Door Lock Repair - How to Fix Common Problems

A lock that fails to latch properly is a sign that it needs to be fixed. Testers at CR employ lipstick to mark where the latch is in contact with the strike plate; tightening the hinge screws may solve the issue.

Spraying a dry lubricant, such as powdered WD-40 or graphite powder on the lock's cylinder could also help.

Check the Latch

The latch is bolt that extends from the door frame and locks the lock when the handle or Double glazing repairs knob is pulled back. Popular choices for increased security include deadbolts and positive-locking latches. If they don't shut or Double Glazing Repairs latch correctly, the problem may be a misalignment between the latch and strike plate in the door frame.

The most common reason is loose hinges that may sag with time and cause the latch to be unable to reach the strike plate. To check this, use the test of lipstick. Apply some lipstick to the edge of the latch and attach the strip of masking tape to the strike plate. Close the door double glazing upvc window repairs near me (look at this site) and you'll see where the latch touches the plate. This will help determine whether the point of contact is too high or too low for proper operation.

You'll need the replacement windows of a strike plate in the event that the latch is more than 1/8" too high or low. Fortunately, this is an easy task that can be accomplished without removing the door. You'll simply need to use a file to enlarge the strike hole of the plate. A half-round file is best because it is in line with the shape of the strike hole in the plate.

After repositioning the strike plate, you will need to tighten screws that hold it to the door's frame. This is enough to get your door to shut and latch correctly. If this doesn't work then tighten the hinge screws on either side of the door to test if that helps.

If the latch is not in alignment even after lubrication, then you will need to take more drastic measures. You can remove the strike plate, and use a sharp chisel on the mortise of the strike plate, allowing you to move the latch up and down. Alternately, you can make use of a metal file shape the strike plate so that it fits into the mortise better. This is a possibility you may think about in the event that your vehicle has a lot of bumps and dips on the highway, and you're worried that it might fall off in the course of travel.

Make sure you check the Keyway

If your lock is not working properly, you may be leaving yourself and your property open to burglars. The good news is, some kinds of problems with door locks can be fixed without the need of a professional. This includes a lock that isn't turning. The earlier you spot a problem, you are more likely to fix it yourself.

If your keys don't fit in or turn easily It could have rough spots that you have to smooth off. Locksmiths can do this for you however it's a simple do-it-yourself project that you can do at home. Move the key around until you can find a place that is causing friction. If you find any of these spots, use a metal filing to smooth out the rough spots.

Another issue with door locks is a locked or jammed latch or bolt. This can be caused by debris or a broken piece of key that has gotten stuck in the mechanism. You may try using a needle or pin to clear the debris, but it's best to contact a locksmith for a more thorough examination and removal of the broken piece.

A deadbolt which won't extend across the strike plate may be a sign of a faulty locking mechanism. Over time, the screws that hold your deadbolt together can loosen and cause it to shift. This can make your home more vulnerable to burglars. Changing the screws can assist, but if your deadbolt is still shifting it could be the time to invest in better quality hardware.

If you have trouble with a cylinder that won't move when you turn the key, the cylinder could be stuck. If this is the case, make use of a lubricant in order to loosen it. You can also use a dry lubricant, graphite spray or WD-40 to help lubricate the key cylinder and get rid of any buildup. Keep the bottles of these products in your bag and use them regularly to keep your locks in good working order. A locking system that is lubricated will last longer than a non-lubricated one.

Check the Hinges

The hinges may be loose and could be the cause of the cylinder of a door lock that rotates easily when the door is open but doesn't lock when closed. This is a simple fix. First, tighten the hinge screws to ensure they're not getting sagging. If the problem persists, try adding or removing the hinge's shim' to change the alignment. These plates made of small metal are available in hardware stores and online.

Sand the edges of hinge mortises (the slots that hold the hinges) to make them flush with the frame. The latch bolt may also 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 shut the door the lipstick will rub off the area of the tape that it touches and leave a mark that shows whether the latch is in contact with the strike plate above or below the hole.

If the latch doesn't work properly with the strikeplate it could be due to dirt or grime. A q-tip that's soaked in silicone spray or graphite powder can dislodge this debris, allowing the latch to function just as it is supposed to.

If the problem continues to persist after using the lubricant it could be because the lock cylinder is seized and requires replacement. This is a job best left to an expert, but it's not that difficult for anyone who is familiar with basic home repair. If you're replacing the lock's cylinders, ensure that they have been tested and rated as BHMA approved to avoid issues with the fitting or finishing.

A final possible cause of trouble latching is if the door lock hardware is cheap or poorly made. This kind 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 will usually resolve this problem. To ensure that your lock will last for years, you should select a lock with an endurance rating of B or greater.

Make sure you check the Strike Plate

A door latch that doesn't reach the strike plate can cause a variety of problems such as blocking the patio door repairs near me from closing and latching properly to making it difficult to open. Fortunately, it's not as hard to fix as it seems. Sagging doors, gravity or even foundation movement can cause an error in the alignment of the latch with the strike plate. Fortunately, simple adjustments are often enough to correct the issue.

If lubricating and tightening the hinges isn't enough it might be required to move the strike plate to another position so that it aligns with the latch. To do this, take off the strikeplate and mark the area where the latch contacts it. Mark this spot using caulk, lipstick, or a strip of masking tape. If the mark is located below the strike plate's hole, it indicates that the latch is striking the plate too high. a lower strike plate position can resolve the issue. If the mark is over the strike plate's hole, you can move the strike plate up a small amount.

Once you've determined the direction in which the strike plate needs to be adjusted, remove the strikeplate from the frame. Keep the screws in a safe place so that you can replace them at a later time. You should also lubricate the strike plate's keyway to ensure it moves effortlessly.

Then, determine if the contact point of the latch is located above or below the strike hole in the plate. This can be done by applying lipstick, paint or chalk to the latch. After closing the door, open it to see where the mark has been left on the latch or masking tape. If the mark is located below the strikeplate, it indicates that the latch is hitting the strikeplate too low. A higher strikeplate angle will solve the problem.

To adjust the strike plate, take it from the mortise. Then using a sharp knife, chisel, or hammer, make the plate wider so that it can be moved either upwards or downwards to align with the position of the latch. After the strike plate has been moved, you can test the door to make sure it closes and latches without issue. After you've completed the adjustments, reattach the strike plate to the frame of the door and fill in any existing screw holes or gaps using wood filler that is the same color as the rest of the door frame.