15 Gifts For The Lock Repair Lover In Your Life

How to Do Your Own Lock Repair You can fix your locks yourself, or engage a professional locksmith when they become faulty. Lock repair can be tricky and if you take the wrong route, it could result in more damage. The first step is to confirm that the issue isn't caused by dirt or dust. Graphite spray or silicone-based lubricant are a good choice to eliminate this issue. 1. Door Knobs or Handles that are loose Over time door knobs and handles can become loose. This can result in a jiggly knob or handle that is difficult for you to open. It is important to fix loose door knobs because they are not only annoying but also can affect the security of your home. 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 a variety of options to fix this. Some lock systems have visible mounting screws that are accessible, while others use a backplate that obscures the screws holding it together. This method is more complex if your door uses a backplate that conceals the screws. Most interior doorknobs come with a small screw known as a setscrew that is located on the inside of the knob, which prevents it from sliding over the spindle. This is a part of the latch assembly. If yours is jiggly it could be due to a tiny screw, known as a setscrew, located inside the knob that blocks it from sliding across spindle. You can utilize a flashlight to locate the set screw, then tighten it with an Allen wrench. After the screw has been tightened by turning the knob, test if it is solid. If your knob feels like it's jiggly, then the set screw isn't in place correctly. Find the small button that matches the spindle to make sure the screw is in the right position. Press the button using the flat-head screwdriver, then slide the knob over the spindle. The knob should click into position as you do this, signalling that it is in the correct position on the spindle. Once you have ensured that the set screw has been positioned correctly and tightened it again to ensure that the knob is secured. This should solve the issue If not then you might have to take the knob off and inspect the backplate for loose or missing screws. If this is the case, you'll need to replace these screws before re-securing the knob or handle. If you're not comfortable with this type repair, you must seek out a professional locksmith who offers repair for damaged locks to assist. 2. Key won't turn in the Lock There are many reasons why your lock key may stop turning. One of the most common reasons is that the pins inside 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 silicone-based lubricant or graphite spray can help coat the pins and make them move again. If the issue is more serious and the key has bent, you may have to have it straightened by a professional. A professional locksmith will employ a special tool that has an edge that is curved to fit into the groove at the tip of the key. This kind of tool can't be found in hardware stores. However, you can purchase a kit that includes the essential tools online or from a locksmith. A soiled or dirty lock is a different possibility. The accumulation of dust over time can cause problems in the lock's cylinder and cause the pins or springs to become stuck. In this instance, spray the lock with graphite or WD-40 spray to clean out the pins and restore them to their original places. It could also be a problem when the key has been damaged. Over time, repeated use can cause wear and tear on the grooves on a key. This can lead to the key not fitting into the cylinder, which is why it's important to pay attention and make sure whether your key fits properly. In the winter months locks can freeze, which prevents the springs and pins from moving when the key is inserted. This is a problem that can be frustrating, but it is usually fairly easy to solve by warming the lock using hot water and then using a lubricant to re-lubricate it. If the lock is damaged beyond repair, or has frozen the lock, it will have to be replaced. 3. The lock isn't turning If you've ever encountered a lock that doesn't turn and isn't able to be opened, it can be very frustrating. If it happens frequently you may want to contact locksmiths to come check it out and see if they are able to assist. This isn't always needed, as some problems can be fixed by yourself. The key won't turn in the lock if damaged. This can happen if you've lost your key, or it is broken in the lock. Rather than trying to fish it out of the lock, which could cause the broken piece of the key to push further into the mechanism and cause the issue to get worse, try using needle-nosed pliers to take it out of the lock. Be careful not to break off any of the broken piece by using the pliers or you may end up damaging the lock. double glazing window lock repairs may also have a misaligned lock, which can cause the door to latch properly. If you're fortunate enough to have an additional key, it can be tested inside the lock to ensure that it functions properly and isn't the cause of the problem. If you discover that the lock is not aligned correctly, tightening the screws around the strike plate will fix the problem and allow the lock to work normally. Another reason why your key may not be turning is that there is dust or dirt in the lock that is blocking it from moving. This issue can be resolved by using the lubricant based on silicon or graphite to coat the pins of the lock. This allows them to move up & down as normal. It is recommended to avoid oil-based products like WD-40 as they could cause more clogging in the future. Lastly, it's worth noting that there are certain types of keys that simply can't fit into all locks. If yours is one of them then it's time to get a replacement key made at the local hardware store so that it can be used inside the lock. 4. The Cylinder Is Rotating Hairpin vortices may form when a cylinder is rotated within a confinement. These vortices can impose significant forces on the cylinder rotating. The force is proportional to dimensions of the curvature radius x and the confinement factor. The cylinder's tube, head and main body are composed of aluminum alloy. If you're able to get your key in and turn it but the lock isn't turning it could be due to an issue with the cylinder itself. Rekeying the lock can fix the issue. There are kits made for this purpose, and can be purchased on the internet or at many big box stores.