Five People You Should Know In The Lock Repair Industry
How to Do Your Own Lock Repair
You can fix your locks yourself or engage a professional locksmith when they begin to fail. However, lock repair can be a challenge and if you don't follow the correct procedure, it could result in further damage.
The first step is to ensure that the problem is not caused by dirt or dust. This can usually be cleared by applying some graphite spray or silicone-based lubricant.
1. Locked Door Knob or Handle
Over time, door lock window repairs knobs and handles could become loose. This can lead to a jiggly knob or handle that is difficult for you to open. Door knobs that are loose aren't just annoying but they could compromise your home's security, so it is essential to identify and resolve the issue as quickly as possible. A doorknob that is loose can be easy to fix. Depending on the type of lock system that is installed on your door, there are many solutions to fix it. Certain systems have mounting screws that are easy to access, whereas others have a backplate that hides the screws that hold the lock together. This method is more complex if your door uses a backplate that hides the screws.
Most doorknobs with interiors have a small screw called a setscrew on the inside of the knob, which prevents it from sliding over the spindle. This is part of the latch assembly. If yours feels jiggly, it could be due to tiny screws, referred to as a set screw, located on the inside of the doorknob which is keeping it from sliding over the spindle. Use flashlights to locate the set screw, and use an Allen wrench to tighten it. Once it's tightened, test the knob and check if it no longer feels as jiggly.
If your knob still feels uneven, it could be that the set screw isn't placed correctly. Look for the small button that matches the spindle to ensure the screw is in the right position. Place the knob on the spindle after pressing the button using the flathead screwdriver. The knob should click into place after you have done this, indicating it is in the correct position on the spindle.
After ensuring the set screw is properly positioned then tighten it once more to fix the knob or handle in the correct position. This should fix the problem however, if it doesn't, you may have to take the knob off and check the backplate for missing or loose screws. It is necessary to replace window locks upvc the screws in this case before you can reinstall the knob or handle. If you're not comfortable with this kind of repair, seek out a professional locksmith who offers repair for damaged locks to assist.
2. Key Won't Turn in the Lock
There are several reasons why your double Glazed Window lock repair key may stop turning. One of the most frequent reasons is that the pins within the cylinder are worn out. This means that they do not have the proper shape that allows the wafers or sliders to be moved by the key. In this instance, spraying the lock with lubricant made of silicone or graphite spray can help coat the pins in order to allow them to move again.
If the issue is more serious and the key is been bent out of shape you might need to have it straightened professionally. A professional locksmith can employ an instrument specifically designed to straighten the keys, which has an angled tip that fits into the groove that is recessed on the tip of the key. This kind of tool isn't available at hardware stores, however you can find a kit that includes the proper tools online or in an establishment that sells locksmith tools.
A soiled or dirty lock is also a possibility. Over time, dust may build up in the lock's the cylinder, which may cause the pins and springs to seize up. In this case, you'll be required to spray the lock with WD-40, graphite spray or a silicone-based lubricant to clean it out and then reposition the pins back to their original positions.
It could also be an issue when the key has been damaged. Over time, repeated use may wear out the grooves on a keys. This could lead to the key not fitting into the cylinder, therefore it's important to pay attention and regularly check whether your 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 heating the lock using hot water and then using an oil-based lubricant to re-lubricate it. If the lock is damaged beyond repair or has froze the lock, it will have to be replaced.
3. The Lock isn't Turning
If you've ever encountered locks that don't turn and can't be opened it can be incredibly frustrating. If it occurs frequently, you may want to contact a locksmith to come take a look and see if they can assist. This is not always necessary since some issues can be solved by yourself.
The key may not turn in a lock because it's damaged. This can happen if you've lost your keys or it's broken inside the lock. Instead of trying to pull the key out of the lock which could cause it to be further pushed into the mechanism and increase the risk you can use needle-nosedpliers to take the key from the lock. Be careful not to cut off any of the broken piece using the pliers, or you could end up damaging the lock.
There could be an incorrectly aligned lock, which can cause the door to latch properly. If you're lucky enough to have an additional key, it can be tested inside the lock to confirm that it works correctly and isn't the cause of the problem. If you discover that the lock is not correctly aligned, tightening screws around the strikeplate will solve the issue and allow the lock to function normally.
Another reason your key may not be turning is because there is dirt or dust in the lock preventing it from moving. This issue can be fixed by using a graphite or silicone-based lubricant to coat the pins of the lock. This will allow them to move up and down in a normal manner. It is important to avoid using oils-based products such as WD-40 to solve this problem, however, because they can cause clogging problems down the road.
It's also worth noting that there are certain kinds of keys that don't fit into all locks. If your key is one of these, it might be time to get a replacement upvc window locks key made at the local hardware store to ensure that it can be used in the lock.
4. The Cylinder is rotating.
When a cylinder rotates in a confinement gap, it could cause hairpin vortices to form which can cause significant forces on the cylinder. The force is proportional to the dimensionless radius x of curvature and the confinement factor. The cylinder's tube, head, and main body are composed of aluminum alloy.
If you're able insert your key in and turn it however the lock is still rotating there could be an issue with the cylinder itself. Rekeying the lock could fix this problem. There are kits designed for this purpose that can be purchased online or at most big box stores.