How to Tell If Your Locks Need Repair
If your door lock is hard to turn, lubricating it might aid. If the lock is wiggles when you insert the key, it is time to call an expert for lock repair or replacement.
In certain situations it could be more cost-effective to replace an old lock with a safer one.
Damage to the Cylinder
If your lock cylinder feels stiff or the key isn't turning easily, this is an indication that the cylinder is damaged. A broken cylinder could leave your door vulnerable to burglars. It is best to fix it as quickly as possible. If you are unable to fix it yourself, call an expert locksmith.
Rust and corrosion are the most frequently cited causes of problems with cylinder locks. You can prevent this by regularly applying a protective coat of paint on the surface of the lock. Also, make sure that the weather strip is in good working order. If it is not, this could cause water to leak in and weaken the cylinder over time.
Another common problem is when the cylinder is out of alignment with the keyhole on the door. This can occur due to various reasons, such as loose screws or a misaligned keyway in the handle. To fix it you'll have to take off the screws that attach the cylinder. Then you can gently adjust it. Be careful not to tighten the screws too much because this could cause damage to the parts.
An effective way to keep your cylinder in good condition is to apply a lubricant made of graphite. It is typically available at hardware stores and can be applied directly to the cylinder. The lubricant will help the key turn smoothly and also prevent future lock problems.
If the cylinder is completely damaged, you might need to replace it. Fortunately, this is a relatively easy job that can be accomplished at home. The first step is to remove the faceplate. After that, you can begin to disassemble the lock's and cylinder. After you have removed the cylinder from its mounting, you should note any set screws holding it in the position. These are important to identify to make it easier to reassemble the cylinder later on.
Last but not least, make use of a screwdriver with a fine tip to reach the narrower areas of the lock. Also, you'll need a few ziplock bags to store the parts you take out.
Knobs that are loose or handles
Over time and use knobs and handles for doors are likely to become loose. When this happens, it can be a real inconvenience for employees and customers. This issue is usually easy to fix, and doesn't require a locksmith service.
Generally, loose doorknobs are the result of the same problems that can cause locks to jiggle or pull away from the door: age and wear loose screws, the wrong combination of components. It is also possible that your home or business has been settling slightly. This can influence how tightly the door handle is attached to the lock.
Knobs and handles that are loose can be easy to repair, but it is important to use the correct tools and to be careful not to over tighten the screw. This could damage the doorknob or handle. It's also beneficial to have a second hand available to assist you in twisting and tightening the doorknob.
It is essential to locate the loose screw. The screw is usually hidden under a decorative cap that covers the locking ring. To take off the decorative cover and expose the lockset mounting rings you must press a button or lever using an awl. It is then possible to tighten the nut by turning it counterclockwise.
Some modern doorknobs are made using a different fastening method. The doorknobs are fastened to the doors using hidden screws and a device referred to as a detent. This kind of fastener is slightly more complicated, but it can be fixed easily by following the same steps previously.
After the screw is tightened, it is a good idea for you to apply a washer to the screw. lock fixing near me will prevent the screw from loosening in the future. This is especially crucial for wooden door knobs that can result in a stripped screw hole from repeated use. Washers are available at any hardware store, and they are an quick and easy solution to eliminate a regular inconvenience. Make sure you select one that is suitable for the screw used in the doorknob.
Poorly Cut Key
The most common reason for a key not to turn into the lock is because it was poorly cut. This can be due to a poor copy that was made by locksmiths, or due to the fact that the original key has deteriorated over time. When you need to have keys copied or have your locks rekeyed, it's essential to choose a reputable local locksmith.
A locksmith will always check a key for the correct cut depth, and also ensure that the cuts are evenly distributed across the key. A reputable locksmith will look over the lock to find the root of the problem and then come up with the best solution for you, whether that's changing the pins or adjusting the lock cylinder.
It is a good idea to bring the key that doesn't turn when you visit a locksmith, so they can test it in their duplicator. This will ensure that the key has been cut correctly, and it is a good fit for your locks.
If the key is unable to fully insert into the lock it could be due to dirt or debris that have accumulated in the lock. Lubricating the lock with graphite spray or a lubricant based on silicone can help to unblock tumblers that have become stuck or clogged.
Another problem that can be found is that keys were not cut precisely when it was first made. This could happen when someone attempts to make a quick and cheap copy from an existing key. Only a locksmith with the right tools and experience can make high-quality duplicates.
If you've lost a key in the lock and you want to retrieve it, you can use a pair needle-nosed pliers or tweezers the broken key. Be careful not to insert the edge of the pliers or tweezers too far, because this could make the problem worse and it will be much easier for a professional to remove the broken piece without damaging the lock mechanism. It is recommended to bring the broken key when you go to the locksmith so they can utilize their duplicator to make an alternative for you.
Sagging Locks
If you're having trouble locking your door, it could be due to a sagging lock. This can cause the bolt or latch to get stuck within the frame of the door which makes it harder to close the door. It could also cause drafts, and it will create a larger gap between the frame and the door, which can damage both in the course of time.
Luckily, sagging locks are easy to fix. Most often they can be fixed by tightening the screws on hinges. If that doesn't work, you could try lubricating the lock. You can try using graphite powder or a silicon based oil. Select a lubricant that won't harm the lock over time.
A misaligned lock is another frequent issue that can impact the door's ability and close properly. This could be due to the door being not installed correctly, or the weather changing, which causes the doors and frames to move. If not addressed the issue could leave your home or business vulnerable to robbers.
To correct this issue first, you'll need to start by looking at the door and frame to see if they're on the same level. If not, you'll need reposition the door hinges so that they're aligned and at the proper height.
The next step is to examine the mortise and strike plate. You can reposition the strike plate if it's sliding using a hammer or chisel. After repositioning it, test it to see if it's aligned with the latch.
Call a locksmith if you have issues with your lock. A locksmith can repair any lock, whether it's a Yale lock or mortice lock.
Only certain lock damages can be repaired. Don't try to bend a damaged lock bolt back into its original position. This could weaken the bolt and cause damage to the cylinder. If you're experiencing issues that are serious it's best to contact an expert. They can assess the damage, and tell you what options are available.