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How to Do Your Own Lock Repair If your locks start to fail, you can try to fix them yourself or hire an expert locksmith. Lock repair can be tricky, and the wrong approach could result in more damage. The first step is to ensure that the problem is not caused by dust or dirt. Graphite spray or silicone-based oil can be used to solve this issue. 1. Door Handle or Knob Loose Door knobs and handles can get loose in time, which can result in an unbalanced door handle or knob that is difficult to open. Door knobs that are loose are not only annoying but they can also compromise your building's security, so it is essential to identify and solve the issue quickly. Fortunately, a loose doorknob or handle is relatively simple to repair. Depending on the lock system installed in your door, there are several options to fix this. Certain systems have mounting screws that are easy to access, whereas others have a backplate that hides the screws that hold it together. If your door is the latter type, this method may be more complicated. The majority of doorknobs for interior use are designed to slide over a spindle that is cylindrical, which is attached to 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, that is located on the inside of the doorknob, which is keeping 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 it's tightened up, test the knob and check if it no longer feels as jiggly. If your knob still feels uneven, it could be that the set screw isn't positioned correctly. To ensure that the screw is properly positioned, look for a small, matching button on the spindle. Depress the button with the flat-head screwdriver, then slide the knob across the spindle. As you do so the knob should click into place which indicates that it has been positioned properly on the spindle. After ensuring that the set screw is positioned properly, simply tighten it again to ensure that the knob or handle is in the correct position. If this doesn't solve the issue, you may have to remove the knob from the backplate and look for missing or loose screws. You'll need to replace the screws in this case before you can reinstall the knob or handle. If you're not happy with this kind of repair, you should call a professional locksmith who offers damaged lock repair to help. 2. The key won't spin in the lock There are a variety of reasons your lock key may stop turning. One of the most frequent reasons is that the pins in the cylinder have worn down. This means that they do not have a proper shape that allows the sliders or wafers to move by the key. In this case, spraying the lock with lubricant based on silicone or graphite spray will coat the pins in order to allow them to move again. If the issue is more serious, and the key has been bent it may be necessary to have it straightened by a professional. A professional locksmith will employ a special tool that has an edge that is curved to fit into the groove on the tip of the key. This kind of tool is not available at hardware stores, however you can find an entire kit of the correct tools online or in the locksmith shop. Another possibility is that the lock has become dirty or damaged. As time passes, dust will build up in the lock's cylinder, which could cause the springs and pins to seize up. In this situation spray the lock with graphite or WD-40 spray to clear the pins and return them to their original position. It could also be a problem when the key has been damaged. A key can be worn down with time due to repeated use, which can result in the groves wearing down or even become smoother. This can lead to the key not fitting properly into the cylinder, therefore it is important to be aware and make sure that your key is fitted correctly. In colder weather, locks can freeze, which can stop springs and pins from moving when the key is inserted. This can be a nagging issue however, it's usually relatively simple to fix by heating the lock with hot water and using a lubricant to re-lubricate it. If the lock is damaged beyond repair or has frozen it must be replaced. 3. The lock isn't turning It can be a hassle to have a lock that won't turn or open. If this happens often you might want to think about hiring a locksmith to examine the lock to determine whether they can assist. It is not always necessary however, as some issues can be resolved by yourself. The key may not turn in a lock due to it is damaged. This could happen if you've lost your keys or it's broken inside the lock. Rather than trying to fish it out of the lock, which could cause the broken piece of the key to move further inside the mechanism and cause the issue to get worse, try using needle-nosed pliers to take it out of the lock. Be careful not to harm the lock by breaking off any piece of the damaged key with the pliers. It's also possible that the lock isn't aligned properly, which can cause the door to not latch properly. If you have an extra lock key, you may test it to verify that the lock functions correctly. If you discover that the lock isn't properly aligned, tightening the screws around the strikeplate can solve the issue and allow the lock function normally. A lock might not turn due to dust or dirt. This issue can be resolved by using the lubricant based on silicon or graphite to cover the pins of the lock. This will allow them to move up & down normally. It's important not to use oils-based products such as WD-40 to solve this problem, however, because they can cause blockages later on. Lastly, repair upvc window lock www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk noting that there are some types of keys that don't fit into all locks. If your key is one of these then it's time to get a replacement key made at an area hardware store so that it will work inside the lock. 4. The Cylinder is Rotating When a cylinder is rotated in a confinement space, it may result in hairpin vortices which can cause significant forces on the cylinder. These forces are proportional the dimensionless radius of curvature x and the confinement factor k. The simplified model presented here explains the impact of these parameters on the force and torque on the cylinder that is confined. The cylinder's tube, head and main body are made of aluminum alloy. If you're able to insert your key inside and turn it, but the lock isn't rotating it could be due to an issue with the cylinder. Rekeying your lock may solve the problem. You can purchase kits to do this online or in a lot of big box stores.