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How to Do Your Own Lock Repair If your locks fail, you can try to repair them yourself or hire an expert locksmith. Repairing locks can be a challenge and a wrong choice could cause further damage. The first step is to make sure the problem is not caused by dirt or dust. This is usually resolved by applying a graphite-based spray or silicone based lubricant. 1. Door Handle or Knob Loose Over time doors knobs and handles may become loose. This can result in an unbalanced knob or handle that is difficult for you to open. Door knobs that are loose aren't just annoying but they can compromise your building's security, which is why it's essential to identify and solve the issue quickly. Fortunately, a broken doorknob or handle is relatively easy to repair. There are a few different ways to fix this depending on what kind of lock system your door is using. Some systems have exposed mounting screws that are accessible, while others utilize a backplate which conceals the screws that hold it together. If your door is the second type, this process may be more complicated. The majority of interior doorknobs have a small screw called a setscrew that is located on the inside of the knob, which prevents it from sliding across the spindle. This is part of the latch assembly. If yours is jiggly, it could be due to the small screw, also known as a set screw, located on the inside of the doorknob which is hindering it from sliding across the spindle. Make use of an flashlight to locate the screw and then use an Allen wrench to tighten it. After the screw has been tightened by turning the knob, check if it feels solid. If your knob still feels jiggly, it's possible that the set screw isn't positioned correctly. To make sure the screw is positioned correctly, look for a small, identical button on the spindle. Press the button using a flathead screwdriver, and then slide the knob across the spindle. The knob should click into place as you do this, signalling that it is in the correct position on the spindle. After you've confirmed that the set screw has been properly positioned, tighten it once more to secure the knob. If this does not resolve the problem, you may have to remove the knob from the backplate, and then check for loose or missing screws. You'll need to replace the screws if this is the situation before you can install the knob or handle. If you're uncomfortable with this type repair, call an expert who is skilled in repair of damaged locks. 2. The key won't turn inside the lock. There are Repair My Windows And Doors of reasons why your key might stop turning in the lock. One of the most frequent causes is that the pins in the cylinder have worn down. This means that they no longer have a proper shape that allows for the wafers or sliders to move with the key. In this situation spraying the lock with lubricant made of silicone or graphite spray can help coat the pins to make them move again. If the issue is more serious and the key has been bent it may be necessary to have it straightened by an expert. A professional locksmith will use an exclusive tool that has an angled edge that fits into the groove that runs along the edge of the key. This type of tool cannot be found in hardware stores. However, you can purchase an entire kit with the essential tools on the internet or from locksmiths. A dirty or contaminated lock is a different possibility. Over time, dust can build up in the lock's cylinder, which could cause the springs and pins to seize up. In this instance, spray the lock with WD-40 or graphite spray to clean out the pins and return them to their original position. It could also be a problem if the key has been damaged. Over time, the repeated use may wear out the grooves on a key. This could cause the key to not fit into the cylinder. It is essential to check regularly to make sure that the key is fitted correctly. In the winter months, locks can freeze, which can stop the pins and springs from moving when the key is inserted. This is a problem that can be frustrating however it is relatively simple to fix by warming up the lock using hot water and using a lubricant to re-lubricate 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 have locks that aren't turning or open. If it happens frequently you may want to contact a locksmith to come take a look and see if they can assist. It is not always necessary since some issues can be resolved by yourself. Sometimes, the key won't turn in a lock due to it's damaged. This could happen when you've lost your key or it's broken in the lock. Rather than trying to fish it out of the lock, which could cause the damaged piece of the key to push further inside the mechanism and make the problem much worse, try using needle-nosed pliers to take it out of the lock. Be careful not to scratch the lock by breaking off any of the broken key using the pliers. You may also have an incorrectly aligned lock, which can cause the door to latch properly. If you have an additional lock key, you can test it to ensure that the lock functions correctly. If you discover that the lock is not aligned correctly, tightening screws around the strikeplate could solve the issue and allow the lock to function normally. A lock might not rotate due to dust or dirt. This issue can be fixed by using the lubricant based on silicon or graphite to coat the pins of the lock. This allows them to move up & down normally. It is recommended to avoid oils-based products, like WD-40 for instance, as they can cause more obstructions in the future. It's important to note that some keys don't fit in all locks. If this is the case, you'll require a new key manufactured by a local shop for hardware. 4. The Cylinder is Rotating Hairpin vortices can form when a cylinder rotates in a confinement space. These vortices can exert significant forces on the cylinder rotating. These forces are proportional the the dimensionless curvature radius and the confinement factor. The cylinder's head, tube and main body are all made of aluminum alloy. If you're able insert 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 could resolve the issue. You can purchase kits for this purpose on the internet or in a lot of big box stores.