How to Do Your Own Lock Repair

You can either fix your locks yourself, or hire a professional locksmith when they become faulty. Repairing locks can be difficult and a wrong choice could result in further damage.


You should first check to see if the problem is caused by dust or dirt. This can usually be cleared by applying a graphite-based spray or silicone-based oil.

1. Loose Door Knob or Handle

Door knobs and handles may get loose over time, which can result in an unbalanced door handle or knob that is difficult to open. It is essential to replace loose door knobs because they're not just annoying and can also compromise the security of your home. A doorknob that is loose can be easy to repair. Based on the type of lock system installed in your door, there are several options to fix this. Some systems have exposed mounting screws that are easy to access, whereas others have a backplate that obscures the screws holding the lock together. This method is more complex if your door uses a backplate that conceals the screws.

The majority of doorknobs for interior use are designed to slide over a spindle that is cylindrical, that is inserted into the door as part of the latch assembly. If yours is jiggly it could be due to a small screw called a setscrew located on the inside of the knob, which prevents it from sliding over spindle. You can make use of an flashlight to locate the set screw and then tighten it using an Allen wrench. After it's tightened, try turning the knob to check if it no longer appears to be like it's jiggly.

If the knob is still like it's jiggly, then the set screw isn't positioned correctly. Look for a small button that matches the spindle to ensure the screw is in the right position. Depress the button with a flathead screwdriver, and then slide the knob over the spindle. The knob should move into the proper position after you have done this, indicating it is in the correct position on the spindle.

Once you've verified that the set screw is positioned correctly then tighten it a second time to secure the knob. This should solve the issue If not, you may need to remove the knob and examine the backplate for loose or missing screws. You will need to replace the screws in the event of this before you can install the knob or handle. If you're not sure about this kind of repair, contact a professional who specializes in repair of damaged locks.

2. Key Won't Turn in Lock

There are a number of reasons why your key might cease to turn in the lock. One of the most frequent reasons is that the pins in the cylinder have worn down. This means that they no longer have a proper shape to allow the wafers or sliders to move with the key. In this situation an easy fix would be spraying the lock with graphite spray or lubricant based on silicone to coat the pins and help them to move once more.

However, if the problem is more serious and the key has been bent out of shape, it may be necessary to have it straightened professionally. A professional locksmith will use a special tool to straighten the keys, which is designed with an angled end that fits into the recessed groove of the key's tip. This kind of tool can't be found in hardware stores. However you can buy a kit that includes the necessary tools through the internet or from an experienced locksmith.

A soiled or dirty lock is also a possibility. Over time, dust can accumulate in the lock the cylinder, which may cause the springs and pins to seize up. In this situation, spray the lock with WD-40 or graphite spray to remove the pins and return them to their original places.

It could also be an issue if the key has been damaged. Keys can wear down over time through frequent use, which could result in the groves wearing down or even become smoother. This can lead to the key not fitting into the cylinder, which is why it's crucial to pay attention and check regularly that your key fits correctly.

Locks can freeze during the winter months. This will prevent the pins and springs from moving when a key is placed. This can be a frustrating issue however it is usually solved by warming the lock by using hot water and then applying lubrication. However, if the lock is damaged or frozen beyond repair, it's likely to require replacement by an expert.

3. The Lock Isn't Turning

It can be frustrating to find locks that aren't turning or open. If it occurs frequently, you may want to contact a locksmith to come check it out and see if they can assist. It is not always necessary however, as some issues can be resolved by yourself.

The key will not rotate in the lock if it's damaged. This can happen if you've lost your keys or it is broken in the lock. Instead of trying to fish the key out of the lock, which could result in it being pushed deeper into the mechanism, and cause it to get worse using needle-nosed pliers, you should remove the key from the lock. Be careful not to harm the lock by breaking off any piece of the damaged key with the pliers.

It's also possible that your lock isn't aligned properly, which can cause the door to not latch properly. If you happen to have an extra key, it can be tested in the lock to ensure that it is working properly and doesn't cause the cause of the problem. If you find that the lock is not properly aligned, tightening the screws around the strikeplate can fix the issue and allow the lock function normally.

A lock might not turn because of dirt or dust. This issue can be fixed by using an lubricant made of silicone or graphite to coat the pins of the lock. This will allow them to move up & down in a normal manner. It's crucial not to use oil based products like WD-40 to solve this problem, however, since they could cause more blockages later on.

Repair My Windows And Doors Links to an external site. 's also worth noting that there are certain kinds of keys that aren't able to fit into all locks. If this is the case, you'll need to have a new key made by a local hardware store.

4. The Cylinder Is Rotating

Hairpin vortices can develop when a cylinder is rotated in a confinement area. These vortices can impose significant forces on the cylinder that is rotating. The forces are proportional to the dimensionless curvature radius and the confinement factor. The tube, head and main body of the cylinder are made of aluminum alloy.

If you're able insert your key inside and turn it however the lock isn't turning it could be due to an issue with the cylinder. Rekeying the lock could solve the issue. There are kits made specifically for this purpose and can be purchased online or in the majority of big box stores.