10 Myths Your Boss Has Concerning Lock Repair
How to Do Your Own Lock Repair
You can repair your locks yourself or hire a professional locksmith when they begin to fail. However, repair of locks isn't easy and the wrong approach could cause further damage.
The first step is to confirm that the issue isn't caused by dust or dirt. Graphite spray or silicone-based lubricant are a good choice to solve this issue.
1. Door Handle or Knob Loose
Door knobs and handles can become loose as time passes, which could result in an unbalanced door handle or knobs that are difficult to open. Loose door knobs are not only annoying but they can compromise your building's security, which is why it's essential to identify and solve the issue quickly. Fortunately, a loose doorknob or handle is fairly simple to fix. There are many ways to fix this dependent on the lock your door comes with. Certain lock systems have easily accessible mounting screws, while others use backplates that hide the screws. If your door uses the second type, this process may be more complicated.
The majority of doorknobs for interior use are designed to slip over a spindle that is cylindrical, which is mounted in the door as part of the latch assembly. If RepairMyWindowsAndDoors feels jiggly, it could be because of the small screw, also known as a setscrew, on the inside of the doorknob, which is hindering it from sliding across the spindle. You can utilize a flashlight to locate the set screw, then tighten it using an Allen wrench. Once the screw is tightened then turn the knob to test if it is solid.
If the knob is still jiggly, it's possible that the set screw isn't positioned correctly. To ensure that the screw is positioned correctly Look for a small, corresponding button on the spindle. Slide the knob over the spindle after pressing the button using the screwdriver that has a flat head. As you do this, the knob should click into place which indicates that it has been positioned properly on the spindle.
Once you've verified that the set screw has been properly placed and tightened it again to ensure that the knob is secured. If this does not solve the problem, you may have to remove the knob from the backplate and look for loose or missing screws. If this is the case, you will have to replace the screws before re-securing the knob or handle. If you're not comfortable with this kind of repair, call an experienced locksmith who can provide repair for damaged locks to assist.
2. Key Won't Turn in the Lock
There are a variety of reasons the lock key might stop turning. One of the most common reasons is that the pins inside the cylinder have begun to wear out and don't have the correct shape to move the sliders, wafers, or tumblers that allow the key to open the lock. In this situation, spraying the lock with silicone-based lubricant or graphite spray will help coat the pins and make them move again.
If the issue is more severe and the key has been bent out of shape you may need to have it straightened professionally. A professional locksmith can use a special tool to straighten the key, which has a curved end to fit into the groove that is recessed on the key's tip. This kind of tool is not able to be found in hardware stores. However, you can purchase a kit that includes the required tools on the internet or from locksmiths.
Another possibility is that the lock is dirty or damaged. Over time, dust can accumulate in the lock cylinder, which can cause the pins and springs to swell up. In this instance, you'll be required spray the lock with WD-40, graphite spray or a silicone-based lubricant to clean it out and return the pins to their original position.
If the key itself is damaged, it could be a cause for concern. In time, repeated use can cause wear and tear on the grooves on a key. This could result in the key not fitting properly into the cylinder, which is why it's crucial to pay attention and make sure that your key fits correctly.
In the colder months, locks can freeze, which can stop the pins and springs from moving when the key is inserted. This can be a nagging issue however it is fairly easy to solve by warming the lock using hot water and using a lubricant to re-lubricate it. However, if the lock is damaged or frozen beyond repair, it's likely to need to be replaced by an expert.
3. The lock isn't turning
It can be a hassle to have locks that aren't turning or open. If it happens frequently you might consider getting a locksmith to come check it out and see if they can help. This is not always necessary since some issues can be fixed by yourself.
Often the key won't rotate in a lock if it is damaged. This can happen if you've lost your key, or it is broken in the lock. Instead of trying to get the key out of the lock, which could result in it being forced deeper into the mechanism, and increase the risk using needle-nosed pliers, you should remove the key from the lock. You should be cautious not to break off any of the broken piece with the pliers or you may cause damage to the lock.
It's also possible that the lock is misaligned, which can cause the door to not latch correctly. If you're fortunate enough to have an additional key, it can be tested inside the lock to make sure it functions properly and isn't the cause of the problem. If you do discover that the lock is not aligned correctly, tightening the screws around the strike plate can solve the issue and allow the lock to function normally.
Another reason your key may not be turning is because there is dust or dirt in the lock that is preventing it from moving. This issue can be resolved by using the lubricant based on silicon or graphite to cover the pins of the lock. This will allow them to move up & down in a normal manner. It's important not to use products that contain oil such as WD-40 for this though because they can cause obstructions later on.
Also, it's important to note that there are certain kinds of keys that simply can't fit in all locks. If yours is one of these, it might be time to get a new key made at an area hardware store to ensure that it will work in the lock.
4. The Cylinder is rotating.
Hairpin vortices may form when a cylinder rotates in a confinement area. These vortices can impose significant forces on the cylinder that is rotating. These forces are proportional the dimensionless radius of curvature x and the confinement factor k. The simplified model described here will predict the effect of these parameters on the force and torque of a confined rotating cylinder. The cylinder's head, tube, and main body are all made of aluminum alloy.
If you can insert your key and turn it, but the lock is still rotating the cylinder, it could be faulty. Rekeying the lock can fix this problem. There are kits designed specifically for this purpose and can be purchased online or in many big box stores.