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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, lock repair can be a challenge and if you don't follow the correct procedure, it could lead to further damage. The first step is to ensure that the issue isn't caused by dirt or dust. This can usually be cleared by applying some graphite spray or silicone based lubricant. 1. Door Handle or Knob Lock Door knobs and handles can become loose as time passes, which could result in a jiggly door handle, or a knobs that are difficult to open. It is essential to repair loose door knobs as they are not only annoying and can also compromise the security of your building. Fortunately, a broken doorknob or handle is relatively easy to repair. Depending on the type of lock system installed in your door, there are many options to fix this. Certain systems have mounting screws that are easy to access, whereas others have a backplate that obscures the screws holding the lock together. If your door is the latter type, this method could be more complex. The majority of interior doorknobs come with a small screw known as a setscrew that is located on the inside of the knob, which prevents it from sliding over the spindle. This is part of the latch assembly. If yours is jiggly, it could be due to a tiny screw, known as a setscrew, located on the inside of the knob, which prevents it from sliding across spindle. Make use of a flashlight to help you locate the set screw and use an Allen wrench to tighten it. Once the screw is tightened, turn the knob to test if it is solid. If your knob is jiggly, it could be that the set screw isn't placed correctly. To make sure the screw is positioned correctly, look for a small, matching button on the spindle. Press the button using an screwdriver with a flat head, and then slide the knob across the spindle. The knob should click into position when you do this, indicating it is positioned correctly on the spindle. Once you've verified that the set screw is properly placed then tighten it a second time to secure the knob. If this does not solve the issue, you might need to remove the knob from the backplate, and then check for missing or loose screws. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the screws before you can secure the knob or handle. If you're uncomfortable with this kind of repair, contact an expert who specializes in damaged lock repair. 2. The key won't spin in the lock. There are a number of reasons why your key could stop turning in the lock. One of the most common reasons is that the pins in the cylinder are worn out. This means that they do not have the proper shape to allow the sliders or wafers to move by the key. In this situation, spraying the lock with lubricant made of silicone or graphite spray will coat the pins in order to allow them to move again. If the issue is more severe, and the key has been bent or twisted, you may need to get it straightened by a professional. A professional locksmith will employ a special tool that has an angled edge that fits into the groove on the tip of the key. This type of tool cannot be found in hardware stores. However you can purchase an entire set of essential tools through the internet or from an experienced locksmith. Another possibility is that the lock is dirty or contaminated. Over time, dust may build up in the lock's the cylinder, which may cause the springs and pins to seize up. In this case, spray the lock with graphite or WD-40 spray to remove the pins and return them to their original places. It could also be an issue in the event that the key is damaged. Keys can wear down over time through repeated use, which will result in the groves wearing down or even become smoother. This can cause the key to not fit in the cylinder. It is essential to regularly check to ensure that the key is fitted correctly. Locks can freeze in the winter months. This can stop the springs and pins from moving when keys are put in. This can be a frustrating issue however it is usually resolved by warming the lock up with hot water and applying lubrication. If the lock is damaged beyond repair or has frozen it must be replaced. 3. The lock isn't turning If you've ever had a lock that doesn't turn and isn't able to be opened, it can be extremely frustrating. If this happens frequently, you may want to consider calling a locksmith to examine the lock to see whether they can assist. Fortunately, this isn't always necessary since there are issues that can be easily fixed without the need for professional assistance. The key may not rotate in a lock if it's damaged. This could happen if you've lost your key, or it is broken in the lock. Instead of trying to get keys out of the lock which could result in it being further pushed into the mechanism, and cause it to get worse, use needle-nosedpliers to remove the key from the lock. Be careful not to damage the lock by cutting off any of the broken key with the pliers. You may also have an improperly aligned lock that could cause the door to not to latch properly. If you're fortunate enough to have an extra key, it can be tested inside the lock to make sure it works correctly and isn't the issue. If you find that the lock isn't aligned properly, tightening the screws around the strike plate could fix the issue and allow the lock to work normally. Another reason your key might not be turning is because there is dust or dirt in the lock preventing it from turning. Using an graphite spray or silicone-based lubricant can solve this issue by coating the pins inside the lock so that they are able to move up and down as normal. It's crucial not to use oil based products like WD-40 to solve this problem, however, as these can cause further blockages later on. It's also worth noting that there are certain kinds of keys that don't fit into all locks. If this is the case, you'll need to have a new key manufactured by a local shop for hardware. 4. The Cylinder is rotating. Hairpin vortices may form when a cylinder turns within a confinement. These vortices can impose significant forces on the cylinder rotating. The forces are proportional to the dimensionless radius of curvature x and the confinement factor k. Repair My Windows And Doors simplified model that is presented here explains the impact of these parameters on the force and torque of an encircled rotating cylinder. The head, tube and main body of the cylinder are constructed of aluminum alloy. If you are able insert your key and turn it but the lock still rotates the cylinder could be damaged. Rekeying the lock can fix this problem. There are kits designed for this purpose, and can be purchased online or in most big box stores.