15 Gifts For The Locks Repair Lover In Your Life
How to Tell If Your Locks Need Repair
If your door lock is hard to turn, lubricating it may aid. If it moves when you insert the key then it's time to call for professional lock repair or replacement.
In certain circumstances it might be more cost effective to replace a lock with a safer one.
Damaged Cylinder
If the lock's cylinder feels stiff or the key is not moving smoothly, it could indicate that the cylinder is damaged. A damaged cylinder could make your door vulnerable to burglars. It is best to fix it in the shortest time possible. Try lubricating the lock to see if this helps however, if you are unable to repair it on your own then a locksmith should be called.
Rust and corrosion are the most common causes of cylinder lock problems. It is possible to prevent this by regularly painting the lock surface with an anti-corrosive coating. Check that the weather strip is in good condition. If not, it could cause water to leak in and weaken the cylinder over time.
A misalignment of the cylinder and the keyhole of the door is another frequent problem. This could be due to various reasons, such as loose screws or a misaligned keyway on the handle. To fix the issue you'll have to take off the screws that hold the cylinder. Then, gently adjust it. Be careful not to tighten them too much because this could damage the parts.
Make use of a graphite lubricant in order to ensure that your cylinder is operating properly. This is typically found in hardware stores and can be applied directly to the cylinder. The lubricant will assist the key turn easily and also prevent future lock problems.
You may have to replace the cylinder if it's completely damaged. This is a relatively easy task that you can tackle at home. The first step is to take off the faceplate from the lock. After removing the faceplate, you can begin disassembling the lock cylinder. After you've removed your cylinder, you should note any set screws that are keeping it in place. It is essential to note these for later removal.
Also, make sure to make use of a screwdriver with a fine tip for getting into tiny spaces inside the lock. You should also keep a few ziplock bags on hand to keep the pieces you remove for future reference.
car door lock repairs that are loose or handles
As time passes and usage increases door knobs or handles can get loose. This can cause a huge issue for employees as well as customers. This problem is usually simple to fix and doesn't require an emergency locksmith service.
In general, loose doorknobs are often the result of the same factors that cause locks to move and pull away from the doors: wear and age loose screws, mismatched components. It's also possible the business or home has shifted slightly, which can impact how tightly a door handle sits on the lock.
It is possible to fix knobs or handles that are loose, but you must have the right tools. Be careful not overtighten the screw. This could damage the doorknob or handle. It's also beneficial to have a second hand available to assist you in twisting and tightening the doorknob.
First, it is crucial to identify the screw that is loose. This is normally found under a decorative cover that protects the ring that holds the lockset. You'll need to press the lever or button with an awl or the point of the screwdriver's small flat blade to take off the cover and expose the ring that holds the lockset. The nut can be tightened by turning it counterclockwise.
Certain of the modern doorknobs have different methods of fastening. The doorknobs are fastened to the doors using hidden screws and a device referred as a detent. This type of fastener may be a bit more complicated but it is still fixed with the same steps.
After the screw has been tightened, it is recommended to place a washer over the screw. This will prevent the screw from loosening in the future. This is especially important for wooden doorknobs that can get a stripped screwhole from repeated use. Washers can be purchased at any hardware store, and they are a quick and easy way to end a daily inconvenience. Pick a washer that is compatible with the screw on the doorknob.
Poorly cut key
Poorly cut keys are the most common reason why a key isn't turning in your lock. It could be the result of a poor copy made by locksmiths or the original key getting worn down over time. If you require keys copied or have your locks rekeyed, it's essential to choose a reputable local locksmith.
A locksmith will always examine the key for the proper cut depth and ensure that they are evenly distributed across the key. A reputable locksmith will look over the lock to find the root of the problem and come up with the best solution for you, whether it's replacing the pins or adjusting the cylinder of the lock.
It's recommended to bring the key that doesn't turn when you visit a locksmith so they can check it out in their duplicator. This will make sure that the key is cut correctly, and that it will fit your locks correctly.
If a key does not fit fully into the lock it could be due to dirt or debris that has built up inside of the lock. Lubricating the lock with graphite or a silicone-based lubricant can help unblock tumblers which are blocked or stuck.
Another problem that can be found is that a key was not cut precisely when it was initially created. This can happen if someone attempts to make a cheap and quick duplicate of an existing key. It is important to only trust a professional locksmith with the tools and experience required to make high-quality copies.
If you've lost a key in the lock you can use a pair needle-nosed pliers or tweezers the broken key. Be careful not to push the end of the pliers the tweezers to far, as this can cause more damage and it will be much easier for a professional to pull the broken piece out without causing further damage to the lock mechanism. It is also a good idea to bring the key that broke when you go to the locksmith to make use of their duplicator to create the replacement for you.
Sagging Locks
A sliding lock could be a cause of your inability to lock your door. This can cause the bolt or latch to become stuck in the door frame, and it can make closing the door more difficult. It can also cause drafts, and create a bigger gap between the frame and the door and could cause damage to both in the course of time.
Fortunately, sagging locks can be easy to repair. They are usually fixed by tightening the screws on the hinges. If it doesn't work, then you can try lubricating the lock. You can use graphite powder or a silicon based lubricant. Be sure to select a lubricant that won't harm the lock over time.
Another issue that can hinder the ability of a door to properly shut and open is a locked system that isn't aligned properly. This could be caused by a door not being installed correctly, or the weather changing, which causes the doors and frames to move. If left untreated can make your home or business vulnerable.
To fix this, you'll need to start by examining the door and frame to see whether they're at the same level. If not, you'll have to reposition the door hinges to ensure they're aligned and at the proper height.
The next step is to inspect the mortise and strike plate. If the strike plate is slipping out and is not repositioning properly, you can fix it with a hammer and chisel. After you've moved it back and checked it, ensure it is in alignment with the latch.
If you're experiencing issues with your lock, it might be time to contact a professional locksmith. Locksmiths can fix any lock, whether it's a Yale lock or a mortice lock.
Remember that only certain kinds of lock damage can be repaired. It is not recommended to bend a damaged bolt back to its original position in order to weaken it and could potentially cause damage to the cylinder. It's best to call in an expert if you're having issues that are serious. They'll be able to evaluate the damage and let you know what your options are.