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Five Lock Repairs Lessons Learned From Professionals
Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself

When a lock on your door begins to show signs of wear It is important to get it replaced promptly. Otherwise, you could be leaving your property vulnerable to burglaries.

A lot of the most frequent problems that arise with door locks can be solved without calling an expert. Learn more about the most common issues with door locks and how to fix them yourself.

Damaged Lock Cylinder

Car owners should be aware and look out for damage to door lock cylinders when they aren't as prevalent in modern vehicles as power door locks have become the standard. This is the tumbler that your keys slide into, and it can wear down or break which causes keys to become stuck when you insert them or turned hard. If you see this happening to your vehicle, it's important to act quickly to prevent the issue from getting worse.

Spray compressed air into the cylinder to eliminate any debris that might be blocking it. You can also lubricate it with a graphite or silicone spray. Be cautious not to overdo it as this will cause the pins wear out faster. If your key won't turn after trying these different methods it may be necessary to replace the cylinder. Or have it repaired by an expert locksmith.

After spraying the cylinder with the appropriate spray and using a different kind of key, you may require to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder to its place. You can then manually move the cylinder so that it aligns properly with the keyhole. The screws should be tightened but not too tight because this could cause internal components to wear out or be damaged.

You may also have to remove the faceplate from the lock depending on the type of lock. If so, you'll locate them hidden behind seams or indentations on the faceplate's edge or by inserting a putty knife or screwdriver into these areas. After you have removed the faceplate of the lock, use a screwdriver and disassemble its internal components. Replace any damaged or worn parts.

When assembling the lock, be sure to attach the faceplate securely and fix the screws. Also, check the cylinder to make sure that it is able to be inserted and turned without any issues. If you encounter difficulties doing this, it's that you should call a professional as the lock cylinder may need to be replaced.

Loose Door Handles

Sometimes, a door handle loosens over time, and it can start to rotate freely or even fall off the door completely. This could be a major issue since it makes it difficult to open the door and can put people at risk. It is important to know the reason for the handle being loose and how it can be repaired.

Most of the time, it's down to a screw in the door plate that requires tightening. Modern doors may have difficult-to reach screws for the chassis, whereas older styles are 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 visible, you can remove it and tighten the screws. You might need to loosen the ring around the base of the handle first, and then you can pull it off from the knob by pressing the metal detent pin. The mounting plate screws can be tightened by taking off the rose. Make sure you check the strike plate screws that hold the plate at the edge of the doorway, where the latch snaps in when it closes.

Sometimes, the problem is the spring cassette that's in the handle. This can break down over time, but most of the time it's just down to wear and tear and requires a simple replacement.

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

This could also be due to a broken mounting plate or ring, however it is uncommon for newer handles. You can usually find a replacement at an online store or a hardware store. Once you have fitted the new piece, you'll have to tighten all fixings and then reconnect the handle. Also, you should align the holes on the handle with the holes on the plate. If you're concerned about this being a difficult DIY job the locksmith you choose can provide an estimate for this service.

Keys That Don't Turn

There are many reasons that keys may not turn inside locks. This is often due to a lack of lubrication. It is possible to fix this using a lubricant, such as WD-40 or a silicone-based spray. The pins will move upwards and downwards when you insert the key and apply the oil.

Sometimes it is the key that causes the problem. Utilizing a key for a box cutter, can opener, or for anything else other than getting into your home can result in the tip of the key to become blunt over time. This can stop the key from fitting into the lock cylinder in a proper way, which could lead to it becoming stuck or encased inside the lock. Re-tipping the lock key using the aid of a bastard tool could help it fit better.

A key that isn't turning inside a lock can also be damaged or bent. Using keys as a tool to cut things or as a can opener can cause the point of the key to become bent which can hinder it from fitting into the lock cylinder properly. In this situation you may have to re-tippe the key using a bastard or replace the entire key.

It is important to know that gluing two pieces of metal is not a viable option when a key is damaged inside the lock. This can cause further damage to the locking mechanism. It is recommended to contact a locksmith that offers keys that can be replaced.

If the key is not damaged, it is possible that the cylinder of the lock is blocked by dust or other debris. In this instance it could be beneficial to warm the cylinder up by placing the key into hot water for a couple of minutes. Once fix car door lock near me www.g28carkeys.co.uk has warmed up, you should be able to insert the key into the cylinder to unlock the door. You can also use a hairdryer for blowing hot air directly into the lock to thaw out the mechanism.

Sticky Locks

Locks are an essential part of home security. However that they're usually ignored until they stop working properly. Locks that stick are a frequent issue, but they're difficult to fix by yourself, and doing so can stop bigger issues from developing.

A rusty mechanism is among the most frequent causes of stuck locks. This can be easily fixed by a bit of cleaning and lubrication.

A dry lubricant like sprays of WD-40 or GT85 spray, is a common solution. The key is then inserted into the lock and rotated back and forward to spread the lubricant on the internal mechanisms. The key must now be removed and the lock should rotate smoothly once more.

Another option is to choose the lubricant based on graphite. Graphite is a great lubricant to use on small metal parts. It doesn't wash off or attract dirt, unlike oil-based solutions. Powdered graphite is sold in many hardware stores and can be applied to the keyhole directly. You can also use a pencil to serve the same purpose, since it's made of the same material.


Always clean up any excess lubricant that you've applied to it to avoid it from building up and becoming a source of future problems. If you've tried the above suggestions and your sticky lock still doesn't change, it could be time to get a professional locksmith to assess the situation and determine the most effective course of action. Sticky locks that aren't addressed can turn into major hassles and lead to keys snapping in the lock, or even the door handle. The act of ignoring a stuck lock can be extremely frustrating, so it's always better to act earlier rather than later. Regularly lubricating your locks can help to keep these kinds of problems from happening in the first in the first. You can rest in mind knowing that your locks will work correctly and protect your home by adding this to your annual maintenance schedule.

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