4 Things You Can Try Before Calling a Locksmith
If your lock isn’t functioning as it should, it could need repair or even replacement. There are some things you can do prior to calling a locksmith professional.
Dust and dirt can build up in a lock which makes it difficult to turn. You can make it easier to turn the lock by applying the lubricant graphite or silicone into the keyhole.
Loose Door Knobs or Handles
upvc door repairs knobs and handles could become loose in time, particularly with regular use. When this happens the door handle or knob is swivelling or pulls away from the door whenever someone tries to open it. This issue is usually solved by tightening screws. This is a project that anyone can tackle even if they have no knowledge or tools.
The age and wear of a doorknob can cause it to become loose. As time passes, opening and closing the door may slowly loosen the tiny screws that secure the mechanism. It is crucial to have your doors inspected and maintained regularly to minimize the risk.
Most modern doors come with knobs that slide over a cylindrical spindle mounted to the door. This is part of the latch assembly. The knobs are attached to the spindle with hidden screws that are situated behind the faceplate. You’ll need to remove the ring from the knob to expose the screws. With a flathead, pull the ring off with attention. Be careful not to damage the backing. After the ring is removed it is possible to fix the screws that are exposed using the regular screwdriver.
Certain older doors have knobs that are attached to the spindle with the use of a detent mechanism that keeps the knob in place without the requirement for visible screws. If this is the case with your door then look for a small hole on the knob’s faceplate and locate a spring-activated retaining pin that protrudes from. The pin is connected to a lever located on the inside of your door. You’ll require a screwdriver to press the lever, which will reveal the screwscrew.
If your door has an asymmetrical set screw instead of a detent pin, then you’ll need to use an Allen wrench to loosen it and free the knob from the spindle. Once the knob is off you can easily loosen and tighten the setscrew using a screwdriver or allen wrench.
Dirty Keyway
The parts that make up the lock require a small amount of oil to turn smoothly, however, the oil could dry up or mix with dirt. The lock mechanism and the key can become stuck together and become difficult to get it out. Spraying the lock with lubricant or applying graphite powder can help loosen them up. WD-40 works well if you have nothing else to use, but this liquid lubricant could draw dirt and leave a residue inside the lock, so you should be prepared to regularly spray it over and over.
If the key remains stuck in the lock, try wiggling the key into and out. This will loosen the lock enough that you will be able to pull the key out with some effort. It could help in removing dirt from the lock. If you cannot get a grip on the key using pliers with needle noses, use them to hold it in place and then move it around. Be careful not to apply excessive pressure, as it could cause the key to break or bend.
If the lock is brand new and the key still won’t be able to go in or Windows out easily, it could have rough spots on its tips which need to be smoothed off. The key can be blackened using soot by placing it on an open candle. Then, you can employ a file to eliminate the sharp edges. If you don’t own the rotary tool, a hacksaw will work. Contact a locksmith if your key is too stiff to remove or turn. A professional can ensure that all components are properly aligned, nuursciencepedia.com lubricated and ready to accept the appropriate key.
Poorly Cut Key
It is generally easy and quick to have your key duplicated by locksmiths. However there are a few possibilities that the duplicates could be cut incorrectly. This means that they might not fit or work properly in the lock. This could be due to a number of reasons like the fact that the original key is worn down or, even more importantly in the event that it was used to pick the lock. It could also be because the locksmith wasn’t able cut the key precisely.
This issue can be easily solved by shaking the lock’s key while trying to turn it. This will often cause the pins to rise above the cuts of the key, which will allow it to turn. You can also use graphite powder or spray to coat the key and insert it into the locked. This acts as a lubricant that will aid in removing the lock tumblers from jams.
Another reason why your key may not be working is that you actually took the wrong key to the locksmith and they copied what they saw. It is easy to misinterpret keys due to being very similar. If you suspect that you might have done this put your key next to the original that you copied.
The best method to fix this is to take the key back to your local locksmith They will be able check that they are cutting the correct blank, and they will cut you a new one that matches. You can also make a copy of a key using a small file and lighter (or a lighter), clear packing tape, and any other material that you can trace the key onto.
Lincoln Lock & Safe is the best place to go when your key won’t open your door. We can fix your lock or replace the lock cylinder in a short time so that you can gain access to your home. We offer competitive rates and are available 24 hours a day. Give us a ring.