door repairs Lock Repair - How to Fix Common Problems
A lock that doesn't latch properly indicates that it should be repaired. The testers at CR use lipstick to mark the area where the latch is in contact with the strike plate; tightening the hinge screws can fix the issue.
Spraying a dry lubricant, such as powdered WD-40 or graphite powder on the lock's cylinder may also aid.
Check the Latch
The latch is the bolt that extends into the door frame to secure the lock when it is pulled back by the handle or knob. The most popular options for security include deadbolts and positive-locking latches. If yours isn't closing or latch properly it may be because of a misalignment in the strikeplate and latch in the door frame.
A common cause is loose hinges. They may sag over time and cause the latch to miss its strike plate. Use a lipstick test to check. Apply some lipstick to the edge of the latch, and then place the strip of masking tape to the strike plate. Close the door and you'll notice where the latch contacts the plate. This will help determine whether the contact point is too high or low to allow proper operation.
If the latch is touching the strike plate more than 1/8 inch too high or too low, you'll need to reposition the strike plate. This is a simple job that is usually accomplished without removing the doors. It's just a matter of using an instrument to increase the size of the strike hole of the plate. A half-round file is best since it matches the curve of the strike hole on the plate.
After repositioning the strike plate, you'll need to tighten screws that attach it to the frame of the door. This should allow the door to latch and close properly. If this isn't working tighten the hinge screws on either side of the door and see if that helps.
If the latch is not in alignment even after lubrication, then you must take more drastic measures. You could try getting rid of the strike plate using a sharp chisel to enlarge the strike plate mortise which allows you to move the strike up or down. You can also use a metal filing to alter the shape of your strike plate to fit better into the mortise. This is an option you might be considering when your vehicle is prone to bumps and dips on the highway, and you're worried that it might fall off in the course of travel.
Check the Keyway
If your lock isn't working properly, you could be leaving yourself and your property vulnerable to burglars. The good news is that certain kinds of door lock issues can be resolved without the need of an expert. For instance, a key that won't fit or a lock that is stuck when it is turned. The sooner you discover an issue, the more likely to be able to solve it yourself.
If your key isn't going into the lock or turning smoothly it may have rough spots that require to be smoothed out. You can hire a locksmith to help you, or you can do it yourself. Place the key in and move it around, trying to find a spot which is causing friction. If you spot any of these, use a fine metal file to smooth out the rough spots.
Another issue with door locks is a locked or jammed bolt or latch. It can be caused due to debris or a damaged key that has stuck itself into the mechanism. You could try using a needle or pin to get rid of the debris however, it's recommended to contact a locksmith for a more thorough examination and removal of the broken piece.
A deadbolt that isn't extending through the strike plate could also be an indication of a faulty locking mechanism. Over time the screws that hold the deadbolt in place may become loose and cause it to shift. This makes your home more vulnerable to burglars. The screws can be replaced to aid, but if the deadbolt continues to shift it could be the time to invest in higher quality hardware.
Finally, if you're having trouble with the cylinder lock that won't turn with the key it could be due to the key cylinder is stuck. If this is the case, you can use a lubricant to loosen it. You can also use a dry lubricant, graphite spray or [Redirect-Meta-10] WD-40 to help lubricate the key cylinder and remove any buildup. Keep an ounce of these products in your bag and use them regularly to keep your locks in good working order. A lock that is lubricated will be more likely to last longer than locks that aren't.
Check the Hinges
If your door lock cylinder turns easily when the door is opened but it doesn't lock when you close it hinges that are loose are usually to be blamed. This issue is fixable. First, tighten the screws on the hinges to ensure that they aren't getting sagging. If the issue continues Try adding or removing the hinge's shim' to change the alignment. These small metal plates are available at hardware stores or on the internet.
You can also smooth the edges of the mortises of the hinges, which are the slots that hold the hinges, to help them sit in a straight line with the frame. The latch bolt could be too high or low in the strikeplate. To determine this, smear a little lipstick on the latch and put a strip of masking tape on the strike plate. When you shut the door to the front, the lipstick will stain any area of the tape touches. This will show whether the latch is above or below the hole.
If the latch isn't able to engage properly with the strikeplate, it could be due to dirt and grime. A q-tip soaked in graphite or silicon spray can remove the obstruction, allowing the lock to work as it is supposed to.
If the problem persists after using the lubricant it could be because the lock cylinder is jammed and requires replacement. This is a job that should be done by an expert, however, it's not too difficult for anyone who has experience with basic home repairs. When replacing the lock cylinder, choose one that has been tested and rated the BHMA to ensure that there are no issues with fit and finish.
