4 Things You Can Try Before Calling a Locksmith

If your lock is not functioning properly, new Windows it could need to be repaired or replaced. There are some things you can do before calling a locksmith professional.

Dirt and dust can accumulate in a lock, making it difficult to turn. Applying a graphite spay, or silicone lubricant in the keyhole can aid in.

Loose Door Knob or Handle

Over time knobs and handles for doors can become loose. This is particularly true when they are used frequently. When this happens the knob or handle is swivelling or moves away from the door when someone attempts to open it. The good news is that resolving this issue typically involves tightening screws. This is a simple task that anyone can complete even without any skills or experience.

There are several reasons why a doorknob or handle might come loose but they all have one thing in common: wear and age. As time passes opening and closing the door fitting may gradually loosen the tiny screws which hold the mechanism together. This is why it's important to have your doors checked and serviced regularly to minimize the chance of components becoming loose.

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 behind the faceplate that connect them to the spindle. You'll have to remove the ring from the knob in order to expose the screws. With a flathead, pull the ring away with care. Be careful not to scratch the backing. Once the ring has been removed it is possible to tighten the exposed screws with a regular screwdriver.

Some older doors have knobs that are secured to the spindle using a detent mechanism, which holds the knob in place without the requirement for visible screws. If this is the case with your door you should look for a small hole on the knob's surface and find a spring-activated pin that protrudes from. The pin is connected to a lever on the side of the door. You'll require a screwdriver in order to push the lever to reveal the screwscrew.

If your door is fitted with set screws instead of detent pins, you'll need an Allen key to loosen them before removing the knob from the spindle. Once the knob is removed, you can easily loosen and tighten the set screw using a screwdriver or allen wrench.

Dirty Keyway

The parts that comprise a lock need a small amount of oil to turn smoothly, however, the oil can dry up or new windows mix with dirt. The lock mechanism and the key can become stuck together and make it difficult to remove. Spraying the lock with lubricant or applying graphite powder will help to release them. WD-40 is ideal if you have nothing else to apply, however this liquid lubricant can attract dirt and leave behind a residue inside the lock, so make sure you regularly spray it on a regular basis.

If the key remains stuck in the lock, try wiggling the key in and out. This could loosen the key enough to let it out with just a little effort, and could help in breaking up the dirt inside the lock. If you're unable to grasp the key then use needle-nose pliers to hold the end of the key and then wiggle it. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, since it could cause the key to break or bend.

If the lock is brand New Windows but the key doesn't fit or emerge easily, it could be covered with rough spots that must be sanded away. The key can be blackened by soot by placing it in the middle of an open candle. Then, you can use a file to remove the sharp edges. If you don't own the rotary tool, a hacksaw can be used. If the key is still too stiff to turn or remove, call an expert locksmith for assistance. A professional can verify that all parts are properly aligned, lubricated and ready to accept the appropriate key.

Poorly Cut Key

When you go to a locksmith to get your key copied it is usually done fast and easily, but there are a few ways that duplicates can be cut incorrectly, which means they aren't able to fit into the lock. This can be due to a range of things like the fact that the original key is worn down or worse when it was used to pick the lock. It could also be because the locksmith wasn't able to cut the key precisely.

An easy solution to this issue is to move the key around inside of the lock, shaking it while trying to turn it. This will cause the pins of the key to rise above the cuts, allowing the key to rotate. You can also use graphite powder or spray to coat your key and insert it into the lock. This acts as a lubricant that will aid in the unjamming of tumblers for locks.

Another reason your key may not be working could be that you actually took the wrong key to the locksmith and they copied what they saw. It is easy to misinterpret keys due to them being identical. If you suspect that you might have done this, lay your key next to the original that you copied.

You can also copy a key yourself using smaller files and a lighter or cigarette lighter along with clear packing tape and tracer material (like old credit cards). They will be able check whether they're cutting the right blank. Alternatively, you can also duplicate a key yourself with the smallest file or lighter, a lighter or a lighter, clear packing tape and an item to trace your key onto (like old credit cards) ideally you want a Pippin or Dremel file, but with a bit of improvising small files are usually sufficient.

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