The Secret Secrets Of Lock Repair

4 Things You Can Try Before Calling a Locksmith

If your lock isn't working as it should, it could need repair or even replacement. There are several options you can consider before calling locksmith.

Dust and dirt can accumulate inside a lock and make it difficult to turn. You can make it easier to turn the lock by applying an lubricant made of graphite or silicone into the keyhole.

Locked Door Knob or Handle

Door knobs and handles can get loose with time, particularly when they are used regularly. When this happens, the door handle or knob moves or is pulled away from the door when someone tries to open it. The good news is that the solution to this issue typically involves tightening screws. This is a simple task that anyone with no tools or experience can accomplish.

There are many reasons why a doorknob or handle could break but they all have one thing in common: wear and age. As time passes, the tiny screws that keep the mechanism in place may loosen as you open and close the door. This is why it's crucial to get your doors checked and maintained on a regular basis to reduce the chance of components becoming loose.

A lot of modern doors have knobs that slide over a cylindrical spindle which is attached to the door as part of the latch assembly. These knobs are made with hidden screws that are hidden behind the faceplate to secure them to the spindle. If your door is equipped with this kind of knob, you'll have to remove the ring to reveal the screws that are hidden behind it. With a flathead, take the ring away with care. Be careful not to damage the backing. Once the ring has been removed it is possible to tighten the exposed screws with a regular screwdriver.

Certain older doors have knobs that are connected to the spindle by a detent system. This helps keep the knob in place without the necessity of visible screwdrivers. If this is the case for your door, you'll have to locate a small hole on the faceplate of the knob and find a spring-activated pin that extends out of the hole. The pin is attached to a lever located on the side of the door. You'll require a screwdriver to press the lever and reveal the screwscrew.

If your door has a set screw rather than a detent pin, then you'll need to use an Allen wrench to loosen it, and then remove the knob from the spindle. Once the knob is removed, you can loosen or tighten the set screw with the help of a screwdriver.

Dirty Keyway

Oil is essential to keep the parts of a lock turning smoothly. However, the oil can dry out or become mixed with dirt. If this occurs, the key and lock mechanism get stuck and are difficult to separate. Spraying the lock with lubricant or applying graphite powder can help loosen them up. WD-40 is a good choice when you don't have anything else to apply, however the lubricant's liquid nature can attract dirt and leave behind a residue inside the lock, so you should be prepared to regularly spray it over and over.

If the key is still stuck, try moving it inside and out of the lock. This will loosen the key enough to pull it out with just a little effort, and could also help break up the dirt that is in the lock. If  windows repair  to hold the key then use needle-nose pliers to hold the end of the key and wiggle it. Do not use too much force, as you may break or bend the key.

If the lock is brand new and the key isn't able to be able to go in or out easily, it may have rough spots on its tips which need to be smoothed off. The key should be dragged over an incense burner to cover it with soot and place it on the edge of a file to smooth the sharp edges. A rotary file is perfect for this, however hacksaws are also a possibility if you don't have an Rotary file. If the key is still too stiff to turn or remove, contact an expert locksmith to get help. A professional can ensure that all parts are aligned properly, lubricated and ready to accept the appropriate key.

Poorly cut key

If you visit locksmiths to have your key copied it is usually done quickly and easily, however there are a few ways that duplicates could be cut incorrectly and will not fit or function in the lock. This could be due to a few things like the original key getting worn down, or even worse when it was used to try and pick your lock, or the locksmith simply not being able to precisely cut the new key.

This issue can be swiftly solved by shaking the key inside the lock while trying to turn it. This will cause the pins of the key to rise above the cuts, allowing the key to turn. You can also use graphite powder or spray to coat your key before you insert it into the locked. This acts as a lubricant to aid in removing the lock tumblers from jams.

Another reason why your key may not be working could be that you actually took the wrong key to the locksmith, and they simply copied what they saw. It is easy to mix up keys due to them being very similar. If you suspect that you may have made this mistake place your key next to the original that you copied.

You can also copy a key yourself using a small file or lighter, a cigarette or lighter lighter, clear packing tape and the material to trace your key (like old credit cards). They'll be able to confirm whether they're cutting the right blank. Alternately, you can duplicate a key yourself with a small file, a lighter or a lighter, clear packing tape and the material you want to trace your key (like old credit cards) ideally you want to use a Pippin or Dremel file but with a bit of improvising the majority of small files can be used.

Lincoln Lock & Safe is the right place to go your key will not unlock your door. We can fix your key or replace the lock cylinder in a short time so that you can gain access to your home. We offer affordable prices, and we are available anytime to take your call.