The hardware used to lock the door could be unprofessional or poorly made. This type of lock might require more maintenance and last less than a lock of a higher quality. Upgrade to a higher-quality lock is usually the best solution to this problem. The most important thing is to select a model that's classified as B or better in durability to be sure it can withstand years of use.
Make sure you check the Strike Plate
A door latch that does not reach the strike plate can cause a range of problems that range from stopping the door from closing and latching properly to making it more difficult to open. Fortunately, it's not as difficult to fix it as it seems. Gravity, sagging doors and even foundation movement can lead to an issue with the alignment of the latch with the strike plate. The good news is that simple adjustments are often enough to correct the problem.
If tightening the hinges and lubricating keyway does not solve the issue, the strike plate may require moving into a new position in order to align with the latch. To do this, you must first remove the strike plate and mark where the latch makes contact with it. You can use lipstick, caulk or a strip of masking tape that stain when you close the door to mark this spot. If the mark is below the strike plate's hole, it is a sign that the latch is striking the plate too high and an lower strike plate position will solve the problem. If the mark is higher than the strikeplate hole, you may have to move the strikeplate upwards.
After you have identified the direction in which the strike plate needs to be adjusted, take the strikeplate from the frame. Keep the screws in a secure place to allow you to replace them at a later time. You should also oil the strike plate's keyway to make sure it moves effortlessly.
Then, you must determine if the contact point of the latch is located above or below the strike hole of the plate. You can do this using lipstick, paint or chalk. After closing the door, open it to check where the mark has been left on the latch or masking tape. If the mark is below the strike plate, it indicates that the latch is hitting the strike plate too low. an upper strike plate position can fix the issue.
To adjust the strike plate, take it from the mortise. Then with a sharp knife, chisel or hammer, make the plate wider so that it can be moved downwards or click through the up coming page upwards to match the position of the latch. Once the strike plate has moved, you can test the door to ensure it closes and latches easily. Once you have completed the adjustments, attach the strike plate back to the door frame and upvc Casement windows fill in any existing gaps or holes with wood filler that is the same color double glazed window companies (just click the next webpage) as the rest of the frame of the door.
A lock that doesn't latch properly indicates that it should be repaired. The testers at CR use lipstick to mark the area where the latch is in contact with the strike plate; tightening the hinge screws can fix the issue.
Spraying a dry lubricant, such as powdered WD-40 or graphite powder on the lock's cylinder may also aid.
Check the Latch
The latch is the bolt that extends into the door frame to secure the lock when it is pulled back by the handle or knob. The most popular options for security include deadbolts and positive-locking latches. If yours isn't closing or latch properly it may be because of a misalignment in the strikeplate and latch in the door frame.
A common cause is loose hinges. They may sag over time and cause the latch to miss its strike plate. Use a lipstick test to check. Apply some lipstick to the edge of the latch, and then place the strip of masking tape to the strike plate. Close the door and you'll notice where the latch contacts the plate. This will help determine whether the contact point is too high or low to allow proper operation.
If the latch is touching the strike plate more than 1/8 inch too high or too low, you'll need to reposition the strike plate. This is a simple job that is usually accomplished without removing the doors. It's just a matter of using an instrument to increase the size of the strike hole of the plate. A half-round file is best since it matches the curve of the strike hole on the plate.
After repositioning the strike plate, you'll need to tighten screws that attach it to the frame of the door. This should allow the door to latch and close properly. If this isn't working tighten the hinge screws on either side of the door and see if that helps.
If the latch is not in alignment even after lubrication, then you must take more drastic measures. You could try getting rid of the strike plate using a sharp chisel to enlarge the strike plate mortise which allows you to move the strike up or down. You can also use a metal filing to alter the shape of your strike plate to fit better into the mortise. This is an option you might be considering when your vehicle is prone to bumps and dips on the highway, and you're worried that it might fall off in the course of travel.
Check the Keyway
If your lock isn't working properly, you could be leaving yourself and your property vulnerable to burglars. The good news is that certain kinds of door lock issues can be resolved without the need of an expert. For instance, a key that won't fit or a lock that is stuck when it is turned. The sooner you discover an issue, the more likely to be able to solve it yourself.
If your key isn't going into the lock or turning smoothly it may have rough spots that require to be smoothed out. You can hire a locksmith to help you, or you can do it yourself. Place the key in and move it around, trying to find a spot which is causing friction. If you spot any of these, use a fine metal file to smooth out the rough spots.
