, or employ a professional locksmith if they become faulty. However, lock repair can be tricky and if you don't follow the correct procedure, it could lead to further damage. You must first determine if the issue is caused by dust or dirt. This can usually be cleared by applying a graphite-based spray or silicone based lubricant. 1. Door Knobs or Handles that are loose Over time, door knobs and handles could become loose. This can result in a jiggly knob or handle that is difficult to open. It is important to fix loose door knobs since they are not only annoying, but can compromise the security of your building. A doorknob that is loose can be easy to fix. Depending on the type of lock system installed in your door, there are many ways to fix this. Certain lock systems have easily accessible mounting screws, while others have backplates that conceal the screws. If your door has the second type, this process could be more complex. The majority of interior doorknobs are designed to slip over a cylindrical spindle which is attached to the door as part of the latch assembly. If yours feels jiggly, it could be because of the small screw, also known as a setscrew, that is located on the inside of the doorknob that's hindering it from sliding across the spindle. Make use of an flashlight to locate the set screw and then use an Allen wrench to tighten it. Once it's tightened, test the knob and test if it no more appears to be as jiggly. If your knob feels jiggly, it's possible that the set screw isn't positioned correctly. Look for the small button that matches the spindle to ensure the screw is in the right position. Slide the knob over the spindle after pressing the button with the screwdriver with a flat head. When you do this the knob should click into place which indicates that it has been rightly positioned on the spindle. After ensuring that the set screw is properly positioned then tighten it once more to fix the knob or handle in the correct position. If this does not solve the issue, you may need to remove the knob from the backplate and check for loose or missing screws. If this is the case, you'll need to replace these screws before you can secure the knob or handle. If you aren't comfortable with this type repair, you must seek out a professional locksmith who offers repairs for damaged locks. 2. Key Won't Turn in the Lock There are a variety of reasons the lock key might stop turning. One of the most common causes is that the pins in the cylinder are worn down. This means that they do not have a proper shape that allows the wafers or sliders to move with the key. 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 serious, and the key has been bent or twisted, you may need to get it straightened by an expert. A professional locksmith can employ an instrument specifically designed to straighten the key that is designed with an angled tip that fits into the groove in the key's tip. This type of tool isn't available at hardware stores, however you can purchase a kit that includes the proper tools online or in the locksmith shop. Another possibility is that the lock has become dirty or contaminated. As time passes, dust will build up in the lock's the cylinder, which may cause the pins and springs to seize up. In this instance, you'll be required to spray the lock with graphite spray, or a silicone-based lubricant to get rid of it and return the pins to their original positions. It may also be a problem in the event that the key is damaged. A key can be worn down over time by frequent use, which could result in the groves wearing down or even become smoother. This could result in the key not fitting into the cylinder, therefore it's crucial to pay attention and make sure that your key is fitted correctly. Locks can freeze up during the winter months. This can stop the springs and pins from moving when keys are put in. This can be a frustrating issue however, it can be resolved by warming the lock by using hot water and then applying lubrication. If the lock is damaged beyond repair or has frozen it must be replaced. 3. The lock isn't turning If you've had a lock that doesn't turn and isn't opened, it can be extremely frustrating. If this happens often, you may want to consider having a locksmith come and take a look at the lock to determine if they are able help. This isn't always needed since some issues can be fixed by yourself. The key may not turn in a lock due to it is damaged. This could happen when you've lost your key, or if it's broken inside the lock. Instead of trying to pull the key from the lock which could result in it being further pushed into the mechanism and increase the risk using needle-nosed pliers, you should remove the key from the lock. Be careful not to damage the lock by cutting off any piece of the damaged key using the pliers. You may also have an improperly aligned lock that could cause the door to not to latch properly. If you happen to have an additional key, it can be tested inside the lock to make sure it is working properly and doesn't cause the issue. If you do discover that the lock is misaligned, tightening the screws around the strike plate will solve the issue and allow the lock to work normally. A lock may not turn because of dirt or dust. Using graphite sprays or a silicone-based lubricant could solve this issue by coating the pins inside the lock so that they are able to move up and down normally. It's crucial not to use oil based products like WD-40 to solve this issue, because they can cause obstructions later on. Lastly, it's worth noting that there are certain kinds of keys that don't be used in all locks. If this is the case, you'll need to have a new key made by a local shop for hardware. 4. The Cylinder is Rotating Hairpin vortices can develop when a cylinder rotates in a confinement space. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/harrow-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ can impose significant forces on the cylinder that is rotating. The force is proportional to dimensions of the curvature radius and the confinement factor. The cylinder's head, tube and main body are all composed of aluminum alloy. If you are able insert your key and turn it, but the lock does not rotate, the cylinder may be damaged. Rekeying the lock may fix the issue. There are kits made for this purpose, and can be purchased online or at most big box stores.