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How to Do Your Own Lock Repair If your locks fail You can attempt to repair them yourself or hire an professional locksmith. However, the process of fixing locks isn't easy and the wrong approach could result in further damage. The first step is to confirm that the problem is not caused by dust or dirt. This is usually solved by applying some graphite spray or silicone-based oil. 1. Loose Door Knob or Handle Over time door knobs and handles may become loose. This can lead to the knob or handle becoming jiggly that is difficult for you to open. It is important to replace loose door knobs since they are not only annoying, but can compromise the security of your building. A doorknob that is loose is simple to fix. There are a few different ways to fix this depending on what kind of lock your door comes with. Certain lock systems have easily accessible mounting screws, while others have backplates that conceal the screws. If your door has the second type, this process may be more complicated. 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 feels jiggly, it could be due to tiny screws, referred to as a set screw, located on the inside of the doorknob that's stopping it from sliding over the spindle. You can use an flashlight to locate the set screw, then tighten it using an Allen wrench. After the screw has been tightened by turning the knob, check if it feels solid. If your knob is jiggly it could be because the set screw hasn't been properly positioned. Find an oblique button that is positioned to match the spindle to make sure the screw is in the correct position. Depress the button with a flathead screwdriver, and then slide the knob across the spindle. When you do this the knob should click into place and show that it is positioned properly on the spindle. Once you've verified that the set screw is positioned correctly, tighten it once more to secure the knob. This should resolve the issue, but if not it is, you will have to take the knob off and inspect the backplate for missing or loose screws. It is necessary to replace the screws if this is the situation before you can install the knob or handle. If you're not comfortable with this kind of repair, contact a professional who specializes in repair of damaged locks. 2. The key won't turn inside the lock. There are many reasons why the lock key might stop turning. One of the most frequent reasons is that the pins inside the cylinder are beginning to wear down and, consequently, they no longer have the proper shape to move the wafers, sliders, or tumblers that allow the key to open the lock. In this instance an easy fix is to spray the lock with graphite spray or silicone-based lubricant to coat the pins and make them move again. If the issue is more severe and the key is bent out of shape, you may need to have it professionally straightened. A professional locksmith will employ an exclusive tool that has a curved edge to fit into the groove that runs along the edge of the key. This kind of tool can't be found in hardware stores. However you can purchase a kit that includes the essential tools through the internet or from locksmiths. A dirty or contaminated lock is another possibility. As time passes, dust will accumulate in the lock cylinder, which could cause the pins and springs to swell up. In this case you'll need to spray the lock with graphite spray or a silicone-based lubricant to clean it out and then reposition the pins back to their original position. If the key itself has been damaged, it could be a problem. A key can be worn down over time by frequent use, which could cause the groves to wear down or even become smoother. This can result in the key not to fit into the cylinder. It is crucial to check regularly to ensure that the key fits properly. In colder weather locks can freeze which will prevent the pins and springs from moving when the key is inserted. This can be a frustrating problem however, it's usually relatively simple to fix by heating the lock with hot water and then using the lubricant again to re-lubricate. However, if the lock is damaged or frozen beyond repair, it may require replacement by a professional. 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 very frustrating. If upvc window lock repairs happens often it is advisable to consider having a locksmith come and inspect the lock to see whether they can assist. This is not always necessary however, as some issues can be resolved by yourself. Often the key won't turn in a lock because it's damaged. This can happen if you've lost your key, or it is broken in the lock. Instead of trying to pull it out of the lock which could cause the broken piece of the key to push further into the mechanism and cause the problem to become more severe Try using needle-nosed pliers to take it out of the lock. Be careful not to scratch the lock by tearing off any piece of the damaged key using the pliers. It's also possible that the lock isn't aligned properly, which can cause the door to not latch correctly. If you're lucky enough to have an additional key, it can be tested inside the lock to confirm that it functions properly and isn't the issue. If you discover that the lock isn't aligned correctly, tightening screws around the strikeplate could solve the issue and let the lock to function normally. Another reason why your key may not be turning is that there is dirt or dust in the lock that is preventing it from turning. This issue can be resolved by using a graphite or silicone-based lubricant to coat the pins of the lock. This allows them to move up & down normally. It's important not to use oils-based products such as WD-40 to solve this issue, as these can cause further clogging problems down the road. It's important to note that some keys don't fit in all locks. If yours is one of them, it might be time to get a new key made at a local hardware store, so that it works inside the lock. 4. The Cylinder is Rotating When a cylinder rotates within a confinement gap it can result in the formation of hairpin vortices that can result in significant forces on the cylinder. The forces are proportional to dimensions of the radius x of curvature and the confinement factor. The cylinder's head, tube, and main body are composed of aluminum alloy. If you're able to insert your key inside and turn it but the lock isn't rotating there could be an issue with the cylinder itself. Rekeying your lock could fix this issue. You can purchase kits for this purpose online or in many big box stores.