How to Do Your Own Lock Repair You can either fix your locks yourself or engage a professional locksmith when they begin to fail. Lock repair can be tricky and if you take the wrong route, it could cause 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 Lock Over time door knobs and handles could become loose. This can result in the knob or handle becoming jiggly that is difficult for you to open. It is important to replace loose door knobs as they're not just annoying and can also compromise the security of your home. Fortunately, a broken doorknob or handle is relatively easy to fix. Based on the type of lock system installed in your door, there are many solutions to fix it. Some lock systems have easily accessible mounting screws, whereas others have backplates that conceal the screws. This method is more complex if your door uses a backplate that hides the screws. The majority of interior doorknobs are designed to slip over a cylindrical spindle, that is inserted into the door as a part of the latch assembly. If https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/manchester-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ is jiggly, it could be due to a tiny screw called a setscrew located inside the knob that blocks it from sliding over the spindle. Utilize a flashlight to help you locate the set screw and then use an Allen wrench to tighten it. After it's tightened, try turning the knob to check if it no longer feels as jiggly. If your knob feels jiggly, it's possible that the set screw isn't in place properly. Look for the small button that matches the spindle to make sure the screw is in the right position. Depress the button with the flat-head screwdriver, then slide the knob over the spindle. As you do so, the knob should click into place which indicates that it has been positioned properly on the spindle. Once you've verified that the set screw is properly positioned then tighten it a second time to ensure that the knob is secured. This should resolve the issue however, if it doesn't then you might need to remove the knob and examine the backplate for missing or loose screws. You'll need to replace the screws in the event of this before you can reinstall the knob or handle. If you're uncomfortable with this kind of repair, contact an expert who specializes in repair of damaged locks. 2. Key Won't Turn in Lock There are a number of reasons why your key could stop turning inside the lock. One of the most common reasons is that the pins within the cylinder are beginning to wear out and, consequently, they do not have the right shape to move the sliders, wafers or tumblers that allow the key to open the lock. In this situation, a quick fix is to spray the lock with graphite or lubricant made of silicone to coat the pins and allow them move again. If the issue is much more serious and the key has bent out of shape, it may be necessary to have it professionally straightened. A professional locksmith can employ a specialty tool to straighten the key that is designed with an angled tip that fits into the recessed groove of the key's tip. This kind of tool can't 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. Dust can accumulate over time within the lock's cylinder, and cause the pins or springs to get stuck. In this case, you'll need to spray the lock with WD-40, graphite spray or a silicone-based lubricant to get rid of it and then reposition the pins back to their original position. If the key itself has become damaged, it could be a problem. In time, repeated use may wear out the grooves on a keys. This can lead to the key not fitting into the cylinder, so it's important to pay attention and regularly check whether your key fits properly. In colder weather locks can freeze which can stop the springs and pins from moving when the key is placed. This can be a nagging issue however it is usually solved by warming the lock with hot water and 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 locks that don't turn and can't be opened, it can be extremely frustrating. If it happens often, you may want to contact locksmiths to come check it out and see if they can assist. Fortunately, this isn't always required as there are things that can be easily repaired without the need for professional assistance. The key won't turn inside the lock if it's damaged. This can happen if you've lost your keys or it is broken in the lock. Instead of trying to get it out of the lock, which could cause the broken piece of the key to move further inside the mechanism and make the problem much worse Try using needle-nosed pliers to take it out of the lock. You should be cautious not to break the broken piece using the pliers, or you could cause damage to the lock. It's also possible that your lock is misaligned which could cause the door to not latch properly. If you happen to have an additional key, it could be tested in the lock to make sure it functions properly and isn't the cause of the problem. If you do discover that the lock is not aligned correctly, tightening the screws around the strike plate will solve the issue and allow the lock to function normally. A lock might not rotate because of dirt or dust. This issue can be resolved by using the lubricant based on silicon or graphite to coat the pins of the lock. This will allow them to move up and down normally. You should avoid using products that contain oil, such as WD-40, because they can cause more obstructions in the future. It is important to remember that certain keys won't fit into all locks. If yours is one of these, it might be time to get a replacement key from the local hardware store to ensure that it will work inside the lock. 4. The Cylinder Is Rotating When a cylinder is turned in a confinement space, it can cause hairpin vortices which can cause significant forces on the cylinder. These forces are proportional to the dimensionless radius of curvature x and the confinement factor k. The simplified model presented here explains the impact of these parameters on the force and torque of a confined rotating cylinder. The cylinder's head, tube, and main body are all made of aluminum alloy. If you can insert your key and turn it, but the lock still rotates the cylinder could be faulty. Rekeying the lock could fix the issue. There are kits specifically designed for this purpose that can be purchased online or in most big box stores.