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How to Tell If Your Locks Need Repair If your door lock is difficult to turn, lubricating it might help. If it wiggles around when the key is inserted then it's time to call for a professional repair or replacement. In certain situations it could be more cost effective to replace an old lock with a more secure one. Damaged Cylinder If your lock's cylinder is stiff or the key is not moving smoothly, it is a sign that the cylinder has been damaged. A damaged cylinder could make your door vulnerable to break-ins and must be fixed immediately. their explanation can try lubricating your lock to see if it helps, but if you cannot fix it by yourself, a locksmith should be contacted. Rust and corrosion are the most frequently cited causes of problems with cylinder locks. You can prevent this by applying a regular coat of paint on the surface of the lock. Also, ensure that the weather strip is in good condition. If not, it could cause water to seep in and weaken the cylinder over time. Another common problem is when the cylinder is misaligned with the keyhole on the door. This can occur due to a number of reasons, such as a loose screw or a misaligned keyway on the handle. To fix this the first step is remove the screws that secure the cylinder, and then gently adjust it. Be cautious not to tighten them too much as this could cause damage to the components. One way to ensure that your cylinder in good condition is to apply a lubricant made of graphite. This is usually available at hardware stores and can be applied directly to the cylinder. The lubricant helps the key move smoothly, and will prevent any future lock issues. You may have to replace the cylinder in case it is completely damaged. It's a relatively easy job that can be completed at home. The first step is to remove the faceplate. After removing the faceplate, you can start disassembling the lock cylinder. After you've removed your cylinder, it's important to note any set screws that are fixing it to the cylinder. It is essential to keep these screws in mind for assembly. Lastly, be sure to make use of a screwdriver with a fine tip for getting into narrow areas within the lock. It is also advisable to keep a few ziplock bags to store the parts you take out for later reference. Knobs that are loose or handles Over time door knobs or handles are likely to get loose. This can be a major inconvenience for both employees and customers. The good thing is that this issue is usually easy to fix and doesn't require a specialist locksmith service. In general, doorknobs that are loose are the result of the same issues that cause locks to jiggle or pull away from the door: age and wear, loose screws and mismatched components. It is also possible that your house or business may have settled slightly. This could affect the way that the door handle is secured to the lock. Knobs and handles that are loose can be easy to repair, but it is important to have the right tools and to be aware not to over tighten the screw. This could cause damage to the handle or doorknob. It's also a good idea to have a second hand available to help you twist and tighten the doorknob. It is important to find the screw that is loose. The screw is usually hidden beneath an attractive cap that covers the lockset mounting rings. To remove the decorative cover and expose the lockset mounting rings you must press a button or lever using an awl. The nut can be tightened by turning it clockwise. Some modern doorknobs are made using a different fastening method. They use a device known as a detent. They are attached to the door using hidden screws. This type of fastener could be a bit more complicated but it is still repaired using the same methods. It is an excellent idea to put a washer on the screw after it has been tightened, this will prevent the screw from loosening and loose again in the future. This is particularly important for wooden doorknobs which may have a damaged screwhole due to repeated use. Washers can be found at any hardware store and are a quick and quick solution to the problem that you face every day. Be sure to select a washer that is appropriate for the screw used on your doorknob. Poorly cut key Poorly cut keys are the most frequent reason for a key not turning inside your lock. This could be due to a bad copy made by locksmiths, or simply because the original key has worn down over time. If you require keys copied or have your locks rekeyed, it is important to use a reputable local locksmith. A locksmith will always check keys for the correct cut depth, and that they are evenly distributed across the key. A professional locksmith will examine the lock and pinpoint the problem. They can then offer a solution, such as replacing pins or altering the lock's cylinder. Bring the key that isn't able to turn to a locksmith, so that they can test it on their duplicator. This will ensure that the key is cut correctly, and that it is a good fit for your locks. If the key won't fully insert into the lock, it could be due to dirt or debris that have accumulated in the lock. Lubricating the lock with graphite spray or a silicone-based lubricant could help unblock tumblers that are stuck or clogged. Another issue that is common is that a key was not precisely cut when it was originally made. This can happen when someone attempts to make a cheap and quick copy of an existing key. It is essential to be sure to work with a professional locksmith who has the tools and training necessary to make high-quality copies. If you have a broken key in the lock, you can use a pair needle-nosedpliers or tweezers to remove the broken key. You should not insert the tip of pliers or the tweezers into the lock too deeply. This could cause more damage. It is much easier for a locksmith to remove the broken piece without damaging the lock mechanism. It is recommended to bring the broken key when you go to the locksmith so they can make use of their duplicator to create an alternative for you. Sagging Locks If you're having trouble locking your door it could be due to a sagging lock. This can cause the bolt or latch to become stuck within the frame of the door and make it difficult to close the door. This can cause drafts and cause a greater gap between the door frame and the door. Both can be damaged over time. It is easy to repair locks that are sagging. Most often they can be fixed by tightening screws on hinges. If this doesn't work, you could try lubricating the lock. You can use graphite powder, or a silicone based lubricant. Choose a lubricant which won't damage the lock over time. A misaligned lock is another frequent issue that can impact a door's ability to open and close properly. This could be due to the door being not installed correctly, or the weather changing, which causes the doors and frames to move. If untreated this issue can make your home or business vulnerable to intruders. First, you'll need to verify whether the frame and door are on the same plane. If they're not, you'll need to move the hinges of the door so that they're aligned and at the correct height. Next, you'll need to inspect the strike plate and mortise. If the strike plate is slipping out, you can reposition it using a hammer and chisel. Once you have moved it back and checked it, make sure it is in alignment with the latch. Contact a locksmith if are having problems with your lock. No matter if you have a Yale lock mortice lock, a mortice lock, or uPVC lock, locksmiths can help resolve the problem and ensure that your door is secured. Remember that only certain kinds of damage to locks can be repaired. Do not attempt to bend a damaged bolt back into its place, as this will weaken it and could potentially break the cylinder itself. If you're having serious issues it's best to seek out an expert. They'll examine the damage, and let you know what your options are.