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The Guide To Lock Repairs In 2023
Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself

When a lock on your door begins to begin to show signs of wear, it's important to have it repaired promptly. Otherwise, you could be making your home vulnerable to burglaries.

Fortunately, a majority of the most common issues that arise with door locks can be fixed without the need for an expert. Learn g28carkeys.co.uk about the most common issues with door locks and how to fix them yourself.

Damaged Cylinder Damaged Cylinder

While they aren't as prevalent on newer vehicles as power door locks become the standard and standard, car owners must be aware and watch for any damage to their door lock cylinders. This is the mechanical tumbler that your keys slide into. It can wear out or break, causing keys to become stuck or difficult to turn. If you notice this happening to your vehicle, it's important to act quickly to prevent the issue from getting worse.

Spray compressed air inside the cylinder to eliminate any debris blocking it. You could also try lubricating it by using a graphite or a silicone spray, but be careful not to use too much as this could cause the pins to wear out faster. If your key isn't turning after trying these different methods, you may need to replace the cylinder. It could also be repaired by a professional locksmith.

After spraying the cylinder with the appropriate spray and using a different type of key, you might have to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder to its place. You can then manually move the cylinder so that it is in alignment with the keyhole. Close the screws but not too tight as this could cause internal components to wear out or get damaged.

You may also need to remove the faceplate from the lock depending on the type of lock. If so, you'll locate them behind seams or indentations on the edge of the faceplate or by inserting the screwdriver or putty knife into these areas. Once you've removed the faceplate, you can then employ a screwdriver for disassembling the internal parts of the lock and replace any damaged or worn out.

When assembling the lock again ensure that you secure the faceplate securely and secure the screws. Check the cylinder by inserting and turning it. If you're experiencing issues you should consult an expert because the lock cylinder might require replacement.

Loose Door Handles


Sometimes the handle of a door loosens over time and can begin to spin freely or fall off the door completely. This could be a problem since it makes it difficult to open the door and puts people at risk. It is essential to know why the handle is loosened and how it can be repaired.

This is usually caused by loose screws in the doorplate. Modern doors might have difficult-to-reach chassis screws, while older designs have them visible and easily accessible. These screws can be tightened easily. It is recommended to use a threadlocker to lock them in their place.

If the screw is exposed, you can remove the handle and expose the screws to tighten. You may have to loosen the ring at the base of handle before you can take the knob off by pressing the metal detent pin. The mounting plate screws can be tightened by removing the rose. You should also examine the strike plate screws which secure the plate to the edge of the doorway, which the latch clicks into when it closes.

Sometimes, the issue could be due to the spring cassette of the handle. It's prone to wear over time. A simple replacement is typically required.

You can install it yourself or have a local locksmith do it for you. There are a variety of cassettes, so be sure to choose the right one for your handle.

It can also be down to a damaged faceplate or mounting ring, however this is extremely rare with the newer handles. You can find the replacement in a hardware shop or online. Once you've fitted the new piece and tightened all fixings and then re-attach the handle. Also, you should align the holes on the handle with the holes on the plate. If you're worried about this being too much of a DIY project, your locksmith can provide the price for this service.

Keys That Don't Turn

There are a number of reasons why keys don't turn inside locks. Most often this is due to the lack of the lubrication. This can be fixed with a lubricant like WD-40, silicone-based spray or graphite lubricant. The pins will move up and down when you insert the key and apply the oil.

Sometimes it is the key that causes the problem. The tip of a key can become blunted over time if it is used for other purposes than just to gain entry into your home. This can prevent the key from fitting into the lock cylinder in a proper way and can result in it becoming stuck or trapped inside the lock. Re-tipping the key of the lock with the aid of a bastard tool could aid in the fitting.

Another reason why the key may not turn in a lock is because it has been bent or damaged. The tip of a key can become bent if it is used to cut or open cans. This could also stop the key from fitting into the lock cylinder properly. In this situation you can re-tippe it using a bastard file or replacing the entire key might be necessary to fix the problem.

It is important to know that gluing the two pieces of metal together will not work in the event that a key has been damaged inside a lock. This can actually lead to further damage to the mechanism and it is advised to call a locksmith who offers replacement keys to repair the issue.

If the key is not broken, it could be that the cylinder of the lock is blocked by dust or other debris. In this situation it is possible to warm the cylinder by putting the key in hot water for several minutes. Once the cylinder is warm it is then possible to insert the key and then unlock the door. Alternately, you can use a hair dryer to blow air directly into the lock mechanism to melt it out.

Sticky Locks

Locks are an essential part of home security. However that they're often ignored until they stop working properly. Locks that stick are a frequent problem, but they're not difficult to fix by yourself and will stop larger problems from arising.

One of the most likely causes for a sticky lock is that the mechanism has become dirty and filthy. This can be easily cured with a little cleaning and the application of lubrication.

The most common method is to make use of a dry lubricant, like WD-40 or GT85 spray. The key is then placed inside the lock and turned around and back to spread the lubricant throughout the internal mechanisms. The key must now be removed and the lock should rotate smoothly once more.

A graphite lubricant is another alternative. Graphite is a fantastic lubricant to use on small metal parts. It won't wash off or attract dirt, as opposed to oil-based solutions. Many hardware stores sell powdered graphite that can be directly applied to the keyhole. You can use a pencil, which is made from the same material.

Make sure to clean up any excess lubricant you have applied after you've used it. This will prevent it from accumulating and creating future issues. If you've tried the suggestions above and your sticky lock still doesn't change, it could be time to contact a professional locksmith to assess the situation and determine the best option. Locks that are stuck if not addressed can become major nuisances and lead to keys snapping out of the lock, or even the door handle. Ignoring a sticking lock can be extremely frustrating It's best to act earlier rather than later. Regular lubrication can to prevent the problem from happening in the first place. You can be assured of peace of assurance that your locks will work effectively and protect your home by adding this to your annual maintenance routine.

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