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Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself It's important that you repair a door lock when it begins to start to show signs. Your home could be open to burglars. Fortunately, many of the most frequent issues in door locks can be solved without the need for an expert. Find out more about what to look out for and how to fix them at home. Damaged Cylinder of Lock Cylinder Car owners need to be aware and watch out for damage to door lock cylinders though they are less common in newer cars since power door locks are now the norm. This is the mechanical tumbler your key slides into, and it could wear down or break, causing your keys to stick when inserted or turn hard. If you observe this happening to your vehicle, it's vital to act quickly to stop the problem from worsening. Spray compressed air inside the cylinder to eliminate any debris that might be blocking it. You could also lubricate the cylinder with a graphite or silicone spray. Be cautious not to overdo it as this can cause the pins to wear out more quickly. If your key won't turn after trying all of these options You may have to replace the cylinder. Or have it repaired by a professional locksmith. Once you've sprayed the cylinder and tried using a different key, it may be necessary to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder in place and then manually move it in a way that it is properly aligned with the keyhole on the door. Make sure to tighten the screws, but not too tight, as this could cause internal components to wear or damaged. Depending on the type of lock, you may need to remove the faceplate in order to access the screw heads that secure it. They can be located by looking behind gaps, seams, or indentations on the outside of your faceplate. You can also use a screwdriver or putty knife to get into these areas. After removing the faceplate of the lock, you can make use of a screwdriver to disassemble its internal components. Replace any damaged or worn parts. When reassembling the lock, be sure to attach the faceplate securely and fix the screws. Test the cylinder by inserting it and turning it. If you are having difficulty doing this, it's likely time to contact a professional as the lock cylinder may need to be replaced. Loose Door Handles Sometimes, a door handle loosens over time and may begin to spin freely or even fall off the door completely. This could be a major issue because it makes it difficult to open the door, and also puts people at risk. It is important to know why the handle is loosened and how it can be repaired. Often, this is simply down to a screw in the door plate that requires tightening. Modern doors might have difficult-to-reach screws for the chassis, whereas older styles have them visible and easily accessible. You can tighten these easily, though it is best to use a threadlocker that will lock the screws in place. If the screw is visible, you can take it off it and tighten the screws. It is possible to loosen the ring around the base of the handle before you can pull the knob off while pressing the metal detent pin. The mounting plate screws can be tightened by removing the rose. Check the strike plate screws that hold the plate to 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. It can wear out over time. A simple replacement is typically required. You can do it yourself or have a local locksmith install it for you. There are a range of cassettes, so be sure to select the appropriate one for your handle. It could also be due to a damaged faceplate or mounting ring, but this is very rare with modern handles. You will usually find a comparable replacement at an online store or a hardware store. Once you have fitted the new part you will have to tighten all fixings and then reconnect the handle. Also, you should align the holes in the handle with the holes on the plate. If you are worried that this is too much of a DIY job, a locksmith could give you a quote. Keys that Don't Turn There are many different reasons why keys don't turn inside locks. Most of the time this is due to an absence of lubrication. This can be corrected by using a lubricant like WD-40, silicone-based spray, or graphite lubricant. The pins will move up and down when you insert the key and apply the grease. Sometimes keys are the source of the problem. The key's tip may become blunt over time if it is used for purposes other than to get into your home. This can prevent the key from fitting into the lock cylinder properly and could result in it getting stuck or jammed inside of the lock. In this case the re-tipping of the key using a bastard file can make it fit in the lock better. Another reason why the key may not turn in a lock is that it is damaged or bent. Making use of keys as a tool to cut objects or as a can opener could cause the point of the key to become bent and hinder it from fitting into the lock cylinder in a proper way. In this instance it is possible to re-tippe the key using a bastard file or replacing the entire key may be necessary to fix the issue. If keys have snapped inside of a lock, it is crucial to keep in mind that trying to join the two pieces of metal back together will not work. This could lead to further damage to the mechanism, and it is best to call a locksmith who provides replacement keys to fix the issue. If the key isn't broken, it could be that the cylinder of the lock is blocked by dust or other debris. In this case it might be beneficial to warm the cylinder by placing the key into hot water for a couple of minutes. After the cylinder has been heated, it should be possible to insert the key and open the door. You can also use a hairdryer for blowing hot air directly into the lock to help thaw out the mechanism. Sticky Locks Locks are a vital part of home security. Locks are often overlooked until they fail to function properly. Sticky locks are a common problem, but they're not difficult to fix by yourself and can stop bigger issues from developing. A rusty mechanism is among the most frequent causes of a stuck lock. This is easily remedied with a little cleaning and the application of lubrication. Dry lubricant like sprays of WD-40 or GT85 spray, is a common solution. The key is then inserted into the lock and then rotated back and forth in order to spread lubricant on the internal mechanisms. door lock repair & services near me is then removed and the lock should turn smoothly. Another option is to choose an lubricant made of graphite. Graphite is a great grease for small metal parts and doesn't sludge away or attract dirt as oil-based solutions do. Many hardware stores carry powdered graphite which can be directly applied to the keyhole. You can also use pencils, which are made of the same material. It is recommended to clean off any excess lubricant after applying it to stop it from building up and causing future problems. If your lock is stuck and isn't moving after trying all the above suggestions, it's time to call a professional locksmith who will evaluate the situation and decide what the best course of actions is. Locks that are stuck if not addressed can escalate into major annoyances and can lead to keys snapping out of the lock, or even the door handle. The act of ignoring a stuck lock can be a huge hassle It's best to act earlier rather than later. Regular lubrication can prevent these problems from occurring in the first place. In addition to your regular maintenance routine can give you peace of mind that your locks are operating effectively, protecting your home.