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How to Do Your Own Lock Repair When your locks become faulty You can attempt to repair them yourself or hire an expert locksmith. Repairing locks can be a challenge and a wrong choice could result in further damage. The first step is to ensure that the problem is not caused by dust or dirt. This can usually be cleared by applying a graphite spray or silicone based lubricant. 1. Door Handle or Knob Loose Over time doors knobs and handles could become loose. This can lead to the knob or handle becoming jiggly that is difficult for you to open. It is essential to repair loose door knobs as they can be a nuisance but also can affect the security of your home. A doorknob that is loose can be easy to fix. There are a few different ways to fix this dependent on the type of lock system your door has. Some systems have exposed mounting screws that are accessible, while others use a backplate that hides the screws that hold it together. This method is more complex in the case of a backplate that conceals the screws. Most interior doorknobs are designed to slide over a spindle that is cylindrical, which is attached to the door as part of the latch assembly. If yours is jiggly, it could be due to a small screw known as a set screw on the inside of the knob that blocks it from sliding across spindle. You can utilize an flashlight to locate the set screw and then tighten it using an Allen wrench. After the screw has been tightened then turn the knob to verify if it feels secure. If the knob is jiggly it could be because the set screw isn't placed correctly. To make sure the screw is positioned correctly, look for a small, corresponding button on the spindle. Press the button with an screwdriver with a flat head, and then slide the knob over the spindle. As you do this the knob should click, indicating that it is positioned properly on the spindle. Once you've verified that the set screw has been positioned correctly and tightened it again to secure the knob. If this does not solve the problem, you may need to remove the knob from the backplate, and then check for loose or missing screws. You'll need to replace the screws in this case before you can install the knob or handle. If you aren't comfortable with this kind of repair, you should seek out a professional locksmith who offers repair for damaged locks to assist. 2. The key won't turn inside the lock. There are repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk why the lock key might stop turning. One of the most frequent reasons is that the pins within the cylinder have begun to wear down and, consequently, they don't have the correct shape to move the wafers, sliders or tumblers that allow the key to open the lock. In this instance spraying the lock with lubricant based on silicone or graphite spray can help coat the pins in order to make them move again. However, if the problem is much more serious and the key is been bent out of shape, you may need to have it straightened professionally. A professional locksmith will use an exclusive tool that has an edge that is curved to fit into the groove on the tip of the key. This type of tool is not sold at hardware stores, but you can purchase a kit that includes the proper tools online or in the locksmith shop. Another possibility is that the lock has become dirty or contaminated. As time passes, dust will accumulate in the lock the cylinder, which may cause the pins and springs to seize up. In this case you'll need to spray the lock with graphite spray or a silicone-based lubricant to get rid of it and return the pins to their original position. It may also be a problem if the key has been damaged. A key can be worn down with time due to repeated use, which will result in the groves wearing down or even become smoother. This could cause the key to not fit into the cylinder. It is important to regularly check to ensure that the key fits properly. Locks can freeze up during the winter months. This will prevent the pins and springs from moving when keys are put in. This can be a frustrating problem, but it is usually quite simple to solve by warming up the lock using hot water and then using a lubricant to re-lubricate it. If the lock is damaged beyond repair, or has frozen, it will need to be replaced. 3. The lock isn't turning If you've ever encountered a lock that doesn't turn and can't be opened it can be incredibly frustrating. If this happens frequently, you may want to consider calling a locksmith to examine the lock to see if they are able help. Luckily, this isn't always required as there are things that can be fixed without the need for professional assistance. The key will not turn in the lock if it's damaged. This can happen if you've lost your key or it's broken inside the lock. Instead of trying to get it out of the lock, which could cause the broken piece of the key to be pushed further into the mechanism and make the problem much worse Try using pliers with needles to remove it from the lock. You should be cautious not to cut off the broken piece by using the pliers or you may end up damaging the lock. You could also have an improperly aligned lock that could cause the door not to latch properly. If you happen to have an additional key, it could be tested in the lock to confirm that it works correctly and isn't the issue. If you discover that the lock is not aligned correctly, tightening screws around the strikeplate could solve the issue and allow the lock function normally. A lock might not turn due to dust or dirt. Using an graphite spray or silicone-based lubricant can solve this problem by coating the pins within the lock, allowing them to move up and down in a normal manner. Avoid using products that contain oil, such as WD-40 for instance, as they can cause more clogging in the future. It's important to know that some keys don't fit in all locks. If this is the case, you may need to have a new key created by a local hardware shop. 4. The Cylinder is rotating. Hairpin vortices can form when a cylinder turns within a confinement. These vortices can impose significant forces on the cylinder rotating. The force is proportional to dimensionless curvature radius and the confinement factor. The cylinder's head, tube and main body are all made of aluminum alloy. If you are able insert your key and turn it but the lock is still rotating the cylinder could be faulty. Rekeying your lock can resolve the issue. There are kits made for this purpose, and can be purchased online or in the majority of big box stores.