How to Do Your Own Lock Repair You can repair your locks yourself or hire a professional locksmith when they begin to fail. However, repair of locks can be tricky and if you don't follow the correct procedure, it could lead to further damage. The first step is to confirm that the problem is not caused by dust or dirt. Graphite spray or silicone-based lubricant can be used to solve this issue. 1. Locked Door Knob or Handle Door knobs and handles can be loose as time passes, which could result in a jiggly door handle or knob that is difficult to open. Loose door knobs are not only annoying but they can also compromise your building's security, which is why it's crucial to solve the issue quickly. A loose doorknob is relatively easy to repair. There are many ways to fix this dependent on the type of lock system your door has. Some systems have exposed mounting screws that are easy to access, whereas others use a backplate that obscures the screws holding it together. If https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/nottingham-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ has the second type, this process might be more difficult. The majority of interior doorknobs are designed to slide over a spindle that is cylindrical, which is mounted in the door as a part of the latch assembly. If yours is jiggly it could be due to a small screw called a setscrew located on the inside of the knob, which prevents it from sliding across spindle. Utilize an flashlight to locate the set screw, and then use an Allen wrench to tighten it. Once it's tightened up, test the knob and test if it no more appears to be as jiggly. If your knob still feels jiggly, it's possible that the set screw isn't in place properly. To make sure the screw is properly positioned you should look for a small, matching button on the spindle. Move the knob over the spindle after pressing the button with the flathead screwdriver. The knob should move into the proper position as you do this, which indicates that it is in the correct position on the spindle. After you've confirmed that the set screw is properly placed and tightened it again to ensure that the knob is secured. This should solve the issue, but if not then you might need to remove the knob and check the backplate for missing or loose screws. It is necessary to replace the screws in the event of this before you can reinstall the knob or handle. If you're uncomfortable with this type repair, call an expert who is skilled in repair of damaged locks. 2. The key won't turn inside the lock There are many reasons why your key might cease to turn in the lock. One of the most common reasons is that the pins inside the cylinder have begun to wear out, which means they no longer have the proper shape to move the wafers, sliders, or tumblers that allow the key to open the lock. In this case the best solution would be spraying the lock with graphite or lubricant made of silicone to coat the pins and help them move again. If the issue is more serious and the key has bent out of shape, it may be necessary to have it straightened professionally. A professional locksmith will employ an instrument that is specially designed with an angled edge that fits into the groove at the tip of the key. This type of tool isn't readily available at hardware stores, but you can find a kit with the right tools online or at a locksmith shop. Another possibility is that the lock is dirty or affected. Dust can build up over time in the lock's cylinder and cause the springs or pins to get stuck. In this instance spray the lock with WD-40 or graphite spray to clean out the pins and return them to their original places. It could also be an issue if the key has been damaged. Keys are worn down over time through repeated use, which can cause the groves to wear down or even become smoother. This can lead to the key not fitting properly into the cylinder, so it's important to pay attention and check regularly that your key fits correctly. Locks can freeze up during the winter months. This will stop the springs and pins from moving when keys are inserted. This can be a nagging issue however, it can be resolved by warming the lock by using hot water and then applying lubrication. However, if the lock is damaged or frozen beyond repair, it may need to be replaced by an expert. 3. The Lock Isn't Turning It can be frustrating to find locks that don't turn or open. If it occurs frequently, you may want to consider contacting locksmiths to examine the lock and see if they can assist. Fortunately, this isn't always necessary since there are things that can be easily repaired without the need for professional assistance. The key will not turn inside the lock if it is damaged. This can happen if you've lost your keys or it's broken in the lock. Instead of trying to get keys out of the lock, which could result in it being further pushed into the mechanism, and make it worse you can use needle-nosedpliers to take the key from the lock. Be careful not to harm the lock by tearing off any piece of the damaged key with the pliers. It's also possible that the lock is misaligned which could cause the door to not latch properly. If you have an additional lock key, you can try it to make sure that the lock functions properly. If you find that the lock is not aligned correctly, tightening screws around the strikeplate can solve the issue and allow the lock function normally. Another reason your key might not be turning is because there is dust or dirt in the lock that is blocking it from turning. This issue can be resolved by using the lubricant based on silicon or graphite to coat the pins of the lock. This allows them to move up & down as normal. It is important to avoid using oil based products like WD-40 to solve this issue, as these can cause further obstructions later on. Also, it's important to note that there are certain kinds of keys that simply can't be used in all locks. If this is the case, you might require a new key made by a local hardware shop. 4. The Cylinder is Rotating When a cylinder rotates in a confinement gap, it can result in hairpin vortices which can cause significant forces on the cylinder. These forces are proportional the dimensionless radius of curvature x and the confinement factor k. The simplified model that is presented here predicts the effect of these parameters on the torque and force on an encircled rotating cylinder. The tube, head and main body of the cylinder are made of aluminium alloy. If you're able to get your key in and turn it, but the lock is still rotating, there may be an issue with the cylinder. Rekeying the lock may fix the issue. There are kits specifically designed for this purpose that can be purchased online or at most big box stores.