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How to Do Your Own Lock Repair When your locks become faulty If your locks fail, you can repair them yourself or hire an professional locksmith. However, repair of locks can be a challenge and the wrong approach could lead to further damage. The first step is to ensure that the issue isn't caused by dust or dirt. This is usually resolved by applying a graphite spray or silicone based fluid. 1. Door Knobs or Handles that are loose Door knobs and handles may be loose as time passes, which could result in a jiggly door handle or knob that is difficult to open. Loose door knobs aren't just annoying, they can compromise your building's security, so it is important to find and resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Fortunately, a broken doorknob or handle is relatively easy to fix. Based on upvc window locks repair Repair My Windows And Doors of lock system that is installed on 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 obscures the screws holding the lock together. This method is more difficult in the case of an underlay that hides the screws. The majority of doorknobs for interior use are designed to slip over a cylindrical spindle, that is inserted into the door as part of the latch assembly. If yours is jiggly it could be due to a small screw called a setscrew located inside the knob that prevents it from sliding over spindle. You can utilize a flashlight to locate the set screw, then tighten it with an Allen wrench. Once the screw is tightened then turn the knob to check if it feels solid. If the knob is jiggly it could be because the screw that sets it hasn't been placed correctly. Find an oblique button that is positioned to match the spindle to ensure the screw is in the proper position. Slide the knob over the spindle after pressing the button using the flathead screwdriver. The knob should move into the proper position after you have done this, which indicates that it is properly positioned on the spindle. After ensuring the set screw is properly positioned and tighten it once more to secure the knob or handle in place. This should resolve the issue however, if it doesn't, you may need to remove the knob and examine the backplate for missing or loose screws. You'll need to replace the screws in the event of this before you can install the knob or handle. If you're not happy with this type of repair, seek out a professional locksmith who offers damaged lock repair to help. 2. The key won't turn inside the lock There are a variety of reasons why your key could stop turning inside the lock. One of the most common reasons is that the pins inside the cylinder have begun to wear out and, consequently, they do not have the right shape to move the wafers, sliders or tumblers that allow the key to open the lock. In this instance the best solution is to spray the lock with graphite spray or lubricant made of silicone to coat the pins and help them move again. However, if the problem is much more serious and the key is bent out of shape, it may be necessary to have it professionally straightened. A professional locksmith will employ a special tool that has a curved edge to fit into the groove that runs along the edge of the key. This kind of tool isn't readily available in hardware stores, but you can purchase an entire kit of the correct tools online or at an establishment that sells locksmith tools. A soiled or dirty lock is a different possibility. Dust can accumulate over time in the lock's cylinder and causes the springs or pins to get stuck. In this situation, you'll need spray the lock with WD-40, graphite spray or a silicone-based lubricant to get rid of it and then reposition the pins back to their original positions. If the key itself has become damaged, it could also be a problem. A key can be worn down over time by frequent use, which could result in the groves wearing down or even become smoother. This could lead to the key not fitting into the cylinder, therefore it's important to pay attention and make sure whether your key fits properly. Locks can freeze in the winter months. This can stop the springs and pins from moving when keys are put in. This can be a frustrating issue however, it can be resolved by warming the lock by using hot water and then re-lubricating it. If the lock is damaged beyond repair or has frozen, it will need to be replaced. 3. The lock isn't turning It can be frustrating to find a lock that won't turn or open. If it happens frequently you may want to contact locksmiths to come examine the lock and see if they are able to assist. This isn't always needed, as some problems can be solved by yourself. Often the key won't turn in a lock due to it is damaged. This can happen if you've lost your keys or it's broken in the lock. Instead of trying to get the key from the lock, which could cause it to be further pushed into the mechanism, and increase the risk using needle-nosed pliers, you should remove the key from the lock. Be careful not to break any of the broken piece using the pliers, or you may damage the lock. You may also have a misaligned lock, which could cause the door not to latch properly. If you have an additional lock key, you can test it to ensure that the lock is working properly. If you do discover that the lock isn't aligned properly tightening the screws on 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 dirt or dust in the lock that is blocking it from turning. This issue can be resolved by using the lubricant based on silicon or graphite to coat the pins of the lock. This will allow them to move up & down in a normal manner. Avoid using products that contain oil, such as WD-40 as they could cause more blockages in the future. It's also worth noting that there are some types of keys that aren't able to fit in all locks. If this is the case, you may require a new key manufactured by a local shop for hardware. 4. The Cylinder is Rotating When a cylinder is rotated in a confinement gap, it can result in the formation of hairpin vortices which can cause significant forces on the cylinder. These forces are proportional the dimensionless radius x of curvature and the confinement factor. The cylinder's tube, head, and main body are made of aluminum alloy. If you're able to get your key in and turn it, but the lock isn't rotating it could be due to an issue with the cylinder. Rekeying your lock may fix this issue. There are kits designed for this purpose that can be purchased online or in many big box stores.