Lock Repair 10 Things I'd Like To Have Learned Sooner

· 6 min read
Lock Repair 10 Things I'd Like To Have Learned Sooner

How to Fix Common Lock Repair Problems

Locks that are stiff are easy to fix with the right lubricant. Try a penetrating oil or graphite spray and then insert your key, turning it few times to disperse the oil.

Regularly tighten the hinges on doors and clean the latch, deadbolt and track. This will stop doors and handles that are loose from catching or sticking.

Sticky Locks

Locks are used daily and we tend to take for granted until they start to become sticky or even break. The majority times locks just require some lubrication to function efficiently. This is one of the most frequent home door lock problems and it is a fairly simple fix, especially if you are aware of what to look for.

The first step is cleaning out the lock mechanism. With compressed air or compressor tools blow away any dust and debris that got into the key hole. Be careful not to inhale the graphite particles as this could cause illness or infection. After you have cleared the debris, use powdered graphite to take off the lock. Unlike liquid graphite, which can cake on to your lock it is non-toxic and leaves no marks or residue on the key. If you don't have a lubricant that is powdered pencil leads can serve as an alternative. Put the key into the lock, and then turn it several times back and forth to spread the graphite out and aid in its work. Check the lock after you're finished to make sure it's working again.

If the lubricant doesn't do the trick, it could be because your lock has experienced some misalignment. This can happen over time as the door's frame shifts due to changes in temperature and weather conditions. A licensed locksmith can examine and repair the lock alignment to ensure smooth operation.

If none of these options work, you can spray a lubricant for locks made of silicone directly onto the key instead of the lock itself. Choose a lock-specific lubricant not WD-40 or sewing oils. These will cause your locks to stay stuck and trap dirt over time. Be sure to clean off any excess lubricant prior to applying, as this can attract more dirt and make the lock even stickier.

Broken Keys

Many people attempt to force a broken key out of a lock, however this can actually do more damage than good. This is especially true if the key splits inside the lock. If you try to remove the broken part the pins and mechanisms in the lock can become misaligned. This can make it difficult to operate the lock and makes it more prone to breakage. If you are unable remove a broken key from your lock, you will have to contact an expert locksmith as soon as possible.

If a significant portion of your key is sticking out of the lock, you can usually make use of needle-nose pliers to grab the key and pull it out. If a damaged section is buried deeper inside the lock, you could occasionally employ household items such as a paperclip or bobby pin to help get it out. Make sure that the item you select is small enough to fit into the lock, but not too thick that it touches the sides of keyway.

In extreme cases you could make use of a small jigsaw blade or hack saw to cut off the broken key from your lock. Make sure that the serrations of the blade are facing back towards the lock and not forward to allow you to hook the teeth onto the broken key. If you feel the saw teeth securing to the broken key, turn it and pull it and it will fall off.

Another alternative is to try using super glue to put the key back together. This is extremely risky and could end up damaging the cylinder of the lock and should be reserved for the most desperate of circumstances. It can be a challenge to find the right amount of super glue to use in this application. It is possible to play around with it a bit before you achieve the perfect. If you're trying to remove keys that are broken from a lock, remember that excessive pressure or using the wrong technique can actually break the key into even smaller pieces, force it further into the lock, or even damage the lock's cylinder.

Damaged Cylinder

Cylinder heads are responsible for sealing and containing the internal combustion pressures and compression of your engine. They also function as conduits for coolant and help to conduct heat away. If a head is damaged or warped, it may cause issues that affect the performance of the engine and its power. This can cause low fuel efficiency, slow acceleration and difficulty in climbing steep slopes. If you notice signs like leaks, misfires or overheating, your cylinder head may be damaged.

If your head of a cylinder is damaged or warped, you must have it repaired immediately. This process is complicated and requires special tools and knowledge and therefore it is recommended to let it be handled by professionals. A skilled mechanic will be able replace the seals and ensure that the cylinder head is in good shape.

If you're looking for garages in Reading you should look for one that has experience with repair of hydraulic cylinders. They will be able to identify and resolve any issue you may have with a hydraulic cylinder. It could be an easy leak to a more serious issue, such as bending the rod.

Hydraulic cylinders are used for a wide range of applications in manufacturing, construction and aeronautics. Although they're designed to withstand extreme conditions, even the most durable cylinders can be damaged from time-to-time. If you want to keep your cylinder in good shape it's essential to have it repaired or replaced regularly.


The first step in repairing your hydraulic cylinder is to get rid of the piston and the rod assembly. After you've removed these components, you can begin disassembling the tube of the cylinder. Begin by loosening both the set screw and the cap at the end. The lock nut will be removed next. Then, you can take off the piston and the head/gland. Make sure you carefully examine these and other polished parts for damage prior to starting the repair.

After disassembling the head of the cylinder, you can clean it with an oil-based cleaner. After cleaning it, use compressed air to dry it. Reassemble the unit by putting in the piston, rod assembly and gland. Replace the piston seal while making the assembly. Also, put in the new locknut.

Sagging Locks

Over time, the door lock screws can be loose and wiggle. This causes your latch to not fit into the strike plate hole properly. This can make it difficult to open the door using the key, and a misaligned lock is also more vulnerable to break ins as criminals are more likely to have a hard time getting around the latch and bolt of your door. You'll need a screwdriver order to fix this issue. It is also possible to sand down the hinge mortise when it's too large, and replace the hinges to ensure they're flush with your door frame.

A common problem with door locks is that they get stuck and will not turn. While it's tempting to try and bend the bolt back to its original form it's usually an unwise choice as you could end up damaging the lock. If the bolt is damaged, it should be replaced by a locksmith.

If this occurs the first thing to do is check your door for loose screws and door hinges. It is also advisable to test the lock using an alternative key to make sure that there isn't a problem with the key.

If the issue isn't with the key, or if your sagging door has resulted in an unaligned lock, you can often fix this by loosening the screws and then readjusting the mechanism to fit into the strike plate hole correctly. You will need to align both door handles, and have someone else hold them temporarily while you do this. Replace any damaged or damaged screws.

You'll also want to lubricate your lock in order to enable it to rotate more freely.  fix car door lock near me www.g28carkeys.co.uk  can use a silicone-based or dry graphite lubricant. But it is recommended to apply only just a small amount of lubricant to the lock. Too much lubricant can make it difficult to turn the latch or bolt, and too little can lead to corrosion.