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How to Do Your Own Lock Repair If your locks fail, you can try to fix them yourself or hire an expert locksmith. Repairing locks can be difficult and if you take the wrong route, it could result in more damage. The first step is to make sure the issue isn't caused by dirt or dust. This can usually be cleared by applying a graphite-based spray or silicone based lubricant. 1. Loose Door Knob or Handle Over time door knobs and handles can become loose. This could result in the knob or handle becoming jiggly that is difficult to open. It is crucial to replace loose door knobs as they are not only annoying but also can affect the security of your home. Fortunately, a doorknob that is loose or handle is relatively easy to fix. Based on the type of lock system installed in your door, there are a variety of solutions to fix it. Certain lock systems have easily accessible mounting screws, while others use backplates that hide the screws. If your door is the one that is hidden, the process may be more complicated. The majority of doorknobs for interior use are designed to slip over a cylindrical spindle, which is mounted in the door as a part of the latch assembly. If yours feels jiggly, it could be because of the small screw, also known as a setscrew, on the inside of the doorknob which is stopping it from sliding over the spindle. Utilize a flashlight to help you locate the set screw and then use an Allen wrench to tighten it. Once the screw is tightened by turning the knob, check if it feels solid. If your knob is still moving, it could be because the set screw hasn't been positioned correctly. To make sure the screw is positioned correctly Look for a small, identical button on the spindle. Press the button using an screwdriver with a flat head, and then slide the knob over the spindle. The knob should move into the proper position when you do this, signalling that it is positioned correctly on the spindle. After you've made sure the set screw is in the correct position then tighten it once more to secure the knob or handle in the correct position. This should fix the problem, but if not it is, you will need to remove the knob and examine the backplate for missing or loose screws. You'll need to replace the screws in the event of this before you can reinstall the knob or handle. If you aren't comfortable with this type repair, you must call an expert locksmith who can offer repairs for damaged locks. 2. Key Won't Turn in Lock There are several reasons why the lock key might stop turning. One of the most common causes is that the pins within the cylinder are worn out. This means that they do not have the proper shape that allows the wafers or sliders to move by the key. In this instance an easy fix would be spraying the lock with graphite or lubricant made of silicone to coat the pins and help them to move once more. If the problem is more severe, and the key has bent or twisted, you may need to have it straightened by an expert. A professional locksmith can use an instrument specifically designed to straighten the key which is designed with a curved end to fit into the groove in the key's tip. This type of tool isn't readily sold at hardware stores, however you can purchase a kit with the right tools online or at the locksmith shop. A dirty or contaminated lock is also a possibility. The accumulation of dust over time can cause problems in the lock cylinder and cause the pins or springs to get stuck. In this case, spray the lock with WD-40 or graphite spray to remove the pins, and then return them to their original positions. It could also be a problem when the key has been damaged. Over time, repeated use can cause wear and tear on the grooves on a key. This could result in the key not fitting into the cylinder, which is why it is important to be aware and regularly check that your key fits correctly. In the colder months locks can freeze, which can stop springs and pins from moving when the key is inserted. This can be a nagging issue, but is usually easily resolved by warming the lock with hot water and re-lubricating it. If the lock is damaged beyond repair or has frozen it must be replaced. 3. The Lock isn't Turning It can be frustrating to have locks that aren't turning or open. If this happens often you might want to consider having a locksmith come and take a look at the lock to see if they are able help. Luckily, this isn't always necessary since there are issues that can be easily solved without professional assistance. The key may not turn in a lock due to it's damaged. It could happen in the event that you've lost your key, or it has been damaged inside the lock. Instead of trying to pull keys out of the lock, which could result in it being further pushed into the mechanism, and cause it to get worse, use needle-nosedpliers to remove the key from the lock. Be careful not to damage the lock by tearing off any of the broken key with the pliers. You may also have a misaligned lock, which could cause the door to not to latch properly. If you have an additional lock key, you can test it to ensure that the lock functions correctly. If you find that the lock is not aligned correctly tightening the screws on the strike plate will fix the problem and allow the lock to perform normally. A lock might not turn because of dirt or dust. Using a graphite spray or a silicone-based lubricant could solve this issue by coating the pins inside the lock so that they are able to move up and down in a normal manner. You should avoid using oil-based products such as WD-40, because they can cause more obstructions in the future. It's important to know that certain keys won't fit into all locks. If window locks repair near me is one of them then it's time to get a replacement key from an area hardware store, so that it will work inside the lock. 4. The Cylinder is Rotating When a cylinder is rotated within a confinement gap it may cause hairpin vortices which can lead to significant forces on the cylinder. The forces are proportional to the radius of curvature that is dimensionless x and the confinement factor k. The simplified model described here will predict the effect of these parameters on the torque and force on an encircled rotating cylinder. The cylinder's tube, head, and main body are all composed of aluminum alloy. If you're able insert your key inside and turn it, but the lock is still rotating, there may be an issue with the cylinder itself. Rekeying the lock can fix the issue. There are kits made specifically for this purpose and can be purchased on the internet or at most big box stores.