10 Myths Your Boss Is Spreading About Lock Repair Lock Repair
Door Lock Repair - How to Fix Common Problems
A window lock repair that doesn't latch properly indicates that it needs to be fixed. The testers at CR mark the area where the latch is in contact with the strike plate with lipstick. Tightening the hinge screws may fix the issue.
Spraying a dry lubricant like powdered graphite, or WD-40, on the lock cylinder can also help.
Check the Latch
The latch is the bolt that extends into the door frame to secure the lock when it is pulled back by the handle or knob. Deadbolts as well as positive locking latches are popular choices for local extra security. If the latch does not close or latch correctly, it could be because of a misalignment in the latch and strikeplate in the door frame.
The most common reason for this is loose hinges. They can loosen with time and cause the latch to fall off its strike plate. To check this, use a lipstick test. Apply some lipstick to the edge of the latch, and double glazed door repairs then place the strip of masking tape on the strike plate. Close the door and be able to see where the latch is touching the plate. This will let you know whether the point of contact is too high or low to allow proper operation.
You'll need an entirely new strike plate when the latch is more than 1/8" too high or low. Fortunately, this is an easy job that can be completed without having to take the door off. You'll need to use a file to enlarge the strike hole of the plate. A half-round file is best since it matches the curve of the strike hole on the plate.
Once the strike plate has been moved, you'll need to tighten the screws that attach it to the frame of your door. This should be sufficient to allow your door to close and latch properly. If not, try tightening the hinge screws on the opposite side of the door to see if this helps.
If the latch is not in alignment after oiling, you'll have to take more drastic steps. You can remove the strike plate and use a sharp chisel on the mortise of the strike plate to allow you to move the latch up or down. Alternatively, you can employ a metal file to shape the strike plate so that it will fit better into the mortise. You might want to consider this option if you are worried about the strike plate coming off when you travel in your RV.
Make sure you check the Keyway
If your lock is not functioning properly, you could be leaving your property vulnerable to burglars. The good news is that some types of door lock problems can be fixed without the need of an expert. This is the case with a lock or a key that doesn't turn. The sooner you realize a problem, the more likely to fix it on your own.
If your key isn't going in or turning easily, it could have rough areas that need to be smoothed out. Locksmiths can do this for you however it's an easy DIY project you can attempt at home. Move the key around until you locate the area that causes friction. If you see any of these spots, use a metal filing to smooth out the rough spots.
A locked bolt or bolt that is jammed or latch is a different issue. This can be caused by debris or a broken piece of key that is stuck within the mechanism. You can employ a needle or pin to remove the debris. However it is recommended to contact a locksmith to conduct a thorough examination and to remove the broken piece.
A deadbolt that doesn't extend across the strike plate may also be an indication of a faulty locking mechanism. The screws that hold the deadbolt together can loosen over time and cause it to move and make your home vulnerable to break-ins. Removing the screws may assist, but if your deadbolt continues to shift it could be time to invest in some better quality hardware.
If you're having issues with a cylinder that won't move when you turn the key, your key cylinder may be stuck. If this is the case, apply a lubricant to loosen it up. You can also use a dry graphite spray, lubricant or WD-40 to lubricate your key cylinder and get rid of any buildup. Keep the bottles of these products in your bag and use them periodically to ensure your locks are in good working order. A lock that is lubricated will be more likely to last longer than locks that aren't.
Check the Hinges
Loose hinges can be the cause of the cylinder of a door lock that rotates easily when the door is opened but doesn't lock when closed. This problem can be solved with a simple procedure. First tighten the screws on the hinges to ensure they're not sliding. If the issue persists Try removing or adding the hinge's shim' to change the alignment. These small metal plates are available in hardware stores or online.
You can also smooth the edges of hinge mortises, which are the slots that hold the hinges to allow them to sit flush with the frame. The latch bolt could be too high or low in the strikeplate. To find out, put a small amount of lipstick on the latch. Then, you can place a piece of masking tape over the strike plate. When you close the double glazed door repairs glazed door window repairs (click the next internet page) to the front, the lipstick will stain any part of the tape it comes into contact with. This will indicate whether the latch is above or below the hole.
If the latch isn't able to engage properly with the strikeplate, it could be due to dirt and grime. A q-tip soaked in graphite or silicone spray will help to remove this obstruction, allowing the lock to function just as it is supposed to.
If the problem continues to persist after using the lubricant it may be that the lock cylinder is jammed and needs to be replaced. This is a task for an expert, but it's not difficult for anyone familiar with basic home repair. If you are replacing the lock cylinders, ensure that they've been tested and rated BHMA approved to avoid any issues with the fitting or finishing.
Another reason that could cause difficulty latching is when the door lock hardware is not well-made or of a low quality. This kind of lock is likely to require more maintenance than a high-quality lock, and it might not last as long. If this is the situation, upgrading to a higher quality lock will typically solve the problem. The key is to choose one that is rated B or higher in terms of durability to ensure it can withstand years of use.
Verify the Strike Plate
A door latch that doesn't reach the strike plate can cause a number of problems. It may stop the door from closing and latching properly, or make it more difficult to unlock. Fortunately, it's not as difficult to fix it as it seems. Gravity, sagging hinges and even the movement of your home foundation can cause the latch to not align with the strike plate however, often a few minor adjustments can fix the issue.
If lubricating and tightening the hinges does not solve the issue it might be necessary to move the strike plate to a different location to align with the latch. To do this, remove the strikeplate and mark the spot where the latch contacts it. Mark the spot with caulk, lipstick or a strip of masking tape. If the mark is lower than the hole where the strike plate is, this indicates that the latch is hitting the plate too high. A lower strike plate can resolve the problem. If the mark is above the strike plate hole you can move the strike plate up little.
Once you have determined the direction in which the strike plate must be adjusted, remove it from the frame. keep the screws in a secure location so that you can replace them later. You will also need to oil the strike plate's keyway to ensure it moves easily.
You can do this by applying chalk, paint or lipstick to the latch. This can be done 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 strike plate, this means that the latch is hitting the strike plate too low, and the higher position of the strike plate can fix the issue.
To make the adjustment to adjust the strike plate, take it out from the mortise, and then expand it using a sharp knife or chisel with a hammer to allow the strike plate to move upwards or downwards to match the position of the latch. Test the door after the strike plate has been moved to verify that it locks and closes smoothly. After you've completed the adjustments, attach the strike plate back to the door frame and fill in any existing gap or screw holes using wood filler that matches the color of the the door frame.