How to Do Your Own Lock Repair You can fix your locks yourself, or hire a professional locksmith when they start to malfunction. However, the process of fixing locks can be tricky and if you don't follow the correct procedure, it could lead to further damage. You should first check to see if the problem is due to dirt or dust. Graphite spray or silicone-based lubricant are a good choice to clear this problem. 1. Door Handle or Knob Loose Door knobs and handles could be loose as time passes, which could result in a jiggly door handle or knobs that are difficult to open. It is essential to replace loose door knobs since they can be a nuisance and can also compromise the security of your home. Fortunately, a doorknob that is loose or handle is relatively easy to fix. Depending on the type of lock system installed in your door, there are many options to fix this. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/bristol-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ have exposed mounting screws that are easy to access, whereas others have a backplate that conceals the screws that hold the lock together. This method is more difficult in the case of a backplate that hides the screws. Most interior doorknobs come with a small screw known as a setscrew on the inside of the knob, which prevents it from sliding across the spindle. This is a part of the latch assembly. If the knob you have is jiggly it could be due to a small screw, called a setscrew, that is located on the inside of the doorknob that's keeping it from sliding over the spindle. Make use of an flashlight to locate the screw and use an Allen wrench to tighten it. Once the screw is tightened then turn the knob to check if it feels solid. If your knob is still jiggly it could be because the screw that sets it hasn't been positioned correctly. To make sure the screw is positioned correctly you should look for a small, matching button on the spindle. Depress the button with the flat-head screwdriver, then slide the knob across the spindle. As you do so the knob should begin to click and show that it is positioned properly on the spindle. Once you have ensured that the set screw is positioned correctly then tighten it a second time to secure the knob. This should fix the problem If not, you may have to take the knob off and check the backplate for loose or missing screws. If this is the case, you will need to replace these screws before you can re-secure the knob or handle. If you're not happy with this type of repair, seek out an expert locksmith who can offer repair for damaged locks to assist. 2. Key won't turn in the Lock There are a number of reasons why your key might cease to turn in the lock. One of the most common causes is that the pins inside the cylinder are worn out. This means that they no longer have the proper shape that allows the sliders or wafers to be moved by the key. In this situation the best solution would be to spray the lock with graphite spray or lubricant based on silicone to coat the pins and make them to move once more. If the issue is more serious, and the key has bent, you may have to get it straightened by a professional. A professional locksmith can employ a special tool to straighten the key which is designed with an angled tip that fits into the groove in the tip of the key. This type of tool cannot be found in hardware stores. However, you can purchase an entire kit with the necessary tools through the internet or from locksmiths. A soiled or dirty lock is also a possibility. Over time, dust can accumulate in the lock cylinder, which could cause the springs and pins to swell up. In this instance you'll be required spray the lock with WD-40, graphite spray or a lubricant made of silicone to remove it and then reposition the pins back to their original position. If the key itself is damaged, it could be a problem. A key can be worn down with time due to frequent use, which could cause the groves to wear down or even become smoother. This can result in the key not to fit in the cylinder. It is essential to regularly check to make sure that the key fits correctly. In the colder months locks can freeze which will prevent the pins and springs from moving when the key is put in. This can be a frustrating problem however, it's usually quite simple to solve by warming up the lock using hot water and using an oil-based lubricant to re-lubricate it. If the lock is damaged beyond repair or has frozen it must be replaced. 3. The lock isn't turning If you've ever encountered a lock that doesn't turn and isn't able to be opened, it can be very frustrating. If it occurs frequently, you might consider getting locksmiths to come examine the lock and see if they can help. This is not always necessary, as some problems can be resolved by yourself. The key may not turn in a lock due to it is damaged. This could happen if you've lost your key or it's broken inside the lock. Instead of trying to get keys out of the lock, which could cause it to be further pushed into the mechanism, and cause it to get worse using needle-nosed pliers, you should remove the key from the lock. Be careful not to scratch the lock by cutting off any piece of the damaged key with the pliers. It's possible that your lock isn't aligned correctly, which can cause the door to not latch properly. If you happen to have an additional key, it can be tested inside the lock to make sure it works correctly and isn't the cause of the problem. If you find that the lock isn't properly aligned, tightening the screws around the strikeplate can fix the issue and allow the lock function normally. Another reason your key might not be turning is that there is dirt or dust inside the lock that is preventing it from turning. Using a graphite spray or a silicone-based lubricant could solve this problem by coating the pins inside the lock so that they are able to move up and down as normal. You should avoid using products that contain oil, like WD-40, because they can cause more clogging in the future. It's important to know that some keys don't fit in all locks. If yours is one of these then it's time to purchase a replacement key made at a local hardware store, so that it will work inside the lock. 4. The Cylinder Is Rotating Hairpin vortices can form when a cylinder rotates in a confinement space. These vortices can exert significant forces on the rotating cylinder. The forces are proportional to dimensionless radius x of curvature and the confinement factor. The head, the tube and main body of the cylinder are made of aluminium alloy. If you are able to insert your key and turn it, but the lock is still rotating, the cylinder may be faulty. Rekeying your lock can fix this issue. You can buy kits to do this online or in a lot of big box stores.