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Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself It is essential to repair locks on doors when it begins to begin to show signs. Otherwise, you could be leaving your property vulnerable to break-ins. Most of the common problems in door locks can be resolved without contacting an expert. Learn more about the most common issues with door locks and how to fix them yourself. Damaged Lock Cylinder While they aren't as prevalent on newer vehicles as power door locks become standard vehicle security, car owners must be aware of and watch for any damage to their door lock cylinders. This is the tumbler that the key slides into and it can wear out or break and cause your keys to become stuck when you insert them or turn in a sharp. If you notice this happening to your vehicle, it's important to take action quickly to prevent the issue from getting worse. The most effective way to address this issue is to spray the inside of the cylinder with compressed air in order to clear out any debris that could be hindering it. You may also try lubricating the cylinder by using a graphite or a silicone spray, but make sure not to apply too much as this can cause the pins to wear down more quickly. If your key doesn't turn, it might be time to replace the cylinder, or repair it by a locksmith. Once you've sprayed the cylinder and tried a different key, it might be necessary to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder and manually move it so that it is aligned with the keyhole on the door. The screws should be tightened but not too tight because this could cause internal components to wear out or be damaged. You may also have to take off the faceplate of the lock in accordance with the type of lock. You can locate them by looking behind gaps, seams, or indentations on the edges of your faceplate. You can also make use of a screwdriver or a knife to reach these areas. After you have removed the faceplate of the lock, you can make use of a screwdriver to disassemble its internal components. Replace any damaged or worn parts. Install the lock and attach the faceplate securely. Secure the screws. Also, test the cylinder to ensure that it can be turned and inserted without any issues. If you're experiencing issues you should consult an expert because the lock cylinder could require replacement. Loose Door Handles Sometimes the handle of a door loosens over time and can begin to spin freely or fall off the door completely. This can be a problem since it makes it difficult to open the door and can put people at risk. It is essential to understand the reason for the handle being loose and how to fix it. This is often caused by a loose screw in the doorplate. Modern doors may have difficult-to-reach chassis screws, while older styles have them visible and easily accessible. You can tighten these easily but it is preferential to use a threadlocker, which will secure the screws in the correct position. If the screw is visible, you can remove it and tighten the screws. You may have to loosen the ring around the base of the handle before you can pry the knob away while pressing the metal detent pin. You can then remove the rose and expose the screws on the mounting plate that you can tighten. Check the strike plate screws, which hold the plate in place at the edge of the doorway. This is where the latch snaps in when it closes. Sometimes, the problem is with the spring cassette inside the handle. It's prone to wear over time. A simple replacement is usually needed. You can do it yourself, or your local locksmith can install it for you. There are a variety of cassettes that are available and you should get the right one for your handle type. It could also be due to a damaged mounting ring or faceplate, but this is very rare with newer handles. You can locate the replacement in a hardware store or online. After you've installed the new piece, you should tighten up all fixings and then re-attach the handle. Aligning the holes in the handle with the holes on your plate is also important. If you're worried about this being too much of a DIY project the locksmith you choose can provide an estimate for this service. Keys that don't turn There are many reasons why keys don't turn inside locks. Often, automotive lock repair is due to a lack of the lubrication. You can fix this by using a lubricant like WD-40 or a silicone-based spray. The pins will move upwards and downwards when you insert the key and apply the oil. Sometimes, the key is the problem. Utilizing a key for an instrument for cutting boxes, a can opener, or for something other than entering your home can result in the tip of the key to become blunt over time. This can stop the key from fitting into the lock cylinder in a proper way, which could lead to it becoming stuck or trapped inside the lock. Re-tipping the lock key using the aid of a bastard tool could aid in fitting it better. A key that is not turning in a lock may be damaged or bent. The tip of a key can become bent if it is used to open or cut cans. This can also prevent the key from fitting into the lock cylinder properly. In this instance it is possible to re-tippe the key using a bastard file or replacing the entire key might be necessary to fix the problem. If keys have snapped inside of the lock, it's crucial to keep in mind that trying to join the two pieces of metal back to each other won't work. This could cause further damage to the locking mechanism. It is best to contact a locksmith who offers replacement keys. If the key is not broken, it could be that the cylinder of the lock is blocked by dust or other debris. In this case, it may be helpful to warm the cylinder by placing the key into 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 thaw out the mechanism. Sticky Locks Locks are a crucial part of your home security. Locks are often overlooked, until they stop working properly. Sticky locks are a common issue, but they're difficult to fix by yourself, and doing so can stop bigger issues from arising. One of the most likely reasons for a locked that is sticky is simply that the mechanism has become dirty and grimy. It can be repaired with a little cleaning and lubrication. The most common method is to make use of a dry lubricant, like WD-40 or GT85 spray. The key is put into lock and rotated back and forward in order to spread grease on the internal mechanisms. The key is now removed and the lock will turn smoothly once again. Another option is to choose an lubricant made of graphite. Graphite is an excellent lubricant for small metal parts and won't wash away or attract dirt like oil-based solutions. Powdered graphite is available in many hardware stores and can be applied to the keyhole directly. You can use a pencil, which is made of the same material. Always clean up any excess lubricant you have applied after applying it to stop it from accumulating and becoming a source of future problems. If your sticky lock isn't moving after trying all the above suggestions It's time to contact a professional locksmith who can assess the situation and determine what the best course of actions is. Sticky locks that aren't addressed can become major nuisances and result in keys snapping in the lock or even in the door handle. Ignoring a sticking lock can be extremely frustrating and it's better to take action sooner rather than later. Regular lubrication can to prevent the problem from happening in the first place. You can have peace of peace of mind knowing that your locks work effectively and protect your home by adding this to your regular maintenance schedule.