Another issue with door locks is a locked or jammed bolt or latch. It can be caused due to debris or a damaged key that has stuck itself into the mechanism. You could try using a needle or pin to get rid of the debris however, it's recommended to contact a locksmith for a more thorough examination and removal of the broken piece.
A deadbolt that isn't extending through the strike plate could also be an indication of a faulty locking mechanism. Over time the screws that hold the deadbolt in place may become loose and cause it to shift. This makes your home more vulnerable to burglars. The screws can be replaced to aid, but if the deadbolt continues to shift it could be the time to invest in higher quality hardware.
Finally, if you're having trouble with the cylinder lock that won't turn with the key it could be due to the key cylinder is stuck. If this is the case, you can use a lubricant to loosen it. You can also use a dry lubricant, graphite spray or [Redirect-Meta-10] WD-40 to help lubricate the key cylinder and remove any buildup. Keep an ounce of these products in your bag and use them regularly to keep your locks in good working order. A lock that is lubricated will be more likely to last longer than locks that aren't.
Check the Hinges
If your door lock cylinder turns easily when the door is opened but it doesn't lock when you close it hinges that are loose are usually to be blamed. This issue is fixable. First, tighten the screws on the hinges to ensure that they aren't getting sagging. If the issue continues Try adding or removing the hinge's shim' to change the alignment. These small metal plates are available at hardware stores or on the internet.
You can also smooth the edges of the mortises of the hinges, which are the slots that hold the hinges, to help them sit in a straight line with the frame. The latch bolt could be too high or low in the strikeplate. To determine this, smear a little lipstick on the latch and put a strip of masking tape on the strike plate. When you shut the door to the front, the lipstick will stain any area of the tape touches. This will show whether the latch is above or below the hole.
If the latch isn't able to engage properly with the strikeplate, it could be due to dirt and grime. A q-tip soaked in graphite or silicon spray can remove the obstruction, allowing the lock to work as it is supposed to.
If the problem persists after using the lubricant it could be because the lock cylinder is jammed and requires replacement. This is a job that should be done by an expert, however, it's not too difficult for anyone who has experience with basic home repairs. When replacing the lock cylinder, choose one that has been tested and rated the BHMA to ensure that there are no issues with fit and finish.
The hardware used to lock the door could be unprofessional or poorly made. This type of lock might require more maintenance and last less than a lock of a higher quality. Upgrade to a higher-quality lock is usually the best solution to this problem. The most important thing is to select a model that's classified as B or better in durability to be sure it can withstand years of use.
Make sure you check the Strike Plate
A door latch that does not reach the strike plate can cause a range of problems that range from stopping the door from closing and latching properly to making it more difficult to open. Fortunately, it's not as difficult to fix it as it seems. Gravity, sagging doors and even foundation movement can lead to an issue with the alignment of the latch with the strike plate. The good news is that simple adjustments are often enough to correct the problem.
If tightening the hinges and lubricating keyway does not solve the issue, the strike plate may require moving into a new position in order to align with the latch. To do this, you must first remove the strike plate and mark where the latch makes contact with it. You can use lipstick, caulk or a strip of masking tape that stain when you close the door to mark this spot. If the mark is below the strike plate's hole, it is a sign that the latch is striking the plate too high and an lower strike plate position will solve the problem. If the mark is higher than the strikeplate hole, you may have to move the strikeplate upwards.
After you have identified the direction in which the strike plate needs to be adjusted, take the strikeplate from the frame. Keep the screws in a secure place to allow you to replace them at a later time. You should also oil the strike plate's keyway to make sure it moves effortlessly.
Then, you must determine if the contact point of the latch is located above or below the strike hole of the plate. You can do this using lipstick, paint or chalk. After closing the door, open it to check where the mark has been left on the latch or masking tape. If the mark is below the strike plate, it indicates that the latch is hitting the strike plate too low. an upper strike plate position can fix the issue.
To adjust the strike plate, take it from the mortise. Then with a sharp knife, chisel or hammer, make the plate wider so that it can be moved downwards or click through the up coming page upwards to match the position of the latch. Once the strike plate has moved, you can test the door to ensure it closes and latches easily. Once you have completed the adjustments, attach the strike plate back to the door frame and upvc Casement windows fill in any existing gaps or holes with wood filler that is the same color double glazed window companies (just click the next webpage) as the rest of the frame of the door.