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Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself When a door lock starts to appear worn it is crucial to have it replaced promptly. Your home could be open to burglars. Most of the common problems that arise with door locks can be fixed without calling a professional. Find out more about the most frequent problems with door locks and how to fix them yourself. Damaged Lock Cylinder Car owners should be aware of and watch for any damage to door lock cylinders though they are less common in the latest vehicles, since power door locks are now the norm. This is the tumbler that your keys slide into. It's prone to wear or break and cause keys to become stuck or difficult to turn. If you see this happening to your vehicle, it's important to act quickly to prevent the issue from worsening. The easiest method to fix this problem is by spraying the inside of the cylinder with compressed air to clear of any obstructions that could be hindering it. You could also try lubricating it using a graphite or silicone spray, but be cautious not to use too much as this can cause the pins to wear out more quickly. If your key doesn't turn, it might be time to replace the cylinder, or repair it by locksmiths. Once you've sprayed the piston and tried another key, it might be necessary to loosen the screws that keep the cylinder in place and manually move it so that it is aligned properly with the keyhole on the door. Close the screws but not too tight since this could cause internal components to wear out or be damaged. Depending on the type of lock, you may have to remove the faceplate as well to gain access to the screw heads that secure it. If this is the case, you'll locate them behind seams or indentations along the edge of the faceplate or by inserting a putty knife or screwdriver into these areas. After you've removed the faceplate, you'll need to make use of a screwdriver to remove the internal parts of the lock and replace any worn or damaged. When reassembling the lock, be sure to attach the faceplate securely and secure the screws. Check the cylinder by inserting and turning it. If you're experiencing issues then it's time to contact an expert for assistance as the lock cylinder may require a change. Loose Door Handles Over time, the handle of a door will loosen and start to spin or drop completely. This could be a major problem as it makes the door difficult to open and puts at risk those using it. It is important to know the reason for the handle being loose and how it can be repaired. This is usually caused by loose screws in the doorplate. Modern doors may have chassis screws hidden in the door that are hard to reach, while older styles will have them exposed and accessible. These screws can be tightened easily. It is recommended to utilize a threadlocker for locking them in the right position. If the screw is visible, you can remove it and tighten the screws. You might need to loosen the ring on the base of the handle first, and then you can pry it off from the knob while pressing the metallic detent pin. The mounting plate screws can be tightened by removing the rose. You should also check the strike plate screws which secure the plate to the edge of the doorway, which the latch clicks into when it is closed. Sometimes, the issue could be due to the spring cassette of the handle. This may break down over time, but it's usually simply due to wear and tear, and will require an easy replacement. You can do this yourself, or have a local locksmith will install it for you. There are a variety of cassettes that are available and you should get the right one for the type of handle you have. This could also be due to a damaged mounting plate or ring but it is rare for handles that are newer. You can usually find a similar replacement to yours at a hardware store or online. After you have installed the new part you will have to tighten all fixings and then reconnect the handle. Re-aligning the holes in the handle with the holes on your plate is also essential. If you're concerned about this being too much of a DIY job, your locksmith can provide an estimate for this service. Keys that won't turn There are a variety of reasons that keys may not rotate inside locks. Often this is due to an absence of the lubrication. This can be remedied with a lubricant such as WD-40, silicone-based spray, or graphite lubricant. Applying the lubricant and inserting the key will allow the pins to move upwards and downwards and this should allow the key to open the lock. Sometimes, the key itself might be the problem. Making use of a key as a box cutter, can opener, or for something else other than getting into your home could result in the tip of the key to become blunt over time. This can stop the key from fitting into the lock cylinder correctly and could result in it getting stuck or trapped inside the lock. In this situation, re-tipping the key with the aid of a bastard tool can help it fit better. A key that isn't turning in a lock could also be damaged or bent. The edge of a key may be bent when it is used to open or cut cans. www.g28carkeys.co.uk could also stop the key from fitting into the lock cylinder in a proper way. In this instance, you may need to re-tippe the key using a bastard or replace the entire key. It is vital to be aware that gluing the two pieces of metal together will not work in the event that a key has been damaged inside the lock. This could cause further damage to the locking mechanism. It is best to contact a locksmith that provides keys that can be replaced. If the key isn't damaged, it is likely that the cylinder of the lock is blocked by dust or other debris. In this case, it can be helpful to warm up the cylinder by putting the key in hot water for a few minutes. Once the cylinder is warm it is then possible to insert the key and unlock the door. You can also use a hair dryer to blow air directly into the lock mechanism, allowing it to warm up and then thaw it out. Sticky Locks Locks are an integral component of the security of your home. However, they're often ignored until they stop working properly. The problem of sticky locks is a common problem, but they're not difficult to fix by yourself, and doing so will stop larger problems from arising. A rusty mechanism is one of the most common causes for a stuck lock. This can be easily cured with a little cleaning and lubrication. The most common method is to use a dry lubricant such as WD-40 or GT85 spray. The key is then inserted into the lock and rotated back and forth to spread the lubricant throughout the internal mechanisms. The key should now be removed and the lock should turn smoothly once again. A graphite lubricant can be another alternative. Graphite is a fantastic for lubricant that can be used on small metal parts. It doesn't get soiled or attract dirt, unlike oils-based solutions. Powdered graphite is sold in many hardware stores and can be sprayed onto the keyhole directly. You can also use a pencil to serve the same purpose, since it's made of the same material. Always wipe away any lubricant that you may have applied after you've used it. This will stop it from building up and causing future problems. If you've tried these suggestions and your lock doesn't change, it could be time to call in an expert locksmith to evaluate the situation and determine the best option. If you ignore locks that are sticky, they could become a major problem and cause keys to break inside the lock. Ignoring a sticking lock can be extremely frustrating and it's better to take action sooner rather than later. Regular lubrication can help to keep these kinds of issues from occurring in the first in the first. You can have peace of assurance that your locks will work effectively and protect your home by including this in your annual maintenance tasks.