15 Gifts For The Lock Repair Lover In Your Life
Door Lock Repair - How to Fix Common Problems
If a lock doesn't latch properly is a clear sign that it's in need of being repaired. The testers at CR mark the area where the latch meets the strike plate with lipstick. The tightening of the hinge screws can fix the problem.
Spraying a dry lubricant like powdered graphite or WD-40 on the lock's cylinder could also aid.
Check the Latch
The latch is the bolt that extends into the door frame to secure the lock after it is pulled by the knob or handle. Deadbolts and latches with positive locking are popular choices for added security. If yours will not close or latch properly it may be because of a misalignment in the latch and strikeplate in the door frame.
A common cause is hinges that are loose and can sag over time and cause the latch to go over the strike plate. Test the hinges using a lipstick to check. Smear some lipstick on the edge of the latch and attach the strip of masking tape to the strike plate. Close the door and observe where the latch meets the plate. This will allow you to determine if the contact is too high or low for proper operation.
You'll need a new strike plate if the latch is more than 1/8" too high or low. Fortunately, this is an easy job that can be accomplished without the need to remove the door. You'll simply need to use an extension file to widen the strike plate hole. A half-round file is best since it follows the contour of the strike hole on the plate.
Once the strike plate is repositioned, you'll need to tighten the screws that attach it to the door frame. This should allow the door to close and latch properly. If this doesn't work then tighten the hinge screws on either side of the door and test if that helps.
If the latch remains out of alignment after the lubrication process, you'll need take more drastic measures. You can take off the strike plate, and then use a chisel that is sharp on the mortise of the strike plate to allow you to move the latch up and down. You can also make use of a metal file alter the shape of the strike plate so it is more snugly in the mortise. You may want to think about this option if worried about the strike plate falling off while traveling in your RV.
Check the Keyway
If your lock is not working properly, you could be leaving yourself and your property vulnerable to burglars. The good news is, some kinds of door lock issues can be solved without the need for professional assistance. This includes a lock or key that isn't turning. The sooner you discover an issue, the more likely to be able to fix it yourself.
If your key isn't sliding into or turning easily It could be having rough spots that need to be sanded off. You can hire a locksmith to do it for you or you can do it yourself. Move the key around to locate the area that is causing friction. If you find any of these, file the rough spots using a fine metal file.
Another frequent issue with door locks is a locked or jammed latch or bolt. This could be caused by debris or keys that have broken and stuck itself into the mechanism. You can use a needle or pin to remove the debris. However, it is best to contact a locksmith to conduct a thorough examination and remove the broken part.
A deadbolt that doesn't extend through the strike plate could also be an indication of a faulty locking mechanism. The screws that connect the deadbolt will loosen over time and cause it to move which makes your home susceptible to burglaries. Removing the screws may help, but if the deadbolt is still shifting it might be time to invest in better quality hardware.
In the end, if you're experiencing trouble with an cylinder lock that does not turn with the key, it could be because the key cylinder is stuck. If this is the case, you can apply a lubricant to loosen it up. You can also make use of dry lubricant or WD-40 spray to lubricate and remove any buildup. These items can be kept in a bottle that is convenient and used periodically to maintain your locks. A lock that is lubricated is more likely to last longer than one that isn't.
Check the Hinges
If your door lock cylinder is turning easily when the door is opened but doesn't stay locked when you close it, loose hinges are often to the blame. This issue is fixable. First, tighten the hinge screws to ensure that they aren't getting sagging. If the issue continues Try removing or adding a hinge'shim' to adjust the alignment. These small metal plates are available in hardware stores and online.
You can also smooth the edges of the mortises on the hinges, the slots that hold the hinges, to ensure that they are in a straight line with the frame. Another common cause of trouble locking is that the bolt for the latch may be too high or low in the strike plate. To find out, put a small amount of lipstick on the latch. Then place a stripe of masking tape over 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 located above or below the hole.
Finally, if the latch isn't interacting properly with the strike plate, it could be due the accumulation of grime and dirt. This buildup can be eliminated using a q-tip that has been soaked in graphite or silicone spray.
If the issue is not fixed after using the lubricant, then the lock cylinder may be jammed and need to be replaced. This is a job for an expert, but not too difficult for someone familiar with basic home repairs. If you're replacing the lock's cylinders, be sure they've been tested and rated as BHMA approved to avoid any problems with fitting or finishing.
The hardware for the door lock could be cheap or poorly constructed. This type of lock might require more maintenance and last longer than a lock of a higher quality. If this is the case, switching to a better lock will typically solve the issue. The most important thing is to select one that is classified as B or better in terms of durability to ensure it will last for years of usage.
Make sure you check the Strike Plate
A door latch that does not reach the strike plate can cause a range of problems that range from stopping the door from closing and latching properly to making it more difficult to open. Fortunately, it's not as hard to fix as it may seem. Sagging doors, gravity, and even foundation movement can cause a misalignment of the latch with the strike plate. Fortunately, simple adjustments are often enough to correct the problem.
If tightening and lubricating the hinges isn't enough, it may be required to move the strike plate to a new location to align with the latch. To do this, you must first take off the strike plate and mark where the latch comes into contact with it. You can use a caulk, lipstick or a strip of masking tape that will stain when you close the door to mark this spot. If double glazing repair is below where the strike plate hole is, this indicates that the latch is slamming the plate too high. A lower strike plate position could solve the issue. If the mark is over the strike plate hole you can move the strike plate up a little.
When you've determined which direction the strike plate needs to be adjusted, remove it from the frame and keep the screws in a safe location so that you can replace them later. You should also lubricate keyway of the strike plate to ensure it can move smoothly.
Then, you must determine if the contact point of the latch is located above or below the strike hole of the plate. This can be done using paint, lipstick or chalk. After closing the door, open it to see where the mark has been left on the latch or masking tape. If the mark is below the strikeplate, this means that the latch is striking the strikeplate too low. A higher strikeplate position can solve the issue.
To adjust the strike plate, remove it from the mortise. Then, using a sharp knife, chisel, or hammer, widen the plate to ensure that it can be moved downwards or upwards to align with the position of the latch. After the strike plate has been moved, you can test the door to ensure that it shuts and latches smoothly. Once you've finished the adjustments, you'll need to attach the strikeplate back to the frame of the door and fill any holes or gaps with woodfill that is in line with the frame's other parts.