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4 Things You Can Try Before Calling a Locksmith

If your lock is not functioning properly, it might need to be fixed or replaced. Fortunately, there are some things you can try before calling a locksmith.

Dust and dirt can accumulate inside a lock, making it difficult to turn. You can 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

Over time knobs and handles for doors could become loose. This is particularly true when they are used frequently. This can cause the handle knob to jiggle or pull away from the door whenever people attempt to open it. The good news is that the solution to this issue typically involves tightening screws. This is a simple project that anyone with minimal tools or knowledge can complete.

The age and wear of a doorknob could cause it to come loose. Over time opening and closing the security door repairs can slowly loosen the tiny screws that secure the mechanism. It's important that you inspect your doors and have them maintained regularly to minimize the risk.

Most modern doors come with knobs that slide over a cylindrical spindle mounted to the door. This is part of the latch assembly. These types of knobs have hidden screws hidden behind the faceplate that secure them to the spindle. It is necessary to remove the ring from the knob to reveal the screws. Carefully pry the ring loose using a flathead screwdriver making sure not to scratch the backing plate. After the ring has been removed, you can tighten all of the screws exposed with the standard screwdriver (not an electric tool such as a drill).

Some older patio doors have knobs that are attached to the spindle using a detent system. This keeps the knob in position without the necessity of visible screwdrivers. If this is the case with your door, you'll have to look for a small hole on the knob's faceplate and locate a spring-activated pin that extends out of the hole. The pin is connected to a small lever on the inside of the door, and you'll have to make use of a screwdriver or wrench to depress it and reveal 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 is off, you can easily loosen and tighten the set screw with a screwdriver or Allen wrench.

Dirty Keyway

Oil is required to keep the components of a lock running smoothly. However, the oil may dry out or be mixed with dirt. If this occurs, the key and lock mechanism become stuck together and are difficult to remove. Spraying the lock with graphite powder or lubricant can help to loosen them. If you don't have any other alternatives, WD-40 is a good option. However, it could trap dirt and leave a residue in the lock.

If the key is still stuck, try wiggling it inside and out of the lock. This can allow the key to loosen enough to let it out with a little effort, and it may also help break up the dirt inside the lock. If you can't hold the key using pliers with needle-noses, hold the end of the key and wiggle it. Do not use too much pressure, as it could cause the key to break or bend.

If the lock is brand new, but the key isn't able to fit in or come out easily, it may have rough spots that require to be removed. The key can be blackened using soot by placing it in the middle of a lit candle. Then, employ a file to eliminate the sharp edges. If you don't have an hacksaw, a rotary tool can be used. If the key is too stiff to turn or remove, contact a locksmith to get help. A professional can ensure that all the components are properly aligned, lubricated and aligned and ready to accept a proper key.

Poorly cut keys

When you go to locksmiths to have your key copied, it's typically done very quickly and cheap Double glazing easily, but there are several ways that duplicates could be mis-cut which means they won't fit or work in the lock. This can be due to a number of reasons like the fact that the original key is worn down or worse in the event that it was used to open the lock. It could also be due to the fact that the locksmith was not able to cut the key in a precise manner.

A quick solution to this issue is to move the key inside the lock, shaking it while trying to turn it. This will often cause the pins to rise above the cuts of the key, cheap Double glazing allowing it 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 to help free the lock tumblers which have become blocked.

It could be that you brought the wrong key to a locksmith, and they copied it. This is a frequent issue and it's quite easy to make people confuse keys as they look very identical, so if think this is the case, place your key side by side with the original one that you had copied.

You can also copy a key yourself using small files and a lighter or cigarette lighter, clear packing tape and the material to trace your key (like old credit cards). They will be able to confirm whether they're cutting the right blank. Alternately, you can duplicate a key yourself with a small file with a lighter or lighter, clear packing tape and the material you want to trace your key (like old credit cards) ideally you want to use a Pippin or Dremel file, but with a bit of improvising small files are usually sufficient.

Lincoln Lock & Safe is the right place to go your key will not unlock your door. We can fix your lock or replace the lock cylinder quickly so that you can gain access to your home. We provide competitive rates and are accessible 24/7 to take your call.