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How to Do Your Own Lock Repair You can fix your locks yourself, or employ a professional locksmith if they start to malfunction. However, repair of locks can be a challenge and if you don't follow the correct procedure, it could cause further damage. The first step is to confirm that the problem is not caused by dust or dirt. Graphite spray or a silicone-based oil can be used to clear this problem. 1. Door Knobs or Handles that are loose Over time doors knobs and handles can become loose. This can result in the knob or handle becoming jiggly that is difficult to open. It is crucial to repair loose door knobs as they can be a nuisance, but can compromise the security of your home. Fortunately, a broken doorknob or handle is relatively easy to repair. There are a few different methods to fix it, dependent on the lock system your door has. Certain lock systems come with easily accessible mounting screws, while others have backplates that conceal the screws. This is a more complicated method if your door uses a backplate that hides the screws. The majority of doorknobs for interior use are designed to slide over a cylindrical spindle, that is inserted into the door as part of the latch assembly. If yours is not jiggly, it could be due to a tiny screw called a setscrew located inside the knob that prevents it from sliding over spindle. Use an flashlight to locate the set screw, and then use an Allen wrench to tighten it. After the screw has been tightened then turn the knob to test if it is solid. If the knob is still uneven, it could be that the set screw isn't in place correctly. To ensure that visit this weblink is positioned correctly, look for a small, identical button on the spindle. Press the button with the flat-head screwdriver, then slide the knob over the spindle. The knob should click into position when you do this, signalling that it is in the correct position on the spindle. After ensuring that the set screw is in the correct position then tighten it once more to ensure that the knob or handle is in place. This should resolve the issue however, if it doesn't it is, you will have to take the knob off and examine the backplate for loose or missing screws. If this is the case, you will require replacing these screws before re-securing the knob or handle. If you aren't comfortable with this kind repair, you must call an expert locksmith who can offer damaged lock repair to help. 2. The key won't turn inside the lock. There are a number of reasons why your key might stop turning inside the lock. One of the most common causes is that the pins in the cylinder are worn out. This means that they do not have a proper shape to allow the sliders or wafers to move by the key. In this situation, spraying the lock with lubricant made of silicone or graphite spray will help coat the pins to enable them to move. 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 use an instrument specifically designed to straighten the key which is designed with an angled tip that fits into the recessed groove of the key's tip. This type of tool isn't readily sold at hardware stores, however you can purchase an entire kit of the correct tools online or in a locksmith shop. Another possibility is that the lock has become dirty or contaminated. As time passes, dust will build up in the lock's the cylinder, which may cause the springs and pins to swell up. In this case you'll have to spray the lock with graphite spray or a lubricant made of silicone to clean it out and restore the pins to their original position. It may also be a problem when the key has been damaged. Over time, the repeated use can cause wear and tear on the grooves on a keys. This could result in the key not being able to fit in the cylinder. It is essential to check frequently to ensure that the key fits correctly. Locks can freeze up during the winter months. This can stop the springs and pins from moving when keys are inserted. This can be a nagging issue, but is usually easily solved by warming the lock by using hot water and then changing the lubricant. If the lock is damaged or frozen beyond repair, it will likely require replacement by a professional. 3. The lock isn't turning If you've ever had a lock that doesn't turn and isn't able to be opened, it can be extremely frustrating. If this happens often you might want to think about having a locksmith come and take a look at the lock to determine whether they can assist. Luckily, this isn't always necessary as there are some issues that can be easily repaired without the need for professional assistance. Sometimes, the key won't turn in a lock due to it is damaged. It could happen when you've lost your key, or it's broken inside the lock. Instead of trying to pull it out of the lock which could cause the damaged 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 harm the lock by breaking off any piece of the damaged key using the pliers. You could also have an incorrectly aligned lock, which can cause the door to latch properly. If you happen to have an additional key, it can be tested inside the lock to confirm that it works correctly and isn't the issue. If you find that the lock is not properly aligned, tightening the screws around the strikeplate can solve the issue and let the lock to function normally. Another reason why your key may not be turning is because there is dust or dirt in the lock hindering it from turning. This problem can be solved by using a graphite or silicone-based lubricant to coat the pins of the lock. This allows them to move up and down as normal. It is recommended to avoid products that contain oil, like WD-40 as they could cause more blockages in the future. It's also worth noting that there are some types of keys that aren't able to fit into all locks. If this is the case, you'll need to have a new key manufactured by a local hardware shop. 4. The Cylinder is rotating. When a cylinder is turned in a confinement space, it could result in the formation of hairpin vortices which can cause significant forces on the cylinder. These forces are proportional to the curvature radius that is dimensionless x and the confinement factor k. The simplified model presented here predicts the effect of these parameters on the force and torque of the cylinder that is confined. The head, tube and the main body of the cylinder are constructed of aluminium alloy. If you are able to insert your key and turn it, but the lock is still rotating, the cylinder may be defective. Rekeying the lock could fix the issue. You can buy kits for this purpose online or in a lot of big box stores.