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Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself When a door lock starts to begin to show signs of wear it is crucial to have it replaced promptly. Your home could be open to burglars. Fortunately, many of the most common issues in door locks can be solved without the need for a professional. Learn more about the signs to look out for and how you can fix the problem at home. Damaged Lock Cylinder Car owners must be aware and look out for damage to the door lock cylinders, though they are less common in newer cars since power door locks have become the standard. This is the tumbler that the key slides into and it could be damaged or worn out which causes keys to become stuck when you insert them or turning hard. It's important that you immediately take action if you notice your vehicle experiencing this problem. The easiest way to fix this issue is to spray the inside of the cylinder with compressed air to clear out any debris that could be hindering it. You can also lubricate it with a silicone or graphite spray. Be careful not to overdo it as this will cause the pins wear out faster. If your key is still refusing to turn, it may be time to replace the cylinder, or have it professionally repaired by locksmiths. After spraying the cylinder with the appropriate spray and using a different kind of key, you may require to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder to its place. You can then manually move the cylinder to ensure that it is in alignment with the keyhole. Retighten the screws but not too much because this could cause internal components to wear out or get damaged. You may also need to remove the lock's faceplate depending on the type. If this is the case, you'll find them hidden behind seams or indentations at the faceplate's edge or by inserting the screwdriver or putty knife into these areas. After you've removed your faceplate, you can then employ a screwdriver for disassembling the internal components of the lock. You can then replace any damaged or worn. When reassembling the lock ensure that you secure the faceplate securely and fix the screws. You should also check the cylinder to make sure that it is able to be inserted and turned without issue. If you encounter difficulties doing this, it's likely that you should call an expert as the lock cylinder may require replacement. Loose Door Handles Over time, the handle of a door will loosen and start to spin or even fall off completely. This can be a big issue as it makes the door difficult to open and puts at risk those who use it. It is crucial to know why the handle is loose and how it can be repaired. It is usually caused by a loose screw on the doorplate. Modern doors may have hidden chassis screws that are hard to reach, however older styles will have them visible and easily accessible. These screws can be tightened easily. It is recommended to employ a threadlocker to secure them in place. If the screw is visible, you can take it off it and tighten the screws. You may have to loosen the ring around the base of the handle before you can take the knob off by pressing the metal detent pin. You can then remove the rose and expose the mounting plate screws, which you can then tighten. Examine the strike plate screws that secure the plate at the edge of the doorway. This is where the latch clicks in when it closes. Sometimes, the issue can be down to the spring cassette of the handle. It's prone to wear over time. A simple replacement is typically required. You can install it yourself or have a local locksmith install it for you. There are many cassettes, so be sure to select the appropriate one for your specific handle. It could also be due to a broken mounting plate or ring, but it is rare for handles that are newer. You can usually find a replacement at hardware stores or online. After you have fitted the new part you will need to tighten all the fixings and then reconnect the handle. It is also recommended to align the holes on the handle to the holes on the plate. If you're worried that this is too much of a do-it-yourself task, a locksmith will offer a price. Keys that won't turn There are many different reasons that keys may not turn inside of locks. This is often due to a lack lubrication. You can fix this by using a lubricant like WD-40 or a silicone-based spray. Applying the lubricant and then inserting the key will allow the pins to move up and down again and allow the key to open the lock. Sometimes, the key is the issue. The point of a key may become blunt over time if it is used for purposes other than just to gain entry into your home. This can stop the key from fitting into the lock cylinder correctly, which could lead to it becoming stuck or encased inside the lock. In this instance the re-tipping of the key using the aid of a bastard tool can help it fit into the lock better. Another reason why the key may not turn inside a lock is that it has been bent or damaged. Making use of keys as tools to cut things or as an opener for cans can cause the tip of the key to be bent, which could also prevent it from fitting into the lock cylinder correctly. In this situation you may have to re-tipping the key with a bastard or replace the entire key. It is crucial to understand that gluing two pieces of steel together won't work if a key has broken inside the lock. This can cause further damage to the locking mechanism. It is recommended to contact a locksmith who offers keys replacement. If the key isn't broken, it could be because the lock cylinder is blocked by dust or other debris. In this situation it could be beneficial to warm the cylinder by putting the key in hot water for a few minutes. Once the cylinder has warmed up, you should be in a position to insert the key into the cylinder to unlock the door. You can also use a hairdryer to blow hot air directly into the lock to help thaw out the mechanism. Sticky Locks Locks are a vital part of home security. But the fact is that they're often ignored until they stop working correctly. Locks that stick are a frequent problem, but they're not difficult to fix, and doing so can prevent larger issues from arising. One of the most likely causes for a sticky lock is simply that the mechanism has become dirty and grimy. It can be fixed with a bit of cleaning and lubrication. A dry lubricant, such as WD-40 spray or GT85 spray is a typical solution. The key is then put into the lock, and it is turned around and back to spread the lubricant across the internal mechanisms. The key is then removed, and the lock will be able to rotate smoothly once more. A graphite lubricant can be another alternative. lock and key repair near me www.g28carkeys.co.uk is an excellent grease for small metal parts and doesn't wash away or draw dirt like oil-based solutions. Powdered graphite is sold at a wide range of hardware stores and can be applied to the keyhole directly. You can also use pencils, which are made from the same material. Clean up any excess lubricant you have applied after having used it. This will prevent it from accumulating and creating future problems. If you've tried these suggestions and your sticky lock still won't budge, it may be time to contact a professional locksmith to assess the situation and determine the most effective course of action. If you do not take care of sticky locks, they can be a serious issue and cause keys to break in the lock. Ignoring a sticking lock can be extremely irritating and it's better to act earlier rather than later. Regularly lubricating your locks can help keep these issues from happening in the first place. You can be assured of peace of mind knowing that your locks function effectively and protect your home by including this in your annual maintenance tasks.