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Door Lock Repairs You Can Do Yourself It is crucial to fix a door lock when it begins to begin to show signs. It is possible to leave your home open to burglars. Many of the most common problems in door locks can be fixed without contacting an expert. Learn more about what to look for and how to fix them at home. Damaged Cylinder Damaged Cylinder Although they are not as common on modern vehicles, as power door locks become the standard, car owners should be aware and watch for any damage to their door lock cylinders. This is the tumbler that your key slides into. It's prone to wear or break which causes keys to become stuck or difficult to turn. It's important that you respond quickly if you observe your vehicle has this issue. Spray compressed air inside the cylinder to get rid of any debris that might be blocking it. You could also try lubricating it by using a graphite or a silicone spray, but be cautious not to apply too much since this could cause the pins to wear down faster. If your key is still refusing to turn, it might be time to replace the cylinder, or get it repaired professionally by a locksmith. After spraying the cylinder with the correct spray and using a different kind of key, you may have to loosen the screws that hold the cylinder to its place. You can then manually move the cylinder to ensure that it is aligned properly with the keyhole. Retighten the screws but not too much because this could cause internal components to wear out or get damaged. Depending on the type of lock, you may have to remove the faceplate in order to gain access to the screw heads that hold it. If so, you can locate them behind seams or indentations at the edge of the faceplate or by inserting a putty knife or screwdriver into these areas. After removing the faceplate of the lock, employ a screwdriver to remove its internal components. Replace any worn or damaged parts. Assemble the lock and fix the faceplate securely. Secure the screws. Also, test the cylinder to ensure that it can be inserted and turned without difficulty. If you are having trouble you should contact an expert for assistance as the lock cylinder might need to be changed. Loose Door Handles Over time, a door handle may become loose and begin to spin or drop completely. This could be a problem because it makes it difficult to open the door and can put people at risk. It is crucial to know the reason for the handle being loose and how to fix it. Most of the time, it's down to a screw in the door plate that requires tightening. Modern doors may have hidden chassis screws that are difficult to reach, while older designs have them visible and easily accessible. These screws can be tightened easily. It is recommended to employ a threadlocker to secure them in their place. If the screw is visible, you can take it off it and tighten the screws. You may need to loosen the ring around the base of the handle first, then you can pull it off from the knob itself while depressing the metallic detent pin. The mounting plate screws can be tightened by removing the rose. Make sure you check the strike plate screws that secure the plate to the edge of the doorway. This is where the latch snaps in when it closes. Sometimes, the issue can be down to the spring cassette of the handle. It can wear out over time, but it's usually just down to wear and tear, and will require the replacement of a spring cassette. You can do it yourself, or your local locksmith can fit it for you. There are many cassettes, so be sure to select the appropriate one for your specific handle. This could also be due to a damaged mounting plate or ring, but it is rare for handles with modern designs. You can usually find a similar replacement to yours at hardware stores or online. After you have fitted the new piece, you'll need to tighten all the fixings and then reconnect the handle. Aligning the holes in the handle with the holes on your plate is also crucial. If you're concerned that this is too much of a DIY job, a locksmith can give you a quote. Keys that don't turn There are a variety of reasons why keys don't turn inside locks. This is typically due to a lack of lubrication. It is possible to fix this using a lubricant, such as WD-40 or a silicone-based spray. Applying the lubricant and inserting the key will allow the pins to move upwards and downwards and this should enable the key to unlock the lock. Sometimes it could be the key itself that can be the problem. Making use of a key as box cutter, can opener, or for anything other than accessing your home can cause the point of the key to become blunt over time. The key might not fit into the lock cylinder in a proper way which can result in it becoming stuck or trapped in the lock. Re-tipping the key of the lock with the aid of a bastard tool could aid in fitting it better. A key that isn't turning in a lock may also be bent or damaged. Making use of keys as tools to cut things or as a can opener can cause the tip of the key to be bent which can make it difficult for it to fit into the lock cylinder in a proper way. In car door lock repair is possible to re-tipping the key with a bastard or replace the entire key. It is vital to be aware that gluing the two pieces of metal together won't work when a key is damaged inside a lock. This can cause further damage to the locking mechanism. It is recommended to contact a locksmith who offers keys that can be replaced. If the key isn't broken, it could be that the cylinder of the lock is clogged with dust or other debris. In this case it is possible to warm up the cylinder by putting the key in hot water for several minutes. When the cylinder is warm, it should be possible to insert the key and open the door. Alternately, you can make use of a hair dryer to blow air directly into the lock mechanism to melt it out. Sticky Locks Locks are a vital part of home security. But the fact is that they're usually taken for granted—until they stop working properly. Sticky locks can cause problems. However, they are easy to fix and can prevent bigger problems from developing. One of the most likely causes for a locked that is sticky is that the mechanism has become dirty and filthy. This can be easily fixed by a bit of cleaning and lubrication. A dry lubricant, such as WD-40 spray or GT85 spray, is a common solution. The key is then put into the lock and turned back and forth to spread the lubricant across the internal mechanisms. The key is then removed and the lock should turn smoothly again. Another option is to use an lubricant made of graphite. Graphite is an excellent grease for small metal parts and won't wash away or draw dirt like oil-based solutions. Many hardware stores sell powdered graphite that can be applied directly to the keyhole. You can also use pencils, which are made of the same material. Always clean up any excess lubricant that you've applied to it to avoid it from building up and becoming a source of future problems. If you've tried the suggestions above and your lock won't budge, it may be time to call in a professional locksmith to analyze the situation and determine the most effective solution. If you do not take care of the sticky locks, they could cause a lot of trouble and cause keys to break in the lock. A lock that is stuck can be extremely frustrating and it's better to take action sooner rather than later. Regularly lubricating your locks can help to keep these kinds of issues from occurring in the first in the first. In addition to your regular maintenance schedule can give you peace of heart that your locks work properly, securing your home.