Door Lock Repair - How to Fix Common Problems

A lock that fails to latch properly indicates that it is in need of repair. CR's testers use lipstick to mark where the latch contacts the strike plate. Tightening the hinge screws could fix the problem.

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

Check the Latch

The latch is a bolt that extends beyond the door frame and secures the lock when the knob or handle is retracted. Deadbolts and positive locking latches are popular choices for added security. If yours isn't closing or latch correctly, it could be due to a misalignment of the latch and strikeplate in the door frame.

A common cause is hinges that are loose. They can sag with time and upvc double glazed windows (visit the website) cause the latch to fall off its strike plate. To determine this, conduct an experiment with lipstick. Apply some lipstick on the edge of the latch, and then place the strip of masking tape on the strike plate. Close the door and see where the latch touches the plate. This will let you determine whether the contact is high or too low for upvc Windows proper operation.

You'll require a new strike plate in the event that the latch is more than 1/8" too high or low. Fortunately, this is usually an easy task that can be accomplished without having to take the door off. You'll need a filing to enlarge your strike hole for your plate. The best file to use is a half-round one since it's a good match to the curve of the strike hole in the plate.

After the strike plate has been moved, you'll need to tighten the screws that connect it to the frame of your door. This should allow the door to close and latch correctly. If this isn't working tighten the hinge screws on either side of the door to check if this helps.

If the latch is not in alignment after the lubrication process, you'll need take more drastic steps. You could try taking off the strike plate and using a chisel with a sharp edge to increase the size of the mortise on the strike plate which allows you to move the strike up or down. You could also use a metal filing to shape your strike plate so that it fits better into the mortise. This is an option you might be considering 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 during travel.

Check the Keyway

When a lock isn't working properly, it can leave your home vulnerable to intruders. Some door lock issues can be solved without the help of a professional. This includes a key that doesn't fit or a lock that is stuck when turned. The sooner you realize a problem, the more likely it is that you can solve it on your own.

If your key isn't going into the lock or turning smoothly it may have rough spots that require to be smoothed out. You can either have a locksmith assist you with this, or you can do it yourself. Move the key around until you find a place that causes friction. If you find any of these spots, use a metal file to smooth out the rough spots.

A locked or jammed bolt or latch is another common problem. This could be caused by debris or keys that have broken and been inserted into the mechanism. You can make use of pins or needles to get rid of the debris. However it is recommended to call a locksmith to conduct a thorough examination and remove the broken part.

A deadbolt that won't stay extended over the strike plate can also be an indication of a malfunctioning lock. Over time, the screws that hold your deadbolt together may loosen and cause it to shift. This makes your home more vulnerable to burglars. The screws can be replaced to aid, but if the deadbolt is still moving it might be time to invest in superior hardware.

If you have trouble with a cylinder which won't rotate when you turn the key, the key cylinder could be stuck. If this is the case, you can use a lubricant to loosen it up. You can also use dry lubricant, graphite spray or WD-40 to lubricate the key cylinder and eliminate any buildup. These products can be kept in a handy bottle and used periodically to maintain your locks. A lock that is lubricated will last longer than one that is not lubricated.

Check the Hinges

Loose hinges can be the cause of the cylinder of a door lock that rotates easily when the door is opened but doesn't lock when closed. This is a problem that can be fixed. To resolve the issue, tighten all the screws on the hinges. If the issue continues, you might try removing or adding hinge'shims' to adjust alignment. These small metal plates are available in hardware stores and online.

Sand the edges of the hinge mortises (the slots that hold the hinges) to ensure they are flush with the frame. Another common reason for problems locking is that the bolt for the latch could be too high or low in the strike plate. To determine this, place a small amount of lipstick on the latch. Then place a stripe of masking tape over the strike plate. When you shut the door the lipstick will rub off the part of the tape it comes into contact with, leaving a mark that will indicate 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 coated with graphite or silicone spray can dislodge this debris, allowing the lock to work as it is supposed to.

If the issue is still not solved after applying an oil-based lubricant, the lock cylinder might be jammed and need to be replaced. It's a job best done by an expert, however, it's not too difficult for anyone who has experience with basic home repairs. If you are replacing the lock cylinders, ensure that they have been tested and rated as BHMA approved to avoid any issues with the fitting or finishing.

Another possible cause of problems latching is if the hardware for the door lock is faulty or cheaply made. This kind of lock is likely to require more maintenance than a quality lock, and it might not last as long. Upgrade to a higher-quality lock will usually resolve this problem. To ensure that your lock will last for a long time, choose a model with a durability rating of B or higher.

Verify the Strike Plate

A door latch that fails to reach the strike plate could cause a range of problems. It could prevent the door from closing properly and latching or make it more difficult to unlock. It's not as difficult to fix as you might think. Doors that are sagging, gravity or even foundation movement can lead to a misalignment of the latch with the strike plate. The good news is that simple adjustments are usually enough to fix the problem.

If tightening and lubricating the hinges doesn't fix the problem, it may be necessary to move the strike plate to a new location to align with the latch. To do this, you must remove the strikeplate and mark the spot where the latch contacts it. You can use caulk, lipstick or a strip of masking tape that will stain as you close the door to mark this location. If the mark is lower than the hole where the strike plate is, it means that the latch is not hitting the plate sufficiently high. A lower strike plate position will solve the issue. If the mark is higher than the strikeplate hole, you may need to move the strikeplate upwards.

When you've determined which direction the strike plate must be adjusted, take it from the frame. keep the screws in a safe location to replace them later. It is also necessary to apply lubrication to the keyway of your strike plate to ensure it can move easily.

Next, determine whether the contact point of the latch is above or below the strike plate hole. You can do this by applying lipstick, paint or chalk to the latch. After closing the door, open it to observe where the mark was left on the latch or masking tape. If the mark is located below the strike plate, this indicates that the latch is hitting the strike plate too low, and the higher position of the strike plate will resolve the problem.

To adjust the strike plate, take it from the mortise. Then with a sharp knife, chisel, or hammer widen the plate so that it can be moved downwards or upwards to match the position of the latch. Check the door after the strike plate has been moved to ensure that it latches and closes smoothly. After you've completed the adjustments, it's time to attach the strikeplate back to the door's frame and fill any old screwholes or gaps with woodfiller that is in line with the frame's other parts.