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How to Do Your Own Lock Repair You can either fix your locks yourself, or employ a professional locksmith if they begin to fail. However, repair of locks can be a challenge and the wrong approach could cause 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 some graphite spray or silicone based lubricant. 1. Door Handle or Knob Lock Over time door knobs and handles could become loose. This can lead to a jiggly knob or handle that is difficult to open. It is important to fix loose door knobs because they can be a nuisance and can also compromise the security of your home. A loose doorknob is relatively easy to fix. Based on the type of lock you have installed on your door, there are several solutions to fix it. Some lock systems have visible mounting screws that are easy to access, whereas others utilize a backplate which obscures the screws holding the lock together. If your door uses the second type, this process could be more complex. Most interior doorknobs are designed to slide over a cylindrical spindle which is attached to the door as a part of the latch assembly. If yours is jiggly, it could be due to a tiny screw called a setscrew on the inside of the knob that blocks it from sliding over the spindle. You can use an flashlight to locate the set screw, then tighten it using an Allen wrench. Once the screw is tightened, turn the knob to verify if it feels secure. If your knob is jiggly, it could be that the set screw isn't properly positioned. To ensure that the screw is in the correct position Look for a small, corresponding button on the spindle. Depress the button with the flat-head screwdriver, then slide the knob over the spindle. The knob should click into place as you do this, which indicates that it is in the correct position on the spindle. Once you have ensured that the set screw is properly positioned, tighten it once more to secure the knob. If this does not resolve the problem, you may have to remove the knob from the backplate and check for loose or missing 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 happy with this type of repair, you should seek out an expert locksmith who can offer repair for damaged locks to assist. 2. Key Won't Turn in the Lock There are a variety of reasons the lock key might stop turning. One of the most frequent reasons is that the pins in the cylinder are beginning to wear down and do not have the right shape to move the wafers, sliders, or tumblers that allow the key to open the lock. In this situation spraying the lock with silicone-based lubricant or graphite spray will coat the pins and enable them to move. However, if the problem is much more serious and the key is been bent out of shape, it may be necessary to have it straightened professionally. A professional locksmith will use 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 isn't available in hardware stores, however you can find a kit that includes the proper tools online or in the locksmith shop. A dirty or contaminated lock is a different possibility. The accumulation of dust over time can cause problems in the lock's cylinder and causes the springs or pins to get stuck. In this situation, spray the lock with WD-40 or graphite spray to clear the pins and restore them to their original position. It could also be an issue if the key has been damaged. Over time, repeated use may wear out the grooves on a key. This can result in the key not being able to fit in the cylinder. It is essential to check regularly to ensure that the key is fitted correctly. In colder weather, locks can freeze, which prevents the springs and pins from moving when the key is placed. This can be a frustrating issue, but is usually easily resolved by warming the lock by using hot water and then re-lubricating it. If Main Page is damaged beyond repair or has froze, it will need to be replaced. 3. The lock isn't turning If you've ever encountered a lock that doesn't turn and isn't opened, it can be very frustrating. If it occurs frequently, you may want to contact locksmiths to take a look and see if they are able to help. Fortunately, this isn't required as there are things that can be fixed without the need for professional assistance. The key may not rotate in a lock if it is damaged. This can happen if you've lost your key, or it's broken in the lock. Instead of trying to pull the key out of the lock which could result in it being pushed deeper into the mechanism, and cause it to get worse using needle-nosed pliers, you should remove the key from the lock. You should be cautious not to break any broken pieces using the pliers, or you may cause damage to the lock. It's also possible that your lock isn't aligned properly, which can cause the door to not latch properly. If you have an extra lock key, you can test it to ensure that the lock is operating correctly. If you discover that the lock isn't properly aligned, tightening the screws around the strikeplate could solve the issue and allow the lock function normally. Another reason why your key may not be turning is that there is dust or dirt in the lock that is blocking it from moving. This issue can be resolved by using an lubricant made of silicone or graphite to cover the pins of the lock. This will allow them to move up and down as normal. You should avoid using products that contain oil, such as WD-40 for instance, as they can cause more clogging in the future. It's also worth noting that there are some types of keys that aren't able to fit in all locks. If yours is one of them, it might be time to get a replacement key made at the local hardware store so that it can be used inside the lock. 4. The Cylinder Is Rotating Hairpin vortices may form when a cylinder rotates within a confinement. These vortices can impose significant forces on the cylinder that is rotating. The forces are proportional to dimensionless curvature radius x and the confinement factor. The head, the tube and the main body of the cylinder are made of aluminum alloy. If you're able to insert your key in and turn it however the lock isn't turning there could be an issue with the cylinder itself. Rekeying the lock could fix the issue. You can buy kits for this purpose online or in most big box stores.