4 Things You Can Try Before Calling a Locksmith

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

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

Handles or knobs for doors that are loose

Door Door Fitters knobs and handles can get loose with time, particularly when they are used regularly. This can cause the handle or knob to move or be pulled away from the door as someone tries opening it. This problem is usually fixed by tightening screws. This is a project that anyone can tackle, even with minimal skills or experience.

There are several reasons why a doorknob handle may break, but they all have one thing in common: age and wear. As time passes opening and closing the door can gradually loosen the tiny screws that secure the mechanism. This is the reason it's vital to get your doors checked and serviced regularly to minimize the chance of components becoming loose.

Many modern doors feature knobs that slip over a cylindrical spindle that is fixed to the door as a part of the latch assembly. The knobs are attached to the spindle using hidden screws that are situated behind the faceplate. It is necessary to remove the ring from the knob to reveal the screws. With a flathead, pry the ring off with careful. Be careful not to damage the backing. After the ring is removed it is possible to tighten the screws exposed with a regular screwdriver.

Certain older doors have knobs that are secured to the spindle with the use of a detent mechanism that keeps the knob in place without the need for visible screws. If this is the case with your door, look for a small opening on the knob's faceplate. find a spring-activated retaining pin that protrudes from. 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 then expose the screwscrew.

If your door fitters has a set screw rather than detent pin, you'll need to use an Allen wrench to loosen it, and then remove the knob from the spindle. After the knob is removed, you can easily loosen or tighten the set screw using an screwdriver.

Dirty Keyway

Oil is essential to keep the components of a lock turning smoothly. However, the oil can dry out or get mixed with dirt. If this happens, the key and lock mechanism can become stuck and are difficult to remove. Spraying the lock with graphite powder or Door Fitters lubricant can help loosen them up. WD-40 is ideal in the absence of any other lubricant to apply, however the lubricant's liquid nature can draw dirt and leave a behind a residue inside the lock, so make sure you regularly spray it again.

If the key is stuck in the lock, try moving the key in and out. This will loosen the key enough to pull it out with a little effort, and could also help break up the dirt inside the lock. If you cannot get a hold of the key, use needle nose pliers to hold it in place and then play around. Do not apply too much force, because you could bend or break the key.

If the lock is brand new but the key won't fit or be released easily it could have rough spots that must be removed. The key can be blackened by soot by placing it in the middle of a candle that is lit. Then, you can make use of a file to smooth out the sharp edges. If you don't own an rotary tool, a hacksaw can be used. Contact a locksmith if the key is too hard to take off or turn. A professional can ensure that all parts are aligned properly and lubricated to accept the appropriate key.

Keys that are poorly cut

If you visit locksmiths to get your key copied it is usually done quickly and easily, however there are a few ways that duplicates can be cut incorrectly and won't fit or work in the lock. This could be due to a number of things, including the fact that the original key is worn down or, even more importantly in the event that it was used to pick the lock. It could also be because the locksmith wasn't able to cut the key accurately.

This problem can be quickly solved by shaking the key inside the lock as you attempt to turn it. This will cause the pins of the key to rise above the cuts and allow the key to be turned. You can also apply a powdered graphite or graphite spray to coat the key and then insert it into the lock, this acts as a lubricant that helps free the lock tumblers that have become clogged.

Another reason your key might not be working could be that you actually took the wrong key to the locksmith, and they simply copied what they saw. This is a frequent issue, wooden and it is quite easy to make people confuse keys as they look very similar, so if you think this might be the case, place your key side-by-side with the original key that you copied.

You can also make a key copy yourself using a small file, a lighter or cigarette lighter along with clear packing tape and the material to trace your key (like old credit cards). They'll be able to confirm whether they're cutting the right blank. You can also make copies of keys yourself using the smallest file or lighter, a lighter with a clear packing tape, and a material to trace your key onto (like old credit cards) Ideally, you'll need to use a Pippin or Dremel file but by improvising small files are usually sufficient.

Lincoln Lock & Safe is the place to go if your key won't open your door. We can fix your lock or replace the lock cylinder in a short time so you have access to your home. We offer competitive prices and are accessible 24/7, so give us a call.