It's The Next Big Thing In Lock Repair
Door Lock Repair – How to Fix Common Problems
A lock that fails to latch properly is a sign that it is in need of repair. CR’s testers mark the area where the latch touches the strike plate with lipstick. In tightening the hinge screws can fix the issue.
Spraying a dry lubricant, such as powdered graphite or WD-40 on the lock’s cylinder may also help.
Check the Latch
The latch is a bolt that extends beyond the door frame and locks the lock when the knob or handle is retracted. Popular choices for increased security include deadbolts as well as positive-locking latches. If yours isn’t closing or Double Glazed Window Repairs Near Me latch correctly, it could be due to a misalignment of the latch and strikeplate in the door frame.
A common cause is a hinge that is not properly secured. They can loosen with time and cause the latch to be off its strike plate. To determine this, double glazed window replacement repairs near me (http://osongmall.com/) conduct a lipstick test. Apply some lipstick to the edge of latch and double glazed window repairs near me attach a stripe of masking tape to the strike plate. Close the door, and you’ll be able to see where the latch contacts the plate. This will let you determine whether the contact is high or too low for proper operation.
You’ll need an entirely new strike plate if the latch is more than 1/8″ too low or high. Fortunately, this is usually an easy task that can be done without having to take the door off. You’ll simply need to use an instrument to increase the size of the strike plate hole. The best file to use is a half-round one since it’s a good match to the curve of the strike plate hole.
After shifting the strike plate you will need to tighten screws that hold it to the frame of the door. This should be enough to allow your door to shut and latch correctly. If not, try tightening the hinge screws on the other side of the door to see if it can help.
If the latch is not in alignment after lubrication, you’ll need to take more drastic measures. You can try getting rid of the strike plate using a chisel with a sharp edge to increase the size of the mortise on the strike plate, allowing you to move the strike up or down. Alternately, you can employ a metal file to alter the shape of the strike plate so it is more snugly in the mortise. You may want to think about this option if you are worried about the strike plate coming off while traveling in your RV.
Make sure you check the Keyway
If your lock isn’t functioning properly, you could be leaving yourself and your home open to burglars. The good news is, some kinds of door lock issues can be fixed without the need for a professional. This includes a lock that won’t fit or a lock that doesn’t work when it is turned. The sooner you realize a problem the more likely it is to fix it yourself.
If your key isn’t sliding in or turning easily It could be having rough spots that need to be smoothed out. You can either have a locksmith assist you with this or you can do it yourself. Move the key around until you can locate the area that is causing friction. If you spot any of these spots, use a metal filing to smooth the rough spots.
A locked bolt or bolt that is jammed or latch is a different issue. It could be due to debris or a damaged piece of key that is stuck within the mechanism. You could try using a pin or needle to clear the debris, but it’s best to contact a locksmith for a more thorough examination and removal of the damaged piece.
A deadbolt that doesn’t stay extended beyond the strike plate may be an indication of a malfunctioning lock. Over time the screws that hold your deadbolt together may loosen and cause it shift. This can make your home more vulnerable to burglars. Removing the screws may aid, but if the deadbolt is still shifting it might be the time to invest in better quality hardware.
If you’re having problems with an cylinder lock that does not turn when you press the key it could be due to the key cylinder is stuck. If this is the case, apply a lubricant to loosen it. You can also use dry lubricant or WD-40 spray to lubricate and eliminate any buildup. Keep a bottle of these items in your pocket and use them regularly to ensure that your locks are in good working order. A lubricated locking system will last longer than a non-lubricated lock.
Check the Hinges
The hinges may be loose and could be the cause of the cylinder of a door lock that turns easily while the door is open, but doesn’t lock when closed. This is easily fixed. To fix the problem fix it, tighten all the screws on the hinges. If the issue persists Try removing or adding the hinge’s shim’ to change the alignment. These plates made of metal are available in hardware stores or on the internet.
You can also smooth the edges of the hinge mortises, which are the slots which hold the hinges to help them sit flush with the frame. The latch bolt might be too high or low in the strikeplate. To determine this, apply a small amount of lipstick on the latch. Then, place a strip of masking tape over the strike plate. When you close the door the lipstick will smear the part of the tape it touches, leaving a mark that indicates whether the latch contacts the strike plate above or below the hole.
If the latch isn’t able to engage properly with the strikeplate it could be due to dirt or grime. This buildup can be eliminated with a q-tip soaked with graphite or silicone spray.
If the issue is still not solved after applying a lubricant, the lock cylinder could be stuck and require to be replaced. This is a job for an expert, but not difficult for anyone who is familiar with basic home repair. If you’re replacing the lock’s cylinders, make sure that they have been tested and rated as BHMA approved to avoid any issues with the fit or finish.
Another reason that could cause trouble latching is if the hardware for the door lock is not well-made or of a low quality. This type of lock is likely to require more maintenance than a high-quality lock, and may not last as long. Upgrade to a higher-quality lock is usually the best solution to this issue. To ensure that your lock lasts for many years, choose a model with an endurance rating of B or greater.
Verify the Strike Plate
A upvc door repairs near me latch that does not reach the strike plate could cause a variety of problems such as preventing the door from shutting and latching properly to making it difficult to open. It’s not as difficult to fix as you might think. Gravity, sagging hinges and even the movement of your home foundation can cause the latch to not align with the strike plate, but often a few simple adjustments will correct the problem.
If tightening and lubricating the hinges isn’t enough it could be necessary to move the strike plate to a different location to align with the latch. To do this, take off the strikeplate and mark the area where the latch contacts it. Mark this area with lipstick, caulk, or a strip of masking tape. If the mark is below the hole where the strike plate is, this indicates that the latch is slamming the plate too high. A lower strike plate will solve the issue. If the mark is over the strike plate hole you can move the strike plate misted up double glazing replacement a bit.
After you have identified the direction in which the strike plate should be adjusted, remove the strike plate from the frame. Place the screws in a secure location to allow you to replace them at a later time. You will also need to oil the keyway of the strike plate to make sure it moves smoothly.
Then, you must determine if the contact point of the latch is above or below the strike hole of the plate. You can do this with paint, lipstick or chalk. After closing the door open it and check to see whether the mark is visible on the masking or latch. If the mark is below the strikeplate, it indicates that the latch is striking the strikeplate too low. A higher strikeplate angle can solve the issue.
To adjust the strike plate, take it from the mortise. Then with a sharp knife, chisel, or hammer widen the plate so that it can be moved upwards or downwards to align with the position of the latch. Test the door after the strike plate has been moved to verify that it latches and closes smoothly. After you’ve completed the adjustments, you can reconnect the strike plate to the door frame and fill in any existing screw holes or gaps using wood filler that is the same color as the rest of the frame of the door.