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Lock Repair It's Not As Expensive As You Think
How to Do Your Own Lock Repair

If your locks fail, you can try to fix them yourself or employ an expert locksmith. Repairing locks can be a challenge, and the wrong approach may cause more damage.

You must first determine if the issue is due to dirt or dust. This is usually resolved by applying a graphite-based spray or silicone based lubricant.

1. Door Handle or Knob Loose

Over time doors knobs and handles could become loose. This could result in the knob or handle becoming jiggly that is difficult for you to open. It is important to fix loose door knobs because they are not only annoying and can also compromise the security of your home. A doorknob that is loose can be easy to fix. Based on the type of lock you have installed on your door, there are a variety of ways to fix this. Certain lock systems come with easily accessible mounting screws, while others use backplates to hide the screws. If your door uses the second type, this process may be more complicated.

Most interior doorknobs have a tiny screw referred to as an setscrew located on the inside of the knob, which prevents it from sliding over the spindle. This is a part of the latch assembly. If yours is jiggly it could be due to a tiny screw known as a set screw on the inside of the knob that blocks it from sliding over spindle. Make use of flashlights to locate the screw and then use an Allen wrench to tighten it. After the screw has been tightened by turning the knob, verify if it feels secure.

If your knob still feels like it's jiggly, then the set screw isn't placed correctly. To ensure that the screw is positioned correctly Look for a small, identical button on the spindle. Move the knob over the spindle after pressing the button with the screwdriver with a flat head. As you do so, the knob should begin to click, indicating that it is positioned properly on the spindle.


After you've made sure the set screw is in the correct position, simply tighten it again to ensure that the knob or handle is in place. If this does not resolve the issue, you may need to remove the knob from the backplate and check for loose or missing screws. You will need to replace the screws if this is the situation before you can install the knob or handle. If RepairMyWindowsAndDoors with this type of repair, call a professional locksmith who offers repair for damaged locks to assist.

2. Key Won't Turn in the Lock

There are a variety of reasons that your key may stop turning in the lock. One of the most common reasons is that the pins inside the cylinder have begun to wear down, which means they don't have the correct shape to move the sliders, wafers, or tumblers that allow the key to open the lock. In this situation an easy fix would be to spray the lock with graphite spray or lubricant based on silicone to coat the pins and make them to move once more.

If the issue is more serious, and the key is bent or twisted, you may need to have it straightened by a professional. A professional locksmith will use an exclusive tool that has an edge that is curved to fit into the groove at the tip of the key. This kind of tool can't be found in hardware stores. However, you can purchase an entire kit with the required tools online or from locksmiths.

Another possibility is that the lock is dirty or damaged. Over time, dust can accumulate in the lock cylinder, which could cause the pins and springs to seize up. In this situation you'll need spray the lock with WD-40, graphite spray or a silicone-based lubricant to clean it out and return the pins to their original positions.

It may also be a problem in the event that the key is damaged. Over time, repeated use can wear down the grooves on a keys. This could lead to the key not fitting into the cylinder, which is why it's crucial to pay attention and check regularly that your key fits correctly.

Locks can freeze during the winter months. This will stop the pins and springs from moving when keys are inserted. This is a problem that can be frustrating however it is usually resolved by warming the lock by using hot water and then re-lubricating it. If the lock is damaged beyond repair, or has frozen it must be replaced.

3. The Lock isn't Turning

If you've ever encountered an unresponsive lock and can't be opened it can be incredibly frustrating. If it occurs frequently, you may want to contact locksmiths to examine the lock and see if they are able to assist. This isn't always needed however, as some issues can be solved by yourself.

The key will not turn inside the lock if it's damaged. It could happen in the event that you've lost your keys, or it is damaged inside the lock. Rather than trying to fish it out of the lock which could cause the broken piece of the key to move further inside the mechanism and cause the problem to become more severe, try using needle-nosed pliers to remove it from the lock. You'll want to be careful not to break any broken pieces by using the pliers or you could damage the lock.

It's also possible that the lock is misaligned and this could cause the door to not latch correctly. If you have an extra lock key, you can try it to make sure that the lock is working properly. If you discover that the lock isn't aligned properly tightening the screws on the strike plate could fix the problem and allow the lock to work normally.

Another reason your key might not be turning is because there is dust or dirt in the lock that is preventing it from turning. Using graphite sprays or a silicone-based lubricant can solve this problem by coating the pins inside the lock to allow them to move up and down in a normal manner. You should avoid using oils-based products, like WD-40, because they can cause more blockages in the future.

It is important to remember that certain keys won't fit into all locks. If this is the case, you may require a new key manufactured by a local shop for hardware.

4. The Cylinder is rotating.

Hairpin vortices can form when a cylinder rotates within a confinement. These vortices can exert significant forces on the rotating cylinder. These forces are proportional the dimensions of the radius x of curvature and the confinement factor. The cylinder's tube, head, and main body are composed of aluminum alloy.

If you're able to get your key inside and turn it but the lock isn't turning it could be due to an issue with the cylinder itself. Rekeying the lock can fix the issue. You can purchase kits for this purpose on the internet or in many big box stores.

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