4 Things You Can Try Before Calling a Locksmith

If your lock isn't functioning properly, it could need to be repaired or replaced. There are several things you can do before calling locksmith.

Dust and dirt can accumulate inside a lock and make it difficult to turn. Using a graphite spay or silicone lubricant to the keyhole could help.

Loose upvc door repairs Knob or Handle

Door knobs and handles could get loose in time, particularly with regular use. When this happens the knob or handle moves or pulls away from the door whenever someone tries to open it. This issue is usually solved by tightening screws. This is a project that anyone can complete even if they have no experience or tools.

There are several reasons why a doorknob or double glazed window repairs near me handle may break however they all have one thing in common: wear and aging. Over time, the small screws that hold the mechanism in place will loosen when you open and close the door. This is the reason it's vital to have your doors inspected and maintained on a regular basis to reduce the chance of loosening parts.

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 secured to the spindle with hidden screws that are located behind the faceplate. You'll need to remove the ring from the knob in order to reveal the screws. Carefully pry the ring loose with a flathead screwdriver, being careful not to damage the backing plate. After the ring is removed, you can tighten all the exposed screws using a regular screwdriver (not a power tool like a drill).

Certain older doors have knobs connected to the spindle by an entrapment system. This keeps the knob in position without the need for visible screwdrivers. If this is the case for your door, you'll have to look for an insignificant hole on the faceplate of the knob and locate a spring-activated screw that is inserted into the hole. The pin is connected to a small lever on the inside of the door, and you'll need to utilize a screwdriver, or a wrench to depress it and then expose the screwscrew.

If your door has set screws instead of detent pins you'll need an Allen key to loosen them, and then remove the knob from the spindle. Once the knob has been removed, you can easily loosen or tighten the set screw with a screwdriver.

Dirty Keyway

The components that make up the lock require a small amount of oil to turn smoothly, but the oil can dry up or mix with dirt. The lock mechanism and the key may become stuck, making it difficult to take it off. It is possible to loosen them by spraying lubricant onto the lock or applying graphite. WD-40 is a good choice when you don't have anything else to use, but this liquid lubricant can attract dirt and leave residue inside the lock, so you should be prepared to regularly spray it over and over.

If the key is still stuck in the lock, try moving the key in and out. This will loosen the lock enough to allow you to be able to pull the key free with a bit of effort. It could also aid in removing dirt from the lock. If you're unable to get hold of the key, use needle nose pliers to hold it and play around. Don't use too much force, because you could break or bend the key.

If the lock is new and the key can't enter or exit easily, it could have rough spots at its tip that need to be filed off. The key can be blackened with soot by placing it on a lit candle. Then, make use of a file to smooth out the sharp edges. A rotary file is the best for this, but a hacksaw can also work if you don't have a rotary file. Call a locksmith if the key is too stiff to remove or turn. A professional can verify that all components are aligned properly and lubricated, ready to accept the correct key.

Poorly cut key

It is usually very quick and easy to have your key duplicated by locksmiths. However there are a few ways that the duplicates may be cut incorrectly. This means they may not work or fit in the lock. This could be due to a range of things such as the fact that the original key is worn out or, even more importantly when it was used to pick the lock. It could also be due to the locksmith wasn't able to cut the key accurately.

This problem can be quickly solved by shaking the lock's key while trying to turn it. This will cause the pins of the key to rise above the cuts and allow the key to turn. You can also apply a powdered graphite or graphite spray to coat the key, and then insert it into the lock, this will act as a lubricant and help free the lock tumblers that have become clogged.

It could be that you brought the wrong key to a locksmith, and they copied it. This is a common issue, and it is quite easy to get people to misinterpret keys as they look very alike, so if you believe this is the case then lay your key side-by-side with the original key that you copied.

The best way to resolve this issue is to take the key back to the locksmith you have chosen They will be able to verify whether they cut the correct blank and upvc window and door repairs repair near me (https://www.Repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/) then they will cut you a new one that is compatible with. You can also create an exact copy of the key using a small file and a lighter (or lighter), clear packing tape, and a material that you can trace the key.

If your key isn't able to unlock your door, double glazing near me glazed window doctor near me repairs near me (Repairmywindowsanddoors Co's website) then it's time to call the experts at Lincoln Lock & Safe. We can quickly fix your key, or change the lock cylinder to ensure that you can gain full access to your home again. We provide competitive rates, and we are available all hours of the day so give us a call.