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17 Reasons Not To Beware Of Lock Repair
How to Do Your Own Lock Repair

You can fix your locks yourself, or employ a professional locksmith if they become faulty. However, the process of fixing locks can be a challenge and if you don't follow the correct procedure, it could lead to further damage.

You should first check to find out if the issue is caused by dirt or dust. This is usually solved by applying some graphite spray or silicone based oil.

1. Loose Door Knob or Handle

Over time door knobs and handles can become loose. This could result in an unbalanced knob or handle that is difficult to open. Door knobs that are loose aren't just annoying but they can compromise your building's security, making it crucial to fix the problem quickly. Fortunately, a broken doorknob or handle is fairly simple to fix. Depending on the type of lock you have installed on your door, there are many solutions to fix it. upvc window lock repair cost RepairMyWindowsAndDoors have easily accessible mounting screws, whereas others use backplates to hide the screws. If your door has the one that is hidden, the process could be more complex.

Most interior doorknobs have a small screw called a setscrew that is located on the inside of the knob, which prevents it from sliding across the spindle. This is a part of the latch assembly. If yours feels 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. You can use a flashlight to locate the set screw and then tighten it with an Allen wrench. Once it's tightened, turn the knob to see if it no longer appears to be as jiggly.

If the knob is still uneven, it could be that the set screw isn't positioned properly. To make sure the screw is in the correct position you should look for a small, identical button on the spindle. Place the knob on the spindle after pressing the button using the screwdriver that has a flat head. As you do this, the knob should click into place and show that it is rightly positioned on the spindle.

After ensuring that the set screw is positioned properly and tighten it once more to fix the knob or handle in place. This should resolve the issue however, if it doesn't, you may have to take the knob off and check the backplate for missing or loose screws. You will need to replace the screws if this is the situation before you can replace the knob or handle. If you're uncomfortable with this type repair, call a professional who specializes in repair of damaged locks.

2. The key won't spin in the lock.

There are a number of reasons why your key might stop turning inside the lock. One of the most frequent reasons is that the pins in the cylinder have begun to wear out, which means they no longer have the proper shape to move the sliders, wafers, or tumblers that allow the key to open the lock. In this instance the best solution is spraying the lock with graphite or lubricant based on silicone to coat the pins and help them to move once more.

If the problem is more severe, and the key has been bent or twisted, you may need to get it straightened by an expert. A professional locksmith can employ a specialty tool to straighten the key which is designed with an angled end that fits into the groove that is recessed on the key's tip. This kind of tool is not available in hardware stores, however you can purchase a kit with the right tools online or at an establishment that sells locksmith tools.

Another possibility is that the lock has become dirty or damaged. Dust can build up over time in the lock's cylinder and cause the springs or pins to become stuck. In this situation, spray the lock with graphite or WD-40 spray to clear the pins, and then return them to their original positions.

If the key itself has become damaged, it could also be a problem. Keys can wear down with time due to frequent use, which could result in the groves wearing down or even become smoother. This could result in the key not fitting properly into the cylinder, which is why it is important to be aware and make sure that your key is fitted correctly.


In the colder months locks can freeze which prevents the pins and springs from moving when the key is inserted. This can be a nagging issue however, it can be solved by warming the lock up by using hot water and then re-lubricating 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

It can be frustrating to have locks that don't turn or open. If this happens frequently it is advisable to consider having a locksmith come and inspect the lock to see whether they can assist. Luckily, this isn't always necessary as there are some issues that can be easily solved without professional assistance.

Sometimes, the key won't turn in a lock because it's damaged. You may experience this when you've lost your key, or if it's broken inside the lock. Instead of trying to pull keys out of the lock which could cause it to be further pushed into the mechanism and increase the risk you can use needle-nosedpliers to take the key from the lock. Be careful not to scratch the lock by tearing off any piece of the damaged key with the pliers.

There could be an incorrectly aligned lock, which could cause the door not to latch properly. If you're fortunate enough to have an additional key, it could be tested in the lock to make sure it works correctly 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 can fix the issue and allow the lock to function normally.

A lock might not turn due to dust or dirt. This problem can be solved 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. It is important to avoid using oils-based products such as WD-40 to solve this problem, however, because they can cause blockages later on.

Also, it's important to note that there are certain kinds of keys that simply can't fit into all locks. If this is the case, you might require a new key manufactured by a local hardware store.

4. The Cylinder is Rotating

When a cylinder is turned within a confinement gap it can result in hairpin vortices which can lead to significant forces on the cylinder. The forces are proportional to the radius of curvature that is dimensionless x and the confinement factor k. The simplified model described here predicts the effect of these parameters on the force and torque of an encircled rotating cylinder. The cylinder's head, tube, and main body are all composed of aluminum alloy.

If you can insert your key and turn it but the lock does not rotate the cylinder, it could be damaged. Rekeying your lock may resolve the issue. There are kits specifically designed for this purpose, and can be purchased online or in many big box stores.

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