15 Funny People Who Are Secretly Working In Lock Repair
How to Do Your Own Lock Repair
When your locks become faulty You can attempt to repair them yourself or hire an expert locksmith. Lock repair can be tricky, and the wrong approach could cause further damage.
The first step is to ensure that the issue isn't caused by dust or dirt. Graphite spray or a silicone-based oil can be used to eliminate this issue.
1. Locked Door Knob or Handle
Door knobs and handles could be loose over time, which can result in a jiggly door handle, or a knob that is difficult to open. Loose door knobs are not only annoying but they could compromise your home's security, making it important to find and resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Fortunately, a loose doorknob or handle is relatively simple to repair. There are a few different methods to fix it, depending on what kind of lock your door comes with. Some lock systems have easily accessible mounting screws, while others have backplates that conceal the screws. If your door has the second type, this process could be more complex.
The majority of interior doorknobs are designed to slide over a cylindrical spindle, that is inserted into the door as part of the latch assembly. If yours feels jiggly, it could be due to the small screw, also known as a set screw, located on the inside of the doorknob which is hindering it from sliding across the spindle. You can make use of a flashlight to locate the set screw and then tighten it with an Allen wrench. After the screw has been tightened then turn the knob to check if it feels solid.
If the knob is still like it's jiggly, then the set screw isn't in place correctly. To make sure the screw is properly positioned you should look for a small, identical button on the spindle. Press the button with an screwdriver with a flat head, and then slide the knob over the spindle. As you do this the knob should click which indicates that it has been placed correctly on the spindle.
After you've made sure the set screw is properly positioned and tighten it once more to secure the knob or handle in the correct position. This should resolve the issue, but if not then you might require removing the knob and examine the backplate for loose or missing screws. You will need to replace the screws in this case before you can replace the knob or handle. If you're uncomfortable with this type repair, call an expert who is skilled in repair window locks of damaged locks.
2. The key won't spin in the lock.
There are a variety of reasons why your key could stop turning inside the lock. One of the most frequent reasons is that the pins inside the cylinder have worn down. This means that they no longer have a proper shape that allows the sliders or wafers to move with the key. In this situation, a quick fix is spraying the lock with graphite spray or lubricant made of silicone to coat the pins and allow them move again.
However, if the problem is much more serious and the key is bent out of shape, you might need to have it professionally straightened. A professional locksmith will employ 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 is not able to be found in hardware stores. However you can buy an entire kit with the required tools online or from a locksmith.
A dirty or contaminated lock is a different possibility. Over time, dust can accumulate in the lock cylinder, which can cause the springs and pins to swell up. In this case, you'll need to spray the lock with graphite spray, or a silicone-based lubricant to get rid of it and restore the pins to their original position.
It may also be a problem in the event that the key is damaged. Over time, repeated use may wear out the grooves on a key. This can result in the key not to fit in the cylinder. It is essential to check regularly to ensure that the key fits properly.
Locks can freeze up 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's usually quite simple to solve by warming the lock using hot water and then using an oil-based lubricant to re-lubricate it. If the lock is damaged or frozen beyond repair, it may need to be replaced by a professional.
3. The lock isn't turning
It can be a hassle to have a lock that won't turn or open. If this happens often it is advisable to think about calling a locksmith to inspect the lock to see whether they can help. Fortunately, this isn't always necessary as there are some things that can be easily repaired without the need for professional assistance.
Often the key won't turn in a lock because it is damaged. It could happen in the event that you've lost your keys, or it is broken inside the lock. Instead of trying to get it out of the lock which could cause the damaged 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. Be careful not to damage the lock by tearing off any of the broken key with the pliers.
You may also have an improperly aligned lock that can cause the door to latch properly. If you're lucky enough to have an extra key, it can be tested inside the lock to make sure it works correctly and isn't the issue. If you do discover that the lock isn't aligned properly, tightening the screws around the strike plate can fix the issue and allow the lock to perform normally.
Another reason your key might not be turning is because there is dust or dirt in the lock hindering it from turning. Using an graphite spray or silicone-based lubricant can solve this problem by coating the pins within the lock to allow them to move up and down normally. You should avoid using products that contain oil, such as WD-40 for instance, as they can cause more blockages in the future.
It's important to know that some keys simply won't fit into all double glazing window lock replacement locks replace window locks upvc (inquiry). If yours is one of them, it might be time to get a replacement key made at a local hardware store to ensure that it will work inside the lock.
4. The Cylinder Is Rotating
When a cylinder is turned within a confinement gap it could result in hairpin vortices which can lead to significant forces on the cylinder. These forces are proportional to the dimensionless radius of curvature x and the confinement factor k. The simplified model that is presented here predicts the effect of these parameters on the force and torque of the cylinder that is confined. The head, the tube and main body of the cylinder are made of aluminum alloy.
If you are able to insert your key and turn it but the lock does not rotate the cylinder, it could be damaged. Rekeying your lock could solve the problem. There are kits designed specifically for this purpose and can be purchased online or at the majority of big box stores.