10 Startups Set To Change The Locks Repair Industry For The Better
How to Tell If Your Locks Need Repair If your door lock is difficult to turn, lubricating it might help. If it moves when the key is inserted and the lock is not turning, it's time to contact for professional lock repair or replacement. In certain situations it might be more cost effective to replace a damaged lock with a more secure one. Cylinder Damage The cylinder could be damaged if it feels stiff or if the key does not rotate smoothly. A damaged cylinder can make your door vulnerable to break-ins and should be fixed immediately. You can try lubricating your lock to see if it helps but if you can't repair it on your own, a locksmith should be contacted. Rust and corrosion are the most common causes of problems with cylinder locks. It is possible to prevent this by regularly painting the lock surface with an anti-corrosive coating. Also, ensure that the weather strip is in good working order. This can cause water to seep into the cylinder and weaken it over time. Another common problem is when the cylinder gets misaligned with the keyhole on the door. This can occur due to a number of reasons, such as loose screws or a misaligned keyway on the handle. To fix the issue you'll need to take out the screws that secure the cylinder. Then, gently adjust it. Make sure not to tighten the screws too tightly as this could damage the components. One way to ensure that your cylinder in good working order is to apply a lubricant made of graphite. It is typically available at hardware stores and can be applied directly to the cylinder. The lubricant makes the key turn smoothly, and prevents future lock issues. If the cylinder is completely damaged, you may need to replace it. This is a relatively simple job that you can complete at home. The first step is to remove the faceplate from the lock. Once that's done, you can begin to disassemble the lock and cylinder. After taking the cylinder off its mounting, you should note any set screws holding it in place. It is important to keep these screws in mind for removal. Last but not least, use a screwdriver with an extremely fine tip to access the narrower areas of the lock. You will also want to keep a few plastic ziplock bags in your bag to store the parts you take out to be able to refer back later. Loose Knobs or Handles Over time door knobs or handles will get loose. If this happens, it could be a real inconvenience for employees and customers. The good news is that this problem is usually easy to fix and doesn't require a professional locksmith service. Generally, loose doorknobs are caused by the same problems that can cause locks to move or pull away from the door: age and wear loose screws and incompatible components. It is also possible that your house or business may have settled slightly. This could influence how tightly the door handle is secured to the lock. It is possible to fix knobs or handles that are loose however, you need the proper tools. Be sure to not overtighten the screw. This could cause damage to the doorknob or handle. It's recommended to have an extra hand to hold, provide leverage, or assist in the tightening and twisting. It is important to locate the loose screw. This is normally found under a decorative cover that protects the ring that holds the lockset. To remove the decorative cover and expose the mounting rings for the lockset you must press a button or lever using an awl. The bolt can be tightened by turning it clockwise. Some newer doorknobs are designed using a different fastening method. The doorknobs are fastened to doors with hidden screws and a device known as a detent. This type of fastener may be slightly more complicated however it can be easily fixed using the same methods above. It is recommended to put washers on the screw after it has been tightened, it will stop the screw from loosening again in the future. This is particularly crucial for doorknobs made of wood which may have a damaged screwhole due to repeated use. Washers are available at any hardware store and they are an simple and quick solution to stop a daily hassle. Pick a washer that is compatible with the screw on the doorknob. Poorly cut key Poorly cut keys are the most common cause of a key not turning inside your lock. This could be due to a poor copy made by locksmiths, or simply because the original key has worn down over time. If you require keys copied or have your locks rekeyed, it is crucial to select a reliable local locksmith. A locksmith will always check the key for the proper cut depth, and that they are evenly distributed across the key. A professional locksmith will inspect the lock to determine the reason for the issue and come up with a solution for you, whether that's replacing the pins or adjusting the lock cylinder. It is an excellent idea to bring the key that won't turn when you visit a locksmith, so they can check it out in their duplicator. This will ensure the new key is cut correctly and it fits the lock correctly. If the key won't fully insert into the lock it could be due to dirt or other debris that have accumulated in the lock. Lubricating the lock with graphite spray or a lubricant based on silicone can aid in removing tumblers that are stuck or clogged. Another issue that is common is that a key was not cut precisely when it was first made. This is often the case when someone attempts to create an inexpensive copy from an existing key. Only a locksmith equipped with the necessary tools and training can make high-quality duplicates. If you have a broken key in the lock, you can use a pair needle-nosed pliers or tweezers it. Be careful not to insert the end of the pliers the tweezers to far, as this can make the problem worse and it's much easier for professionals to pull the broken piece out without causing further damage to the lock mechanism. It is also a good idea to bring the key that broke when you visit the locksmith, so that they can use their duplicator to create the replacement for you. Sagging Locks A sagging lock could be the cause of your difficulty locking your door. This can cause the latch or bolt to get stuck in the door frame and can make closing the door more difficult. It can also lead to drafts, and create a bigger gap between the frame and the door and could cause damage to both in the course of time. Fortunately, sagging locks can be easy to fix. Usually you can fix them by tightening screws on hinges. If this doesn't work, you can try lubricating the lock. You can use powdered graphite or a silicon-based lubricant. Make sure fix car locks choose the lubricant that doesn't damage the lock over time. Another issue that can hinder the ability of doors to open and shut properly is a faulty locking system. This could be due to the door being not installed correctly, or the weather changing, which can cause the doors and frames to move. If left untreated can make your home or business more vulnerable. First, you'll need to verify whether the frame and door are on the same plane. If not, you'll have to reposition the door hinges to ensure that they're aligned at the right height. The next step is to examine the strike plate and mortise. If the strike plate is slipping out and is not repositioning properly, you can fix it using a hammer and chisel. Once you've repositioned it, test it to see if it's aligned with the latch. If you're having issues with your lock, it might be time to call a professional locksmith. Whether you have a Yale lock mortice lock or uPVC lock, a locksmith can help you resolve the problem and ensure that your door is secured. Be aware that only certain types of lock damage can be repaired. Do not attempt to bend the damaged bolt back to its original position in order to weaken the bolt and possibly break the cylinder itself. If you're experiencing issues that are serious you should seek out a professional. They'll be able assess the extent of damage and provide you with more information about what your options are.