Door Lock Repair - How to Fix Common Problems A lock that doesn't latch properly is a clear indication that it's time to get it repaired. The testers at CR mark the area where the latch meets the strike plate with lipstick. In tightening the hinge screws may fix the issue. Spraying a dry lubricant, such as graphite powder or WD-40 that is powdered powder on the lock's cylinder may aid in. Check the Latch The latch is the bolt that extends into the door frame to secure the lock after it is pulled by the handle or knob. Popular choices for increased security are deadbolts and positively locking latches. If yours will not close or latch properly, it could be due to a misalignment of the strikeplate and latch in the door frame. The most common reason is hinges that have become loose, and they tend to sag over time which causes the latch to miss the strike plate. To check this, use an experiment with lipstick. Apply some lipstick to the edge of the latch and attach an ad-hoc strip of masking tape to the strike plate. Close the door, and you'll see where the latch connects to the plate. This will help you determine if the contact is too high or too low to function properly. If the latch is connecting to the strike plate at a distance of more than 1/8 inches high or too low, you'll need to move the strike plate. This is a straightforward task that is usually accomplished without removing the doors. You'll need a filing to enlarge your strike hole for your plate. The most suitable file is a half-round one since it's a good match to the curve in the strike hole of the plate. After the strike plate has been relocated, you'll need tighten the screws that attach it to the door frame. This should be enough to allow your door to latch and close correctly. If not, try tightening upvc door repairs near me on the other side of the door to see if this will help. If the latch is not in alignment even after lubrication, you must take more extreme measures. You could try removing the strike plate and using a chisel that is sharp to increase the size of the strike plate mortise and allow you to move the strike up or down. You could also use a metal filing to alter the shape of your strike plate to fit better into the mortise. You might want to consider this option if you're worried about the strike plate coming off while traveling in your RV. Make sure you check the Keyway If your lock isn't working properly, you could be leaving your property open to burglars. The good news is, certain types of door lock problems can be solved without the need for professional assistance. This includes a key that isn't fitting or a lock that is stuck when turned. The earlier you spot a problem, you are more likely to be able to fix it yourself. If your key isn't sliding in or turning easily, it could have rough spots that require to be sanded off. Locksmiths can help you with this however it's an easy DIY project you can do at home. Place the key in and move it around looking for a spot which is creating friction. If you find any of these, you can file the rough spots using a fine metal file. Another frequent issue with door locks is a jammed or locked bolt or latch. It can be caused by debris or a damaged key that has lodged itself in the mechanism. You could try using a needle or pin to get rid of the debris but it's best to contact a locksmith for a more thorough examination and removal of the broken piece. A deadbolt which won't extend beyond the strike plate could also be an indication of a faulty locking mechanism. The screws that hold the deadbolt together can loosen over time and cause it to shift and make your home susceptible to burglaries. Changing the screws can help, but if the deadbolt continues to shift, it may be time to invest in better quality hardware. If you have trouble with a cylinder that doesn't move when you turn the key, your key cylinder may be stuck. If this is the case, you can use a lubricant to loosen it. You can also use dry lubricant or WD-40 spray to lubricate and remove any buildup. These products can be stored in a bottle that is convenient and used periodically to keep your locks in good condition. A lubricated locking system will last longer than one that is not lubricated. Check the Hinges Loose hinges can cause a door lock cylinder that turns easily while the door is opened but does not lock when closed. This issue can be solved with a simple procedure. To fix the issue, tighten all the screws on the hinges. If the issue continues, you may try removing or adding hinge'shims' in order to adjust the alignment. These plates made of metal are available at hardware stores or online. Sand the edges of hinge mortises (the slots that hold the hinges) to make them flush with the frame. The latch bolt may also be too high or low in the strikeplate. To find out this, put a little lipstick on the latch, then put a strip of masking tape on the strike plate. When you close the door to the front, the lipstick will stain any area of the tape that it comes into contact with. This will show whether the latch is above or below the hole. Lastly, if the latch isn't interacting properly with the strike plate it could be due the accumulation of grime and dirt. A q-tip that's soaked in graphite or silicon spray can dislodge this obstruction, allowing the lock to function just as it is supposed to. If the issue persists after using the lubricant, it could be because the lock cylinder has become stuck and requires replacement. This is a job for an expert, but it's not that difficult for anyone who is familiar with basic home repairs. If you're replacing the lock's cylinders, be sure they have been tested and rated as BHMA approved to avoid problems with fitting or finishing. The door lock hardware may be cheap or poorly constructed. This type of lock may require more maintenance and will last longer than a lock of a higher quality. Upgrade to a higher-quality lock will usually resolve this issue. To ensure that your lock lasts for many years, choose a model with a durability rating of B or greater. Check the Strike Plate A door latch that doesn't reach the strike plate could cause a variety of problems that range from stopping the door from closing and latching properly to making it more difficult to open. It's not as difficult to fix as it appears. Gravity, sagging doors and 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 correct the problem. If tightening the hinges and applying lubrication to the keyway does not solve the issue the strike plate might require to be moved to a different position in order to line up with the latch. To do this, take off the strikeplate and mark the location where the latch contacts it. You can use caulk, lipstick or a strip of masking tape that stain when you close the door to mark this spot. If the mark is lower than the hole where the strike plate is, this indicates that the latch is slamming the plate too high. A lower strike plate location could solve the issue. If the mark is higher than the strike plate's hole, you can move the strike plate up a little. Once you have determined the direction in which the strike plate has to be adjusted, remove it from the frame. keep the screws in a safe location to replace them in the future. You should also oil the keyway of the strike plate to ensure it moves smoothly. Then, you must determine if the contact point of the latch is located above or below the strike hole in the plate. You can do this with lipstick, paint or chalk. After closing the door open it and see whether the mark is visible on the latch or masking. If the mark is located below the strikeplate, this means that the latch is hitting the strikeplate too low. A higher strikeplate angle can solve the issue. To adjust the latch to adjust the strike plate, take it out from the mortise and widen it using a sharp knife or chisel and Hammer to allow the strike plate to shift upwards or downwards to match the position of the latch. Check the door after the strike plate has been moved to verify that it closes and latches smoothly. Once you've made the adjustments, you'll have to attach the strikeplate back to the frame of the door and fill in any screw holes or gaps with woodfill that matches the frame's other parts.
upvc door repairs near me
