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Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself It's important that you repair a door lock as soon as it starts to begin to show signs. You could leave your property open to burglars. Most of the common problems with door locks can be solved without contacting a professional. Learn more about the most frequent problems with door locks and how to fix them yourself. Damaged Lock Cylinder Although they are not as common on modern vehicles, as power door locks are now the norm, car owners should be aware of and look out for damage to their door lock cylinders. This is the tumbler that your key slides into. It is prone to wear out or break, causing keys to become stuck or hard to turn. If you notice this happening to your vehicle, it's crucial to take action quickly to prevent the issue from worsening. Spray compressed air into the cylinder to get rid of any debris that might be blocking it. You may also try lubricating the cylinder using a graphite or silicone spray, but be careful not to use too much as this can cause the pins to wear down faster. If your key doesn't turn, it could be time to replace the cylinder, or repair it by a locksmith. After you've sprayed your cylinder and tried another key, it might be necessary to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder in place and then manually move it so that it is aligned properly with the keyhole on the door. The screws should be tightened but not too tight since this could cause internal components to wear out or be damaged. Depending on the type of lock, you may have to remove the faceplate to gain access to the screw heads that hold it. You can find them by looking behind the seams, indentations, or holes on the outside of your faceplate. You can also employ a screwdriver or knife to reach these areas. Once you've removed the faceplate, you can then employ a screwdriver for disassembling the internal parts of the lock and replace any worn or damaged. When assembling the lock ensure that you secure the faceplate securely and fix the screws. You should also check the cylinder to make sure that it can be turned and inserted without issue. If you're having issues you should contact an expert for assistance as the lock cylinder could require replacement. Loose Door Handles Sometimes the door handle can loosen over time and can begin to spin freely or even fall off the door completely. This can be a big issue as it makes the door difficult to open and puts at risk those who use it. It is crucial to know why the handle is loose and how it can be repaired. It is usually caused by loose screws in the doorplate. Modern doors might have difficult-to-reach screws for the chassis, while older styles have them visible and easily accessible. You can tighten them easily however it is recommended to use a threadlocker, which will lock the screws in the correct position. If the screw is visible, you can remove it and tighten the screws. You might need to loosen the ring around the handle's base first, then you can pull it off from the knob while pressing the metallic detent pin. The screws that hold the mounting plate can be tightened by taking off the rose. Examine the strike plate screws that hold the plate to the edge of the doorway. This is where the latch snaps in when it closes. Sometimes, car lock fix may be related to the handle's spring cassette. It's prone to wear over time. A simple replacement is often required. You can do this yourself, or have a local locksmith can fit it for you. There are many cassettes, so be sure to select the correct one for your particular handle. It could also be due to a damaged mounting plate or ring however it is uncommon for newer handles. You can usually find a similar replacement at hardware stores or online. Once you've fitted the new part it is time to tighten all the fixings and re-attach the handle. Re-aligning the holes of the handle with the holes on the plate is also crucial. If you're worried about this being a difficult DIY project, your locksmith can provide the price for this service. Keys that don't turn There are many reasons that keys may not turn inside locks. It is usually due to a lack lubrication. You can fix this by applying a lubricant such as WD-40 or a silicone-based spray. The pins will move up and down when you insert the key and apply the oil. Sometimes keys could be the issue. Utilizing a key for an instrument for cutting boxes, a can opener, or for something else other than getting into your home could cause the tip of the key to become blunt over time. This could prevent the key from fitting into the lock cylinder correctly and could result in it becoming stuck or encased inside the lock. In this situation the re-tipping of the key using a bastard file could help it fit better. Another reason a key might not turn inside a lock is that it is bent or damaged. Making use of keys as a tool to cut things or use it as an opener for cans can cause the tip of the key to be bent, which could also prevent it from fitting into the lock cylinder in a proper way. In this instance you may have to re-tipping the key with a bastard or replace the entire key. If keys have snapped inside of a lock, it is important to remember that trying to glue the two pieces of metal together will not work. This could cause further damage to the mechanism of the lock and it is advised to seek out a locksmith who offers replacement keys to fix the issue. If the key isn't broken, it could be because the lock cylinder is clogged with dust or other debris. In this case, it may be helpful to warm the cylinder by putting the key in hot water for a couple of minutes. Once the cylinder is warm and able to be used, it's time to insert the key and then unlock the door. You can also use a hairdryer to blow hot air directly into the lock to help thaw out the mechanism. Sticky Locks Locks are an essential part of home security. Locks are often taken for granted until they stop functioning properly. Locks that stick are a frequent issue, but they're difficult to fix by yourself and will stop larger problems from developing. One of the most likely causes for a sticky lock is that the mechanism has become dirty and filthy. This can be easily fixed by a bit of cleaning and lubrication. A common solution is to make use of a dry lubricant, such as WD-40 or GT85 spray. The key is then put into the lock and rotated around and back to spread the lubricant across the internal mechanisms. The key is then removed, and the lock should turn smoothly once more. Another option is to use the lubricant based on graphite. Graphite is an excellent oil to use on small metal parts. It won't wash off or attract dirt, as opposed to oil-based solutions. Many hardware stores sell graphite powdered which can be directly applied to the keyhole. You can use pencils, which are made of the same material. Make sure to clean up any excess lubricant applied after you've used it. This will stop it from accumulating and creating future problems. If your sticky lock isn't moving after trying all of the above methods It's time to contact a professional locksmith who will assess the situation and determine what the best course of actions is. If you don't address the problem, it can escalate into major annoyances and result in keys snapping inside the lock or even in the door handle. The act of ignoring a stuck lock can be a huge hassle and it's better to take action sooner rather than later. Regularly lubricating your locks can help to keep these types of issues from happening in the first in the first. You can be assured of peace of mind knowing that your locks will work correctly and protect your home by adding this to your annual maintenance tasks.