4 Things You Can Try Before Calling a Locksmith

If your lock isn't working as it should, double glazing it may require sash window repair or replacement. There are some things you can do prior to calling a locksmith professional.

Dust and dirt can build up in a lock which makes it difficult to turn. Applying a graphite spay, or silicone lubricant inside the keyhole can help.

Loose Door Knob or Handle

Over time door knobs and handles could become loose. This is particularly true when they are used often. This can cause the handle knob to jiggle or pull away from the door whenever someone tries opening it. This issue is usually solved by tightening screws. This is an easy project that anyone with a few tools or knowledge can complete.

There are several reasons why a doorknob or handle may break however they all have one thing in common: age and wear. As time passes opening and closing the door may slowly loosen the tiny screws which hold the mechanism together. It is essential to have your doors inspected and maintained regularly to reduce the chance of.

Many modern doors feature knobs that slip over a cylindrical spindle, which is mounted to the door as a part of the latch assembly. These knobs are secured to the spindle by hidden screws that are located behind the faceplate. It is necessary to remove the ring from the knob to expose the screws. With a flathead, take the ring out with attention. Be careful not to damage the backing. After the ring is removed, you can tighten all of the exposed screws using a regular screwdriver (not an electric tool, such as a drill).

Some older doors have knobs attached to the spindle using an entrapment system. This keeps the knob in place without the need for visible screwdrivers. If this is your door you should look for a small opening on the knob's surface and find a spring-activated retaining pin that sticks out. The pin is attached to a lever on the side of the door. You'll require a screwdriver in order to push the lever and expose the setscrew.

If your door has a set screw rather than detent pin, you'll require an Allen wrench to loosen it, and then remove the knob from the spindle. Once the knob is off you can easily loosen and tighten the screwscrew with a screwdriver or allen wrench.

Dirty Keyway

Oil is needed to keep the parts of a lock turning smoothly. However, it may dry out or be mixed with dirt. If this occurs, the key and lock mechanism become stuck together and are difficult to get rid of. You can loosen them by spraying lubricant onto the lock or double glazing applying graphite. WD-40 works well in the absence of any other lubricant to choose from, however, this liquid lubricant can attract dirt and leave residue inside the lock, so make sure you regularly spray it on a regular basis.

If the key is stuck in the lock, try wiggling the key into and out. This will allow the key to loosen enough to let it out with a little effort, and it may help in breaking up the dirt in the lock. If you're unable to get hold of the key using pliers with needle noses, Double glazing use them to hold it in place and then play around. Do not use excessive pressure, as it could cause the key to break or bend.

If the lock is brand new but the key isn't able to fit in or come out easily, it may have rough spots that must be removed. The key can be blackened with soot by placing it in the middle of a candle that is lit. Then, you can employ a file to eliminate the sharp edges. A rotary file is ideal for this, however a hacksaw can also work if you don't have an circular file. If the key is still too stiff to turn or remove, call an expert locksmith to get help. A professional can make sure that all components are properly aligned and lubricated, ready to accept the appropriate key.

Poorly cut keys

When you go to locksmiths to get your key copied, it's typically done very quickly and easily, but there are a few ways that duplicates could be cut incorrectly and will not fit or function in the lock. This could be due to a few things like the original key getting worn down, or perhaps when it was used to try and pick your lock, as well as the locksmith being able to accurately cut the new key.

This issue can be swiftly solved by shaking the lock's key while you try to turn it. This will cause the pins of the key to rise above the cuts, allowing the key to turn. You can also use powdered graphite or a graphite spray to coat the key and insert it into the lock, this acts as a lubricant that helps unlock the tumblers of the lock that have become clogged.

It is possible that you took the wrong key to a locksmith and they copied it. This is a frequent issue and it's easy to make people confuse keys because they appear alike, so if you think this is the case then lay your key side by side with the original key that you had copied.

You can also copy a key yourself using small files and a lighter or cigarette lighter, clear packing tape and tracer material (like old credit cards). They'll be able check whether they're cutting the right blank. Alternately, you can duplicate a key yourself with an incredibly small file, a lighter or a lighter with a clear packing tape, and the material you want to trace your key on (like old credit cards) The ideal solution is to use a Pippin or Dremel file but by improvising the majority of small files can be used.

Lincoln Lock & Safe is the right place to go your key isn't unlocking your door. We can quickly fix your key, or even replace the lock cylinder to ensure that you can gain full access to your home again. We have competitive prices and are available 24/7. Contact us.