4 Things You Can Try Before Calling a Locksmith

If your lock isn't functioning as it should, it may need repair or even replacement. There are several things you can try before calling locksmith.

Dust and dirt can accumulate inside a lock, making it difficult to turn. It is possible to make it easier to turn the lock by applying a silicone or graphite lubricant into the keyhole.

Handles or doorknobs that are loose

Door knobs and handles can get loose with time, particularly with regular use. When this happens, the door fitting handle or knob is swivelling or moves away from the door whenever someone attempts to open it. The good news is that the solution to this issue usually involves tightening screws. This is a simple project that anyone with minimal tools or knowledge can complete.

The age and wear of a doorknob can cause it to become loose. Over time, opening and cheap Windows 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 serviced regularly to minimize the chance of loosening parts.

A lot of modern doors have knobs that slide over a cylindrical spindle mounted to the door. This is part of the latch assembly. These knobs come with hidden screws that are hidden behind the faceplate to connect them to the spindle. You'll need to remove the ring from the knob in order to expose the screws. With a flathead, take the ring off with careful. Be careful not to scratch the backing. Once the ring has been removed it is possible to fix the screws that are exposed using a regular screwdriver.

Some older doors feature knobs that are secured to the spindle with the use of a detent mechanism that holds the knob in place without the need for visible screws. If this is the case with your door, you'll need to locate an insignificant hole on the knob's faceplate and locate a spring-activated pin that is inserted into the hole. The pin is connected to a small lever located on the inside of the door, and you'll need to utilize a screwdriver, or a wrench to depress it and expose the setscrew.

If your door is fitted with set screws instead of detent pins, you will need to use an Allen key to loosen them, and then remove the knob from the spindle. After the knob is removed, you can easily loosen or tighten the set screw using a screwdriver.

Dirty Keyway

The parts that comprise a lock need a small amount of oil to turn smoothly, however, the oil can dry up or mix with dirt. When this happens, the key as well as the lock mechanism get stuck and are difficult to get rid of. It is possible to loosen them by spraying lubricant on the lock or cheap Windows applying graphite. If you don't have other options, WD-40 is a good option. However, it may attract dirt, and leave a residue behind within the lock.

If the key is still stuck, try moving it inside and out of the lock. This will loosen the lock enough that you will be able to pull the key out with a little effort. It could help in removing dirt from the lock. If you're unable to grasp the key then use needle-nose pliers to hold the end of the key, and wiggle it. Don't use too much force, since you could bend or break the key.

If the lock is brand new but the key doesn't fit or emerge easily it could have rough spots that must be removed. The key can be blackened using soot by placing it on an open candle. Then, you can employ a file to eliminate the sharp edges. If you don't own a hacksaw, a rotary device will work. Contact a locksmith if the key is too stiff to remove or turn. A professional can confirm that all the parts are properly aligned, lubricated, and ready to accept a suitable key.

Poorly Cut Key

It's usually easy and quick to have your key duplicated by locksmiths. However there are a few ways that the duplicates might be cut incorrectly. This means that they might not fit or function properly in the lock. This could be due to some things, such as the original key getting worn down, or perhaps in the event that it has been used to attempt to pick your lock, as well as the locksmith being able to accurately cut the new key.

A quick solution to this issue is to jiggle the key inside of the lock, physically shake it while trying to turn it. This will often cause the pins to rise up above the cut of the key and allow it to turn. You can also apply graphite powder or cheap windows (Www.longisland.Com) spray to coat your key before you insert it into the lock. This acts as a lubricant to help unjam lock tumblers.

It could be that you brought the wrong key to a locksmith, and they copied it. It is easy to confuse keys because they are very similar. If you suspect that you might have done this put your key next to the original that you copied.

You can also make a key copy yourself using smaller files, a lighter or cigarette lighter, clear packing tape and the material to trace your key (like old credit cards). They'll be able to confirm that they're cutting the right blank. Alternatively, you can also make copies of keys yourself using an incredibly small file or lighter, a lighter, clear packing tape and an item to trace your key (like old credit cards) ideally you want an Pippin or Dremel file but by improvising small files are usually sufficient.

Lincoln Lock & Safe is the right place to go your key will not unlock your door. We can fix your lock or replace the lock cylinder fast so that you can gain access to your home. We provide competitive rates and are accessible anytime to take your call.