4 Things You Can Try Before Calling a Locksmith

If your lock is not functioning properly, it might need to be fixed or replaced. There are a few things you can do before calling a professional locksmith.

Dirt and dust can accumulate in a lock which makes it difficult to turn. Using a graphite spay or silicone lubricant in the keyhole can help.

Loose Door Knobs or Handles

Over time, door knobs and handles could become loose. This is especially the case if they are used regularly. If this happens, the knob or handle jiggles or moves away from the door when someone tries to open it. This issue is usually resolved by tightening screws. This is a simple task that anyone with minimal tools or experience can complete.

There are a variety of reasons why a doorknob or handle may break however they all have one thing in common: age and wear. Over time, upvc Sash Windows opening and closing the door can slowly loosen the tiny screws which hold the mechanism together. This is why it's important to get your doors checked and maintained on a regular basis to reduce the risk of loosening components.

Many modern doors have knobs that slide over a cylindrical spindle mounted to the door. This is part of the latch assembly. These knobs are made with hidden screws that are hidden behind the faceplate to secure them to the spindle. You'll have to remove the ring from the knob to expose the screws. With a flathead, pry the ring off with careful. Be careful not to damage the backing. After the ring has been removed, you can tighten all of the screws exposed with the standard screwdriver (not a power tool like a drill).

Some older doors have knobs connected to the spindle by an entrapment system. This helps keep the knob in place without the requirement for visible screwdrivers. If this is the case for your door, you'll need to locate an opening on the knob's faceplate and find a spring-activated pin that extends out of the hole. The pin is attached to a small lever on the inside of the door, and you'll need to make use of a screwdriver or wrench to press it down and reveal the screwscrew.

If your door has an asymmetrical set screw instead of a detent pin, then you'll have to use an Allen wrench to loosen it and remove the knob from the spindle. After the knob is removed, you can easily loosen or tighten the set screw with a screwdriver.

Dirty Keyway

The parts that make up locks require a tiny amount of oil in order to move smoothly, however, the oil could dry up or be mixed with dirt. When this occurs, the key and upvc sash windows lock mechanism become stuck together and are difficult to get rid of. Spraying the lock with graphite powder or lubricant will help to release them. If you don't have any other options, WD-40 is a good option. However, it could trap dirt and leave a residue behind within the lock.

If the key remains stuck, try wiggling it into and out of the lock. This will allow the key to loosen enough to let it out with a bit of effort, and could help in breaking up the dirt in the lock. If you are unable to get grip on the key using pliers with needle noses, use them to hold it in place and then play around. Be careful not to apply excessive pressure, as it could cause the key to break or bend.

If the lock is brand-new and the key can't be able to go in or out easily, it could have rough spots on its tips that require filing off. Run the key over an incense burner to cover it with soot, and then place it on the edge of a file to smooth the sharp edges. A rotary file is ideal for this, but hacksaws can also be used in the absence of an Rotary file. If the key is too stiff to rotate or remove, contact a locksmith for assistance. A professional can ensure that all components are aligned properly and lubricated, ready to accept the correct key.

Keys that are poorly cut

It is generally simple and quick to get your key duplicated by a locksmith. However there are a few ways that the duplicates might be cut incorrectly. This means that they might not work or fit double glazing in the lock. This can be caused by some things, such as the original key being worn down, or even worse when it was used to attempt to open your lock, or the locksmith simply not being able to precisely cut the new key.

This issue can be easily solved by shaking the key inside the lock while trying to turn it. This can cause the pins to rise up above the cut of the key and allow it to be turned. You can also apply a powdered graphite or graphite spray to coat the key, and insert it into the lock, upvc sash windows this will act as a lubricant that helps unlock the tumblers of the lock that are blocked.

Another reason your key may not be working could be that you took the wrong key to the locksmith, and they copied what they saw. It is easy to misinterpret keys due to being very similar. If you think you may have made this mistake put your key next to the original that you copied.

The best way to fix this is to return the key to your local locksmith They will be able check that they're cutting the correct blank. Then they will cut you a replacement that will match. You can also create an exact copy of the key using a small file and lighter (or a lighter) and clear packing tape, and a material that you can trace the key onto.

Lincoln Lock & Safe is the right place to go your key won't open your door. We can repair your key or replace the lock cylinder quickly to allow you access to your home. We offer competitive prices and are available 24/7. Contact us.