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How to Tell If Your Locks Need Repair Lubricating your door lock may help. If it wiggles around when the key is inserted, it's time to call for professional lock repair or replacement. In some cases the case, a newer, more secure lock might be more cost-effective than attempting to fix a damaged lock. Damaged Cylinder If your lock's cylinder is stiff or your key isn't turning easily, this is a sign that the cylinder is damaged. A damaged cylinder can make your home vulnerable to burglaries and must be fixed immediately. You can try lubricating your lock to see if this helps however, if you are unable to fix it yourself then a locksmith should be contacted. Cylinder lock problems are typically caused by rust and corrosion over time. You can stop this from happening by regularly applying a protective coat of paint on the surface of the lock. Check that the weather strip is also in good condition. This can cause water to seep into the cylinder and weaken it over time. A misalignment between the cylinder and the keyhole in the door is a common issue. This can be caused by many reasons, including loose screws or a misaligned keyway on the handle. To fix it, you'll need to remove the screws that hold the cylinder. Then slowly adjust it. Be sure not to tighten the screws too much, as this can damage the components. One way to ensure that your cylinder in good shape is to use a graphite-based lubricant. It is typically available at hardware stores and can be applied directly to the cylinder. The lubricant will help the key turn easily and will also assist in preventing future lock issues. If the cylinder is completely damaged, you may need to replace it. Fortunately, this is a relatively easy job that can be accomplished at home. The first step is to remove the faceplate. Once this is done it's time to disassemble the lock and cylinder. After you've removed your cylinder, be sure to note any set screws that are holding it in place. These are important to identify to make it easier to reassemble the cylinder later on. Finally, make sure you make use of a screwdriver with a fine tip for accessing small spaces within the lock. It is also advisable to keep a few ziplock bags to store the parts you remove for future reference. Handles or Knobs with loose knobs With time and use door knobs or handles are likely to become loose. This can cause a huge problem for employees as well as customers. The good part is that this issue is usually fixable and doesn't require a professional locksmith service. In general, loose doorknobs can be caused by the same issues that cause locks to move and pull away from the doors: wear and age loose screws, mismatched components. It is also possible that the building or property has shifted slightly and can affect how tightly a door handle rests on the lock. It is possible to fix loose knobs or handles however, you need the proper tools. Also, be careful not to over tighten the screw. This could damage the doorknob or handle. It's also beneficial to have a second hand to assist you in tightening and twisting the doorknob. It is essential to locate the loose screw. The screw is usually hidden behind a cap with a decorative design that covers the mounting rings for the lockset. To remove the decorative cover and expose the mounting rings for the lockset, you will need to push a lever or button using an awl. The nuts can be tightened by turning it clockwise. Certain modern doorknobs are constructed with a different method of fixing. They utilize a device referred to as a detent and are attached to the door using concealed screws. This kind of fastener is slightly more complicated but can be easily fixed by following the same procedure above. After the screw has been tightened, it is an ideal idea to put a washer on top of the screw. This will stop the screw from becoming loose in the future. This is particularly crucial for doorknobs made of wood which may have a damaged screw hole from repeated use. Washers are readily available in any hardware store and are a simple and quick way to solve a daily problem. Be sure to select the right washer to the screw you use in the doorknob. Poorly cut key The most common reason why a key isn't able to turn inside your lock is that it was not cut properly. It could be due to a bad copy that was made by locksmiths, or due to the fact that the original key has become worn over time. It is crucial to only choose a reliable locksmith when you need keys copied or your locks rekeyed. A locksmith should always look over keys to determine the correct cut depth and make sure they are evenly spaced across the key. A professional locksmith will examine the lock and identify the issue. They will then provide solutions, such as replacing pins or adjusting the lock cylinder. It is a good idea to bring the key that doesn't turn when you visit a locksmith, so they can test it in their duplicator. This will ensure that the key has been cut correctly, and that it fits your locks properly. If the key won't fully fit into the lock, it could be due to dirt or debris that have accumulated in the lock. Lubricating the lock using graphite or a silicone-based lubricant can help unblock tumblers which are stuck or blocked. Another common problem is that a key was not cut precisely when it was initially made. This can happen when someone attempts to make a low-cost and quick replica of a key. Only locksmiths with the tools and knowledge required can create high-quality duplicates. If you have a broken key in the lock, you can use a pair needle-nosed pliers or tweezers it. You should avoid inserting the pliers' tip or the tweezers too deeply. This can cause more damage. It is much easier for a locksmith to remove the broken piece without causing damage to the lock mechanism. Bring the broken key to the locksmith for them create a new key using their duplicator. Sagging Locks A sagging lock could be the cause of your inability to lock your door. This could cause the latch or bolt to get stuck within the door frame and could make closing the door more difficult. This could cause drafts and create a bigger gap between the frame and the door. Both can be damaged as time passes. Fortunately, sagging locks are easy to repair. You can usually fix them by tightening the hinge screws. If this doesn't work, you can try lubricating the lock. car central lock repair near me can try using graphite powder, or a silicone based fluid. Choose a lubricant that doesn't harm the lock over time. A misaligned lock is a common issue that can affect a door's ability to open and close properly. This could be due to the door being not installed correctly, or an extreme temperature change that can cause the doors and frames to move. This problem, if ignored, could make your home or business more vulnerable. You'll first need to check that the frame and door are on the same plane. If not then you'll need to adjust the hinges to the proper height and align. The next step is to check the mortise and strike plate. You can move the strike plate if it is sliding using a hammer or chisel. After you have relocated it and tested it, make sure it is aligned with the latch. Contact a locksmith if have issues with your lock. If you own a Yale lock, mortice lock, or uPVC lock, locksmiths can help solve the issue and ensure that your door is secure. Only certain damage to locks can be repaired. You should never attempt to bend the damaged bolt back to its original position in order to weaken the bolt and possibly damage the cylinder itself. It is best to consult a professional if you are having issues that are serious. They'll assess the damage, and let you know what your options are.