The History Of Lock Repair

Door Lock Repair - How to Fix Common Problems

If a lock doesn't latch properly is a clear indication that it's in need of being repaired. CR's testers mark the area where the latch is in contact with the strike plate with lipstick. The tightening of the hinge screws could solve the issue.

Spraying a dry lubricant, such as graphite powder or WD-40 that is powdered powder on the lock's cylinder may aid in.

Check the Latch

The latch is bolt that extends out of the door frame and locks the lock when the handle or knob is pulled back. The most popular options for security are deadbolts and positively locking latches. If yours won't close or latch properly, the problem may be an unaligned latch and strike plate in the door frame.

The most common reason for this is a hinge that is not properly secured. They can sag with time and cause the latch to miss its strike plate. To test this, perform an experiment with lipstick. Apply some lipstick to the edge of the latch, and then attach the strip of masking tape to the strike plate. Close the door and you'll see where the latch contacts the plate. This will let you determine whether the contact is high or too low to function properly.

If the latch is contacting the strike plate at a distance of more than 1/8 inches high or too low, you'll need to reposition the strike plate. Fortunately, this is an easy task that can be done without having to take the door off. You'll need to use an extension file to widen the strike hole of the plate. The most suitable file is a half-round one as it matches the curve in the strike hole of the plate.

After moving the strike plate, you'll need to tighten the screws that secure it to the frame of the door. This should be sufficient to allow your door to latch and close properly. If not, try tightening the hinge screws on the opposite side of the door to see if this helps.

If the latch is still out of alignment after lubrication, you'll need to take more drastic steps. Try taking off the strike plate and using a sharp chisel to expand the mortise of the strike plate, allowing you to move the strike upwards or downwards. Alternately, you can employ a metal file to reshape the strike plate so it is more snugly in the mortise. You might want to consider this option if concerned about the strike plate falling off when you travel in your RV.

Make sure you check the Keyway

When a lock isn't working correctly, it can make your home vulnerable to intruders. The good news is, certain kinds of problems with door locks can be fixed without the need of a professional. This includes a lock or key that isn't turning. The sooner you notice a problem the more likely it is to fix it on your own.

If your key isn't moving into or turning easily It could be having rough areas that need to be sanded off. You can have a locksmith assist you with this or you can do it yourself. Place the key in and move it around trying to find a spot that's creating friction. If you see any of these, use a fine metal filing to smooth the rough spots.

A locked bolt or bolt that is jammed or latch is another frequent issue. It could be due to debris or a damaged piece of key that is stuck in the mechanism. You can employ pins or needles to get rid of the debris. However it is recommended to contact a locksmith in order to perform a thorough inspection and remove the broken piece.

A deadbolt which won't extend beyond the strike plate could be a sign of a defective locking mechanism. The screws that secure the deadbolt can loosen over time and cause it to move, making your home more vulnerable to break-ins. The screws can be replaced to assist, but if your deadbolt is still moving it might be the time to invest in better quality hardware.

If you're having issues with a cylinder that won't rotate when you turn the key, the cylinder could be stuck. If this is the cause then you should consider using the fluid to lubricate it. You can also apply dry lubricant, or WD-40 spray to lubricate and remove any buildup. Keep a bottle of these products handy and use them periodically to keep your locks in good condition. A lock that is lubricated is more likely to last longer than one that's not.

Check the Hinges

The hinges may be loose and could cause a door lock cylinder that rotates easily when the door is open, but fails to lock when closed. This problem can be a simple fix. First tighten the screws on the hinges to ensure they're not sagging. If the problem persists you may try removing or adding hinge'shims' to adjust alignment. These plates made of metal are available in hardware stores as well as online.

Sand the edges of the hinge mortises (the slots that hold the hinges) to make them flush with the frame. The latch bolt might be too high or low in the strikeplate. To find out, rub some lipstick on the latch and then place an area of masking tape over the strike plate. When you shut the door the lipstick will smear the area of the tape it comes into contact with leaving a mark which shows whether the latch is in contact with the strike plate above or below the hole.

If the latch isn't working properly with the strike plate, it may be due to an accumulation of grime and dirt. A q-tip that's soaked in graphite or silicon spray can dislodge this debris, allowing the lock to work exactly as it should.

If the issue persists after using the lubricant, it may be that the lock cylinder is jammed and needs to be replaced. This is a job best left to an expert, but it's not that difficult for anyone experienced in basic home repairs. If you are replacing the lock cylinders, be sure they've been tested and rated as BHMA approved to avoid any issues with the fit or finish.

The door lock hardware may be cheap or poorly constructed. This kind of lock could require more maintenance and will last longer than a top-quality lock. If this is the situation, upgrading to a better lock will usually solve the problem. It is important to choose one that is classified as B or better in terms of durability to ensure it will stand up to years of usage.

Verify the Strike Plate

A door latch that doesn't reach the strike plate may cause a variety of issues. It can prevent the door from closing properly and latching or make it more difficult to unlock. It's not as difficult to fix as you might think. The force of gravity, sagging hinges, and even the movement of your home foundation can cause the latch to misalign with the strike plate, but often a few simple adjustments will fix the issue.

If tightening the hinges and lubricating keyway does not solve the issue the strike plate could need to be moved to a different position in order to align with the latch. To do this, remove the strikeplate and mark the spot where the latch contacts it. Mark this spot with caulk, lipstick or a strip of masking tape. If the mark is below where the strike plate hole is, double glazed door repairs glazing window repairs (http://forum.annecy-outdoor.com/suivi_forum/?a%5b%5d=%3ca+href%3dhttps%3a%2f%2f55.glawandius.com%2findex%2fd2%3fdiff%3d0%26source%3dog%26campaign%3d13142%26content%3d%26clickid%3dy0vzpup0zwsnl3yj%26aurl%3dhttp%253a%252f%252fwww.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk%252fwembley-windowrepair%252F%3ewindow+replacement%3c%2fa%3e%3cmeta+http-equiv%3drefresh+content%3d0%3burl%3dhttp%3a%2f%2fbluevillage.thedaycorp.kr%2ftdboard%2fboard.php%3fbo_table%3dblue_qna%26wr_id%3d10273%26me_code%3d5020+%2f%3e) this indicates that the latch is hitting the plate too high. A lower strike plate location can resolve the problem. If the mark is higher than the strikeplate hole you may need to move the strikeplate up.

Once you've determined the direction in which the strike plate must be adjusted, you can remove the strike plate from the frame. Place the screws in a secure place to allow you to replace them at a later date. You will also need to lubricate the keyway of the strike plate to make sure it moves effortlessly.

You can do this by applying lipstick, paint or chalk to the latch. You can do this by applying paint, lipstick or chalk to the latch. After closing the door open it and check to see if the mark is still visible on the masking or latch. If the mark is below the strike plate, this indicates that the latch is hitting the strike plate too low. a higher strike plate position can fix the issue.

To make the adjustment, remove the strike plate from the mortise and go.o.gle.email.2.\
1 then widen it with a sharp knife or chisel and an hammer to allow for the strike plate to shift upward or downward to match the latch's position. Test the door after the strike plate is moved to make sure that it latches and closes smoothly. After you've completed the adjustments, you'll need to reconnect the strikeplate to the door's frame and fill in any screw holes or gaps with woodfiller that is in line with the rest of the frame.