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How to Do Your Own Lock Repair You can either fix your locks yourself or engage a professional locksmith when they begin to fail. However, repair of locks isn't easy and if you don't follow the correct procedure, it could result in further damage. The first step is to ensure that the problem is not caused by dirt or dust. This is usually solved by applying a graphite spray or silicone-based lubricant. 1. Door Handle or Knob Lock Door knobs and handles could be loose in time, which can result in a jiggly door handle or knob that is difficult to open. It is essential to fix loose door knobs because they can be a nuisance and can also compromise the security of your home. Fortunately, a broken doorknob or handle is relatively simple to repair. Depending on the lock system installed in your door, there are a variety of solutions to fix it. Certain systems have mounting screws that are easy to access, while others utilize a backplate which conceals the screws that hold the lock together. If your door has the second type, this process could be more complex. The majority of doorknobs for interior use are designed to slide over a cylindrical spindle that is inserted into the door as part of the latch assembly. If yours is not jiggly, it could be due to a small screw, known as a setscrew, located on the inside of the knob that blocks it from sliding over the spindle. You can utilize an flashlight to locate the set screw, then tighten it using an Allen wrench. Once the screw is tightened by turning the knob, test if it is solid. If your knob is still jiggly it could be because the screw that sets it hasn't been placed correctly. To make sure the screw is in the correct position, look for a small, corresponding button on the spindle. Move the knob over the spindle after pressing the button with the screwdriver with a flat head. The knob should click into place when you do this, which indicates that it is properly positioned on the spindle. Once you've verified that the set screw has been properly placed then tighten it a second time to ensure that the knob is secured. This should fix the problem however, if it doesn't it is, you will have to take the knob off and inspect the backplate for missing or loose screws. If this is the case, you'll need to replace these screws before you can secure the knob or handle. If you're not comfortable with this type repair, you must call a professional locksmith who offers repairs for damaged locks. 2. Key Won't Turn in Lock There are a number of reasons why your key might stop turning inside the lock. One of the most frequent reasons is that the pins in the cylinder are beginning to wear down, which means they no longer have the proper shape to move the wafers, sliders, or tumblers that allow the key to open the lock. In this case, spraying the lock with silicone-based lubricant or graphite spray will coat the pins and make them move again. However, if the issue is more severe and the key has been bent out of shape, you may need to have it straightened professionally. A professional locksmith can employ a specialty tool to straighten the keys, which has an angled tip that fits into the groove that is recessed on the key's tip. This kind of tool is not able to be found in hardware stores. However you can buy an entire set of essential tools on the internet or from an experienced locksmith. A dirty or contaminated lock is also a possibility. The accumulation of dust over time can cause problems in the lock's cylinder and cause the springs or pins to become stuck. In this instance, spray the lock with graphite or WD-40 spray to clean out the pins and restore them to their original positions. If the key itself has been damaged, it could also be a cause for concern. Over time, the repeated use can wear down the grooves on a keys. This could lead to the key not fitting properly into the cylinder, therefore it's crucial to pay attention and make sure whether your key fits properly. Locks can freeze during the winter months. This will stop the pins and springs from moving when a key is placed. This can be a nagging issue however it is relatively simple to fix by warming up the lock with hot water and then using the lubricant again to re-lubricate. If the lock is damaged beyond repair or has froze, it will need to be replaced. 3. The lock isn't turning It can be a hassle to find a lock that won't turn or open. If this happens often, you may want to think about hiring a locksmith to take a look at the lock to see whether they can assist. This isn't always needed, as some problems can be resolved by yourself. The key will not turn inside the lock if damaged. You may experience this when you've lost your keys, or it has been broken inside the lock. Instead of trying to fish keys out of the lock, which could result in it being forced deeper into the mechanism, and make it worse, use needle-nosedpliers to remove the key from the lock. window lock replacement near me 'll want to be careful not to cut off any broken pieces with the pliers or you could cause damage to the lock. It's also possible that your lock isn't aligned properly which could cause the door to not latch correctly. If you're lucky enough to have an additional key, it could be tested in the lock to make sure it functions properly and isn't the issue. If you do discover that the lock isn't aligned properly, tightening the screws around the strike plate will fix the issue and allow the lock to work normally. A lock might not rotate because of dirt or dust. This issue can be resolved by using a graphite or silicone-based lubricant to cover the pins of the lock. This allows them to move up & down in a normal manner. You should avoid using oil-based products like WD-40 as they could cause more blockages in the future. It's important to know that certain keys won't fit in all locks. If yours is one of them then it's time to purchase a replacement key from the local hardware store to ensure that it will work in the lock. 4. The Cylinder Is Rotating Hairpin vortices may form when a cylinder is rotated in a confinement space. These vortices can impose significant forces on the cylinder that is rotating. The force is proportional to dimensionless curvature radius and the confinement factor. The head, tube and the main body of the cylinder are made of aluminum alloy. If you're able to get your key inside and turn it, but the lock isn't turning there could be an issue with the cylinder. Rekeying your lock could fix this issue. You can purchase kits to do this online or in a lot of big box stores.