공지사항

Door Lock Repair - How to Fix Common Problems

A lock that 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 touches the strike plate with lipstick. The tightening of the hinge screws could solve the problem.

Spraying a dry lubricant like powdered graphite, or WD-40, on the lock cylinder may also help.

Check the Latch

The latch is bolt that extends from the door frame and secures the lock when the handle or knob is pulled back. Deadbolts as well as positive locking latches are popular choices for added security. If yours will not close or latch properly, it could be due to a misalignment of the latch and strikeplate within the door frame.

A common cause is hinges that are loose and tend to sag over time, cheap Double glazing causing the latch to be unable to reach the strike plate. To test this, perform a lipstick test. Apply some lipstick to the edge of the latch, and then attach a strip of masking tape to the strike plate. Close the door and you'll see where the latch connects to the plate. This will allow you to determine if the contact is too high or too low for proper operation.

You'll need an entirely new strike plate in the event that the latch is more than 1/8" too low or high. Fortunately, this is an easy job that can be accomplished without removing the door. You will need to use an extension file to increase the size of your strike plate hole. A half-round file is ideal since it follows the contour of the strike hole on the plate.

Once the strike plate has been repositioned, you'll need to tighten the screws that attach it to the door frame. This should be enough to allow the upvc door repairs to latch and close properly. If this does not work tighten the hinge screws on either side of the door to see if that helps.

If the latch is not in alignment even after lubrication, you will require more drastic measures. You could try taking off the strike plate and using a chisel that is sharp to enlarge the strike plate mortise, allowing you to move the strike upwards or downwards. You can also use a steel filing to shape your strike plate so that it fits better into the mortise. This is an option you may be considering in the event that your vehicle has a lot of bumps and dips on the highway and you're concerned that it might fall off in the course of travel.

Check the Keyway

If your lock isn't working properly, you could be leaving yourself and your home open to burglars. Certain door lock issues can be resolved without the assistance of an expert. This includes a lock that doesn't fit or a lock that is stuck when you turn it. The sooner you realize an issue the more likely it is that you can fix it on your own.

If your key isn't able to go in or turn easily it could have rough spots that you need to smooth off. You can have a locksmith do it for you or do it yourself. Move the key around until you find a place that is causing friction. If you see any of these, use a fine metal filing to smooth the rough areas.

Another frequent issue with door locks is a locked or jammed latch or bolt. It could be due to debris or a damaged piece of key that is stuck within the mechanism. You could try using a pin or needle to get rid of the debris however, it's recommended to contact an expert locksmith for a more thorough inspection and removal of the broken piece.

A deadbolt that isn't extended over the strike plate can also be a sign of a faulty lock. The screws that hold the deadbolt together will loosen over time and cause it to move, making your home more susceptible to burglaries. Changing the screws can help, but if the deadbolt is still moving it might be time to invest in some better quality hardware.

If you have trouble with a cylinder that won't rotate when you turn the key, your key cylinder might be stuck. If this is the case, you can make use of a lubricant in order to loosen it. You can also use a dry graphite spray, lubricant or WD-40 to help lubricate the key cylinder and get rid of any buildup. Keep an ounce of these products handy and apply them frequently to ensure that your locks are in good working order. A locking system that is lubricated will last longer than a non-lubricated one.

Check the Hinges

The hinges may be loose and could cause a door lock cylinder that is easily rotated when the door is open, but doesn't lock when closed. This is easily fixed. To fix the problem make sure you tighten all screws on the hinges. If the issue persists, you might try removing or adding hinge'shims' in order to adjust alignment. These plates made of small metal are available in hardware stores or on the internet.

You can also smooth the edges of mortises of the hinges, which are the slots that hold the hinges, to help them sit in a straight line with the frame. The latch bolt might be too high or low in the strikeplate. To find out, put a small amount of lipstick on the latch. Then, place a strip of masking tape on the strike plate. When you shut the front door, the lipstick will stain any part of the tape it comes into contact with. This will tell you if the latch is above or below the hole.

If the latch isn't working properly with the strike plate, it could be due a buildup of grime and dirt. This debris can be cleaned by soaking a q-tip in graphite or silicone spray.

If the problem continues to persist even after lubricant is applied, it may be that the lock cylinder is jammed and requires window replacement. This is a job that should be left to an expert but is not difficult for anyone who is proficient in basic home repairs. If you're replacing the lock's cylinders, ensure that they have been tested and rated BHMA approved to avoid problems with fit or finish.

Another reason that could cause problems latching is if the hardware for the door lock is cheap double glazed windows double glazing (https://www.longisland.com) or poorly made. This type of lock usually requires more maintenance than a quality lock, and it might not last as long. If this is the situation, upgrading to a more durable lock will usually solve the issue. To ensure that your lock will last for many years, choose a model with a durability rating of B or higher.

Verify the Strike Plate

A door latch that does not reach the strike plate may cause a variety of problems such as preventing the door from shutting and latching properly to making it more difficult to open. Fortunately, it's not as difficult to fix as it seems. Gravity, sagging patio doors or even foundation movement can cause a misalignment of the latch with the strike plate. It's a good thing that simple adjustments are often enough to correct the issue.

If tightening the hinges and lubricating keyway does not solve the issue, the strike plate may need to be moved to a different position in order to align with the latch. To do this, you must first remove the strike plate and mark the spot where the latch makes contact with it. You can use lipstick, caulk or a strip of masking tape that will stain when you close the door to mark this location. If the mark is lower than the hole where the strike plate is, this means that the latch is slamming the plate too high. A lower strike plate can resolve the problem. If the mark is higher than the strikeplate hole you may need to move the strikeplate higher.

Once you have determined the direction in which the strike plate needs to be adjusted, remove the strikeplate from the frame. Place the screws in a secure location so that you can replace them at a later date. You should also grease the keyway of the strike plate to ensure it moves easily.

You can apply lipstick, paint or chalk to the latch. This can be done by applying lipstick, paint or chalk to the latch. After closing the door, you can open it to check where the mark was left on the latch or masking tape. If the mark is located below the strikeplate, it indicates that the latch is hitting the strikeplate too low. A higher strikeplate position can fix 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 either upwards or downwards to align with the position of the latch. Test the door after the strike plate has been moved to ensure that it locks and closes effortlessly. Once you've finished the adjustments, it's time to reattach the strikeplate to the door's frame and fill in any screw holes or gaps with woodfiller that is in line with the rest of the frame.