How to Do Your Own Lock Repair

If your locks fail You can attempt to fix them yourself or employ an expert locksmith. Repairing locks can be a challenge, and the wrong approach could cause further damage.

The first step is to ensure that the problem is not caused by dirt or dust. This is usually solved by applying a graphite spray or silicone-based lubricant.

1. Locked Door Knob or Handle

Door knobs and handles may get loose as time passes, which could result in an unbalanced door handle or knob that is difficult to open. Loose door knobs aren't just annoying but they can also compromise your building's security, making it important to find and resolve the issue as quickly as possible. A doorknob that is loose is easy to fix. There are many ways to do this, dependent on the type of lock your door comes with. Some lock systems have easily accessible mounting screws, while others have backplates that conceal the screws. This method is more difficult if your door uses a backplate that hides the screws.

Most interior doorknobs come with a small screw known as a setscrew on the inside of the knob, which prevents it from sliding over the spindle. This is a part of the latch assembly. If yours is jiggly, it could be due to a tiny screw, known as a setscrew, located inside the knob that prevents it from sliding over spindle. Make use of a flashlight to help you locate the set screw and then use an Allen wrench to tighten it. Once the screw is tightened by turning the knob, test if it is solid.

If your knob is jiggly it could be because the set screw hasn't been properly positioned. Find an oblique button that is positioned to match the spindle, to ensure that the screw is in the correct position. Slide the knob over the spindle after pressing the button using the screwdriver with a flat head. The knob should click into position after you have done this, which indicates that it is in the correct position on the spindle.

After you've made sure the set screw is properly positioned and tighten it once more to ensure that the knob or handle is in the correct position. If this does not resolve the issue, you may have to remove the knob from the backplate and check for missing or loose screws. If this is the case, you'll need to replace these screws before re-securing the knob or handle. If you're not happy with this type of repair, you should contact a professional locksmith who offers repairs for damaged locks.

2. Key Won't Turn in the Lock

There are many reasons why your key might stop turning in the lock. One of the most frequent causes is that the pins within the cylinder have worn down. This means that they do not have a proper shape that allows the sliders or wafers to move with the key. In this instance the best solution is to spray the lock with graphite or lubricant based on silicone to coat the pins and help them move again.

If the issue is more severe, and the key has been bent, you may have to have it straightened by a professional. A professional locksmith can employ a specialty tool to straighten the key, which is designed with a curved end to fit into the groove in the key's tip. This kind of tool isn't readily sold at hardware stores, but you can purchase a kit that includes the proper tools online or at the locksmith shop.


A soiled or dirty lock is a different possibility. Dust can build up over time within the lock's cylinder, and cause the pins or springs to get stuck. In this case, you'll need to spray the lock with WD-40, graphite spray or a silicone-based lubricant to clean it out and restore the pins to their original positions.

If the key itself has been damaged, it could be a cause for concern. A key can be worn down over time through repeated use, which will cause the groves to wear down or even become smoother. This could result in the key not to fit in the cylinder. It is important to check regularly to make sure that the key is fitted correctly.

Locks can freeze during the winter months. This can stop the pins and springs from moving when keys are inserted. This can be a frustrating issue however it is usually resolved by warming the lock by using hot water and then changing the lubricant. 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

If you've ever encountered locks that don't turn and isn't opened it can be incredibly frustrating. If this happens frequently, you may want to consider hiring a locksmith to inspect the lock to see whether they can help. This isn't always needed, as some problems can be resolved by yourself.

Sometimes, the key won't rotate in a lock if it's damaged. It could happen when you've lost your key, or if it is broken inside the lock. Instead of trying to pull it out of the lock which could cause the broken piece of the key to push further inside the mechanism and cause the problem to become more severe Try using pliers with needles to take it out of the lock. You should be cautious not to break off any of the broken piece by using the pliers or you may end up damaging the lock.

It's also possible that your lock is misaligned and this could cause the door to not latch correctly. If you happen to have an extra key, it could be tested in the lock to confirm that it is working properly and doesn't cause the issue. If you discover that the lock is misaligned, tightening the screws around the strike plate could fix the issue and allow the lock to perform normally.

A lock may not turn due to dust or dirt. Using a graphite spray or a silicone-based lubricant can solve this issue by coating the pins inside the lock, allowing them to move up and down as normal. It is important to avoid using oil based products like WD-40 to solve this problem, however, as these can cause further clogging problems down the road.

It's important to know that certain keys won't fit into all locks. If this is the case, you'll need to have a new key created by a local hardware shop.

4. The Cylinder Is Rotating

When a cylinder is turned within a confinement gap it can result in hairpin vortices to form which can cause significant forces on the cylinder. These forces are proportional the radius of curvature that is dimensionless x and the confinement factor k. The simplified model described here predicts the effect of these parameters on the force and torque on the cylinder that is confined. The cylinder's tube, head, and main body are all composed of aluminum alloy.

If window door repairs locks glass hinges are able insert your key and turn it but the lock does not rotate, the cylinder may be faulty. Rekeying your lock could fix this problem. There are kits specifically designed for this purpose that can be purchased on the internet or at most big box stores.