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How to Tell If Your Locks Need Repair If your door lock is hard to turn, lubricating it could aid. If it moves when you insert the key, it's time to call for professional lock repair or replacement. In some instances the case, a newer more secure lock could be more cost-effective than trying to fix a damaged lock. Damaged Cylinder If your lock cylinder feels stiff or the key is not moving smoothly, it is an indication that the cylinder has been damaged. A broken cylinder could leave your door vulnerable to burglars. It should be repaired in the shortest time possible. If you can't fix it yourself, you should call an expert locksmith. Cylinder lock problems are often caused by corrosion and rust over time. It is possible to prevent this by regularly painting the lock surface with an anti-corrosive coating. Make sure the weather strip is in good condition. If not, this can cause water to seep into and weaken the cylinder with time. Another frequent issue is when the cylinder gets not aligned with the keyhole on the door. This can be caused by many reasons, such as a loose bolt or a misaligned handle keyway. To fix it you'll need to take out the screws that secure the cylinder. Then, gently adjust the cylinder. Be sure not to tighten the screws too tightly, as this can damage the components. Use a graphite-based lubricant to ensure your cylinder runs correctly. It is available in hardware stores, and can be put directly to the cylinder. The lubricant helps the key turn easily and will also help prevent future lock issues. If the cylinder is severely damaged, you may have to replace it. It's a fairly simple task you can do at home. The first step is to remove the faceplate. After removing the faceplate you can start disassembling the lock cylinder. After removing the cylinder from its mounting, you should note any set screws holding it in place. They are crucial to note to make it easier to reassemble the cylinder later on. The last thing to do is make use of a screwdriver that has a fine tip to reach the narrower areas of the lock. It is also recommended to have a few ziplock bags to store the pieces you remove. Handles or Knobs that Are loose As time passes and usage increases, door knobs or handles can get loose. This could be a major inconvenience for both employees and customers. The good thing is that this issue is usually fixable and doesn't require a professional locksmith service. Most commonly, loose doorknobs are the result of the same problems that can cause locks to move or pull away from the door: wear and age loose screws, the wrong combination of components. It's also possible that the home or business might have moved slightly. This can affect the way that the door handle is secured to the lock. It is possible to fix loose knobs or handles but you must have the right tools. Be sure to not to tighten the screw too much. This could damage the doorknob or handle. It is recommended to have an extra hand to hold on to, as it can provide leverage or aid in the tightening and twisting. It is essential to find the screw that is loose. This is normally found under an attractive cover that protects the ring that holds the lockset. To take off the decorative cover and expose the lockset mounting rings it is necessary to press a button or lever using an awl. The nut can be tightened by turning it clockwise. Some of the latest doorknobs employ different methods of fastening. These doorknobs attach to the doors using hidden screws and a device known as a detent. This type of fastener is a bit more complex but can be easily fixed using the same methods above. After the screw is tightened, it is recommended to apply a washer to the screw. This will prevent the screw from becoming loose in the future. This is particularly crucial for wooden doorknobs that can get a stripped screwhole from repeated use. Washers are available in any hardware store and are an easy and quick solution to any problem you encounter. Be sure to select the right washer to the screw you use on the doorknob. Poorly Cut Key Keys that are poorly cut are the most common cause of a key not turning inside your lock. car locking system repair g28carkeys.co.uk could be due to a poor copy that was made by a locksmith, or because the original key has worn down over time. When you need to have keys copied or your locks rekeyed, it is essential to choose a reputable local locksmith. A locksmith must always inspect the key to determine the proper cut depth and ensure that they are evenly spaced across the key. A reputable locksmith will look over the lock and identify the problem. They can then offer a solution, such as replacing pins or adjusting the lock cylinder. Bring the key that will not turn to a locksmith, so they can check it on their duplicator. This will ensure that the key is cut correctly and that it will fit your locks correctly. If a key does not insert fully into the lock it could be due to dirt or debris that has built in the lock. Lubricating the lock with graphite spray or a lubricant based on silicone can aid in removing tumblers that are stuck or clogged. A key that was not cut precisely when it was created is another common issue. This can happen when someone attempts to make a cheap and quick replica of a key. Only a locksmith with the necessary tools and training can create high-quality duplicates. If a key has broken off from the lock, you can try to grasp it with needle-nosed pliers or even a pair tweezers. You should not insert the pliers' tip or the tweezers too deeply. This could cause more damage. It is much easier for a locksmith to remove the broken piece without causing damage to the lock mechanism. It is also a good idea to bring the key that broke when you go to the locksmith to utilize their duplicator to make the replacement for you. Sagging Locks If you're experiencing difficulty locking your door, it could be due to a weak lock. This can cause the latch or bolt to become stuck within the frame of the door, making it more difficult to close the door. It can also lead to drafts and cause a gap to grow between the frame and the door, which can damage both in the course of time. Luckily, sagging locks are easy to repair. Most often, you can fix them by tightening screws on hinges. If that doesn't work you, try to lubricate the lock. You can try using graphite powder or a silicone based oil. Make sure to choose the lubricant that doesn't damage the lock over time. A misaligned lock is also a frequent issue that can impact the door's ability and close properly. This is usually the result of a door that wasn't installed correctly or a shift in the weather condition which causes doors and frames to shift. If left untreated can make your home or business more vulnerable. It is first necessary to ensure that the door and frame are on the same plane. If they're not, you'll need adjust the hinges on the door to ensure they're aligned and at the right height. The next step is to check the mortise and strike plate. You can adjust the strike plate if it's slipping using a hammer or chisel. After you've repositioned it and tested it, ensure it is aligned with the latch. If you're having trouble with your lock, it may be time to contact a professional locksmith. No matter if you have a Yale lock, mortice lock, or uPVC lock, a locksmith can help you solve the issue and ensure that your door is secure. Be aware that only certain types of damage to locks can be repaired. It is not recommended to bend a damaged bolt back into its place in order to weaken the bolt and possibly break the cylinder itself. If you're having serious issues, it's probably best to call a professional. They can evaluate the damage and tell you what options you have.