A Productive Rant Concerning Lock Repair

How to Do Your Own Lock Repair

You can repair your locks yourself or hire a professional locksmith when they start to malfunction. However, the process of fixing locks can be a challenge and the wrong approach could result in further damage.

The first step is to ensure that the issue isn't caused by dust or dirt. This is usually solved by applying a graphite-based spray or silicone-based lubricant.

1. Loose Door Knob or Handle

Door knobs and handles could get loose over time, which can result in a jiggly door handle or knobs that are difficult to open. It is essential to fix loose door knobs because they can be a nuisance and can also compromise the security of your building. Fortunately, a loose doorknob or handle is relatively simple to repair. Depending on the type of lock system installed in your door, there are many ways to fix this. Some systems have exposed mounting screws that are easy to access, while others use a backplate that conceals the screws that hold it together. This method is more difficult in the case of an underlay that hides the screws.

Most interior doorknobs are designed to slip over a spindle that is cylindrical, which is attached to the door as part of the latch assembly. If yours is jiggly, it could be because of a small screw, called a set screw, located on the inside of the doorknob, which is keeping it from sliding over the spindle. Utilize a flashlight to help you locate the set screw, and use an Allen wrench to tighten it. Once  navigate here  is tightened by turning the knob, test if it is solid.

If your knob still feels uneven, it could be that the set screw isn't positioned properly. To ensure that the screw is properly positioned Look for a small, corresponding button on the spindle. Place the knob on the spindle after pressing the button using the flathead screwdriver. As you do so, the knob should click into place which indicates that it has been positioned properly on the spindle.

After you've confirmed that the set screw has been properly placed then tighten it a second time to ensure that the knob is secured. If this does not solve the issue, you may need to remove the knob from the backplate and check for loose or missing screws. It is necessary to replace the screws if this is the situation before you can replace the knob or handle. If you're uncomfortable with this type of repair, call an expert who is skilled in repair of damaged locks.

2. Key Won't Turn in the Lock

There are many reasons why the lock key might stop turning. One of the most common reasons is that the pins inside the cylinder are beginning to wear out and no longer have the proper shape to move the wafers, sliders, or tumblers that allow the key to open the lock. In this instance, a quick fix would be to spray the lock with graphite or silicone-based lubricant to coat the pins and help them to move once more.

If the issue is much more serious and the key is been bent out of shape you may need to have it straightened professionally. A professional locksmith will employ an instrument that is specially designed with an edge that is curved to fit into the groove at the tip of the key. This type of tool is not sold at hardware stores, however you can find a kit that includes the proper tools online or at an establishment that sells locksmith tools.

Another possibility is that the lock has become dirty or contaminated. Dust can accumulate over time within the lock's cylinder, and cause the pins or springs to become stuck. In this situation, you'll be required to spray the lock with graphite spray, or a silicone-based lubricant to clean it out and return the pins to their original position.

It may also be a problem if the key has been damaged. Keys are worn down over time by repeated use, which can result in the groves wearing down or even become smoother. This can lead to the key not fitting into the cylinder, so it's crucial to pay attention and regularly check that your key fits correctly.

Locks can freeze during the winter months. This will prevent the pins and springs from moving when keys are put in. This can be a frustrating problem, but it is usually relatively simple to fix by warming up the lock using hot water and then using a lubricant to re-lubricate it. If the lock is damaged or frozen beyond repair, it will likely require replacement by a professional.

3. The lock isn't turning

If you've had a lock that doesn't turn and isn't able to be opened, it can be extremely frustrating. If this happens often, you may want to think about having a locksmith come and examine the lock to determine whether they can assist. Luckily, this isn't always required as there are things that can be fixed without the need for professional assistance.

The key will not turn inside the lock if damaged. You may experience this if you have lost your key, or it's broken inside the lock. Instead of trying to pull the key from the lock, which could cause it to be pushed deeper into the mechanism and increase the risk, use needle-nosedpliers to remove the key from the lock. Be careful not to cut off the broken piece by using the pliers or you may cause damage to the lock.

It's possible that your lock isn't aligned properly which could cause the door to not latch properly. If you're fortunate enough to have an extra key, this could be tested in the lock to ensure that it is working properly and doesn't cause the issue. If you discover that the lock is misaligned tightening the screws on the strike plate could fix the problem and allow the lock to work normally.

A lock might not turn due to dust or dirt. Using an graphite spray or silicone-based lubricant could solve this problem by coating the pins inside the lock so that they are able to move up and down normally. It is recommended to avoid products that contain oil, like WD-40 for instance, as they can cause more clogging in the future.

It's important to know that some keys simply won't fit in all locks. If yours is one of these then it's time to get a replacement key from a local hardware store, so that it works in the lock.

4. The Cylinder is rotating.

Hairpin vortices can form when a cylinder turns in a confinement area. These vortices may exert significant forces on the cylinder that is rotating. These forces are proportional to the curvature radius that is dimensionless x and the confinement factor k. The simplified model that is presented here predicts the effect of these parameters on the force and torque on the cylinder that is confined. The head, tube and main body of the cylinder are constructed of aluminium alloy.

If you are able to insert your key and turn it but the lock still rotates the cylinder could be faulty. Rekeying your lock can fix this problem. There are kits made specifically for this purpose and can be purchased on the internet or at the majority of big box stores.