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How to Do Your Own Lock Repair You can either fix your locks yourself, or hire a professional locksmith when they start to malfunction. However, the process of fixing locks isn't easy and the wrong approach could result in further damage. It is important to first determine if the issue is due to dust or dirt. This is usually solved by applying a graphite-based spray or silicone-based fluid. 1. Door Handle or Knob Lock Over time doors knobs and handles can become loose. This can lead to an unbalanced knob or handle that is difficult for you to open. It is important to repair loose door knobs since they are not only annoying but also can affect the security of your home. Fortunately, a loose doorknob or handle is fairly simple to repair. There are several ways to do this, depending on what kind of lock system your door has. Some systems have exposed mounting screws that are easy to access, whereas others have a backplate that conceals the screws that hold the lock together. This is a more complicated method in the case of a backplate that conceals the screws. The majority of interior doorknobs have a tiny screw referred to as a setscrew on the inside of the knob to prevent it from sliding across the spindle. This is part of the latch assembly. If yours is not jiggly, it could be due to a tiny screw, known as a setscrew, on the inside of the knob, which prevents it from sliding over the spindle. You can make use of an flashlight to locate the set screw, then tighten it with an Allen wrench. Once the screw is tightened, turn the knob to check if it feels solid. If your knob is still jiggly, it could be that the set screw isn't properly positioned. Find an oblique button that is positioned to match the spindle to ensure the screw is in the correct position. Slide Repair My Windows And Doors over the spindle after pressing the button with the screwdriver that has a flat head. The knob should click into position after you have done this, indicating it is in the correct position on the spindle. After ensuring that the set screw is properly positioned and tighten it once more to secure the knob or handle in the correct position. This should solve the issue, but if not, you may need to remove the knob and check the backplate for loose or missing screws. If this is the case, you will have to replace the screws before re-securing the knob or handle. If you're not comfortable with this type of repair, call an expert who is skilled in damaged lock repair. 2. The key won't turn inside the lock There are many reasons why your lock key won't be turning. One of the most common reasons is that the pins inside the cylinder have worn down. This means that they no longer have the proper shape that allows for the wafers or sliders to move by the key. In this case, a quick fix would be spraying the lock with graphite or lubricant based on silicone to coat the pins and make them to move once more. If the problem is more severe, and the key has bent, you may have to get it straightened by a professional. A professional locksmith will use an exclusive tool that has a curved edge to fit into the groove that runs along the edge of the key. This kind of tool can't be found in hardware stores. However you can purchase a kit that includes the required tools through the internet or from a locksmith. Another possibility is that the lock is dirty or damaged. Dust can accumulate over time within the lock's cylinder, and causes the springs or pins to become stuck. In this instance spray the lock with WD-40 or graphite spray to clean out the pins and return them to their original position. If the key itself is damaged, it could be a cause for concern. Over time, repeated use can cause wear and tear on the grooves on a key. This can lead to the key not fitting into the cylinder, so it is important to be aware and check regularly that your key fits correctly. Locks can freeze in the winter months. This will stop the pins and springs from moving when a key is put in. This can be a frustrating problem, but it is usually quite simple to solve by heating the lock using hot water and then using the lubricant again to re-lubricate. If the lock is damaged or frozen beyond repair, it will likely require replacement by a professional. 3. The lock isn't turning It can be frustrating to have locks that aren't turning or open. If it happens often, you may want to contact locksmiths to examine the lock and see if they can help. This is not always necessary however, as some issues can be fixed by yourself. The key may not rotate in a lock if it is damaged. It could happen in the event that you've lost your key, or it has been broken inside the lock. Instead of trying to get the key from the lock, which could result in it being forced deeper 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 breaking off any of the broken key using the pliers. You could also have a misaligned lock, which could cause the door to not to latch properly. If you have an additional lock key, you may test it to ensure that the lock functions properly. If you discover that the lock isn't properly aligned, tightening the screws around the strikeplate could solve the issue and allow the lock to function normally. A lock may not turn because of dirt or dust. Using graphite sprays or a silicone-based lubricant will solve this issue by coating the pins in the lock to allow them to move up and down normally. It is important to avoid using oils-based products such as WD-40 for this though because they can cause blockages later on. Lastly, it's worth noting that there are some types of keys that aren't able to fit in all locks. If your key is one of these, it might be time to get a new key made at the local hardware store, so that it works inside the lock. 4. The Cylinder Is Rotating Hairpin vortices may form when a cylinder turns in a confinement space. These vortices can exert significant forces on the cylinder that is rotating. The forces are proportional to the dimensionless radius of curvature x and the confinement factor k. The simplified model presented here explains the impact of these parameters on the force and torque of the cylinder that is confined. The tube, head and the main body of the cylinder are made of aluminium alloy. If you're able to insert your key inside and turn it but the lock is still rotating there could be an issue with the cylinder itself. Rekeying your lock could resolve the problem. There are kits specifically designed for this purpose, and can be purchased online or at most big box stores.