How to Do Your Own Lock Repair

When your locks become faulty You can attempt to fix them yourself or hire an expert locksmith. However, repair window lock 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 make sure the problem is not caused by dirt or dust. Graphite spray or a silicone-based lubricant can be used to clear this problem.

1. Door Knobs or Handles that are loose

As time passes door knobs and handles may become loose. This could result in an unbalanced knob or handle that is difficult to open. It is crucial to repair loose door knobs because they can be a nuisance and can also compromise the security of your building. A loose doorknob is relatively simple to fix. There are several ways to do this, dependent on the type of lock system your door has. Certain systems have mounting screws that are accessible, while others use a backplate that conceals the screws that hold it together. This method is more difficult in the case of an underlay that hides the screws.

Most doorknobs with interiors have a small screw called an setscrew located on the inside of the knob that prevents it from sliding over the spindle. This is part of the latch assembly. If yours is jiggly, it could be due to a small screw, called a set screw, located on the inside of the doorknob that's hindering it from sliding across the spindle. Use a flashlight to help you locate the screw and use an Allen wrench to tighten it. Once the screw is tightened, turn the knob to verify if it feels secure.

If the knob is still jiggly, it's possible that the set screw isn't positioned properly. Look for the small button that matches the spindle to ensure the screw is in the correct position. Press the button using a flathead screwdriver, and then slide the knob across the spindle. The knob should click into position after you have done this, which indicates that it is positioned correctly on the spindle.

Once you have ensured that the set screw is properly placed and tightened it again to ensure that the knob is secured. If this does not resolve the problem, you may need to remove the knob from the backplate and look for loose or missing screws. If this is the case, you will have to replace the screws before you can secure the knob or handle. If you're not comfortable with this type of Repair Window lock, call an expert who is skilled in damaged lock repair.

2. Key Won't Turn in the Lock

There are many reasons why your lock key may stop turning. One of the most common reasons is that the pins within the cylinder are worn down. This means that they do not have a proper shape that allows the wafers or sliders to be moved by the key. In this situation spraying the lock with lubricant made of silicone or graphite spray will coat the pins to enable them to move.

If the problem is more serious, and the key is bent, you may have tolock. Be careful not to damage the lock by breaking off any part of the broken key using the pliers.

You could also have a misaligned lock, which could cause the door not to latch properly. If you're lucky enough to have an extra key, it can be tested inside the lock to confirm that it works correctly and isn't the cause of the problem. If you discover that the lock isn't properly aligned, tightening the screws around the strikeplate can solve the issue and let the lock to function normally.

Another reason your key might not be turning is that there is dust or dirt in the lock hindering it from moving. This issue can be resolved by using the lubricant based on silicon or graphite to coat the pins of the lock. This will allow them to move up & down as normal. It is recommended to avoid oils-based products, like WD-40 as they could cause more obstructions in the future.

It's also worth noting that there are certain types of keys that don't be used in all locks. If yours is one of them, it might be time to purchase a replacement window locks key made at a local hardware store to ensure that it can be used in the lock.

4. The Cylinder is Rotating

Hairpin vortices may form when a cylinder is rotated in a confinement area. These vortices can exert significant forces on the cylinder that is rotating. These forces are proportional the the dimensionless curvature radius x and the confinement factor. The cylinder's head, tube and main body are composed of aluminum alloy.

If you're able to get your key in and turn it but the lock is still rotating there could be an issue with the cylinder itself. Rekeying the lock may solve the issue. There are kits specifically designed for this purpose that can be purchased online or in many big box stores.