10 Websites To Help You Become An Expert In Lock Repair

10 Websites To Help You Become An Expert In Lock Repair

Door Lock Repair - How to Fix Common Problems

A lock that doesn't latch properly is a sign that it needs to be fixed. CR's testers use lipstick to mark where the latch meets the strike plate. Tightening the hinge screws could fix the problem.

Spraying a dry lubricant like powdered graphite or WD-40, on the lock cylinder may also help.

Check the Latch

The latch is bolt that extends out of the door frame and secures the lock when the knob or handle is pulled back. Deadbolts and latches with positive locking are popular choices for added security. If yours won't close or latch properly, the problem may be a misalignment between the latch and strike plate inside the door frame.

A common cause of this is loose hinges. They may sag over time and cause the latch to miss its strike plate. Use a lipstick test to check. Apply some lipstick to the edge of the latch and stick a strip of masking tape to the strike plate. Close the door, and you'll be able to see where the latch connects to the plate. This will help determine whether the contact point is too high or low for proper operation.

If the latch is contacting the strike plate more than 1/8 inch too high or too low, you'll have to move the strike plate. This is a simple task that is usually accomplished without removing the doors. You'll need to use an extension file to widen the strike plate hole. Half-round files are the best since it matches the contour of the strike plate hole.

After the strike plate has been relocated, you'll need tighten the screws that connect it to the frame of your door. This should be enough to allow your door to shut and latch correctly. If this isn't working, tighten the hinge screws on either side of the door to see if that helps.

If  glass repairs  is not in alignment even after lubrication you will require more drastic measures. You can remove the strike plate and then use a chisel sharp on the mortise of the strike plate to allow you to move the latch up or down. Alternately, you can use a metal file to reshape the strike plate so it is more snugly in the mortise. This is an option you might think about when your vehicle is prone to bumps and dips along the highway, and you're worried that it might fall off during travel.

Check the Keyway

If your lock isn't operating properly, it could leave your property vulnerable to intruders. Certain issues with door locks can be solved without the assistance of a professional. For instance, a key that isn't fitting or a lock that sticks when turned. The earlier you spot a problem, you are more likely to repair it yourself.

If your key isn't moving into the lock or turning smoothly it may have rough spots that require to be sanded off. Locksmiths can help you with this however, it's also an easy DIY project you can attempt at home. Move the key around until you locate the spot that is causing friction. If you spot any of these, file the rough spots with a fine metal file.



A locked bolt or bolt that is jammed or latch is a different issue. This can be caused either due to debris or a damaged key that has stuck itself into the mechanism. You can make use of a needle or pin to get rid of the debris. However it is advised to call a locksmith to perform a thorough inspection and remove the broken piece.

A deadbolt that doesn't stay extended through the strike plate may be a sign of a faulty lock. Over time the screws that secure your deadbolt together may loosen and cause it to shift. This can make your home more vulnerable to burglars. Changing the screws can aid, but if the deadbolt is still moving, it may be the time to invest in higher quality hardware.

If you have trouble with a cylinder that won't rotate when you turn the key, your key cylinder could be stuck. If this is the problem then you should consider using an oil-based fluid to lubricate it. You can also use dry lubricant, graphite spray, or WD-40 to lubricate your key cylinder and remove any buildup. These products can be kept in a handy bottle and used on a regular basis to keep your locks in good condition. A lubricated lock is more likely to last longer than locks that aren't.

Check the Hinges

Loose hinges can be the cause of a door lock cylinder that turns easily while the door is open, but doesn't lock when closed. This problem can be solved with a simple procedure. First, tighten the hinge screws to ensure that they aren't sliding. If the issue continues Try adding or removing the hinge's shim' to change the alignment. These plates made of metal are available in hardware stores or online.

You can also smooth the edges of the mortises on the hinges, the slots which hold the hinges to allow them to sit in a straight line with the frame. Another common reason for problems locking is that the latch bolt could be too high or low in the strike plate. To find out, put a small amount of lipstick on the latch. Then, place a strip of masking tape on the strike plate. When you shut the front door, the lipstick will stain any part of the tape it comes into contact with. This will indicate whether the latch is located above or below the hole.

Lastly, if the latch isn't working properly with the strike plate, it could be due an accumulation of dirt and grime. A q-tip soaked in graphite or silicone spray can dislodge this debris, allowing the lock to function exactly as it should.

If the issue is still not solved after applying a lubricant, the lock cylinder may be jammed and need to be replaced. This is a job for an expert, but not too difficult for someone experienced in basic home repairs. When replacing the lock cylinder, look for one that's been tested and rated the BHMA to avoid problems with fit and finish.

Another possible cause of difficulty latching is when the door lock hardware is not well-made or of a low quality. This type of lock may require more maintenance and last longer than a top-quality lock. If this is the case, upgrading to a better lock will usually solve the problem. To ensure that your lock lasts for years, you should opt for a lock that has an endurance rating of B or better.

Check the Strike Plate

A door latch that does not reach the strike plate can cause a range of problems that range from blocking the door from closing and latching properly to making it difficult to open. It's not as difficult to fix as you might think. Sagging hinges, gravity and even home foundation movement can cause the latch to be out of alignment with the strike plate, but often a few simple adjustments can fix the issue.

If lubricating and tightening the hinges does not solve the issue it might be required to move the strike plate to a different location to align with the latch. To do this, you must first take off the strike plate and mark where the latch makes contact with it. You can use a caulk, lipstick or a strip of masking tape that will stain when you close the door to mark this spot. If the mark is below the strike plate's hole, it means that the latch is striking the plate too high. the lower position of the strike plate will resolve the problem. If the mark is above the strike plate's hole, you can move the strike plate up a small amount.

Once you've determined the direction in which the strike plate should be adjusted, you can remove the strike plate from the frame. Make sure the screws are in a safe place so that you can replace them at a later time. It is also necessary to lubricate keyway of the strike plate to ensure that it moves effortlessly.

Next, determine whether the contact point of the latch is located above or below the strike hole of the plate. You can do this by applying paint, lipstick or chalk to the latch. After closing the door, open it to observe where the mark was left on the latch or masking tape. If the mark is located below the strikeplate, it indicates that the latch is striking the strikeplate too low. A higher strikeplate position can fix the issue.

To adjust the strike plate, remove it from the mortise. Then using a sharp knife, chisel, or hammer, widen the plate to ensure that it can be moved either upwards or downwards to match the position of the latch. After the strike plate has been moved, you can test the door to ensure that it shuts and latches smoothly. Once you've finished the adjustments, you'll have to attach the strikeplate back to the frame of the door and fill any old screwholes or gaps with woodfill that matches the rest of the frame.