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Door Lock Repair - How to Fix Common Problems

A lock that doesn't latch properly is a sign it should be repaired. CR's testers use lipstick to mark where the latch meets the strike plate; tightening the hinge screws can fix the issue.

Spraying a dry lubricant, such as powdered graphite or Commercial Windows WD-40, on the lock cylinder can also help.

Check the Latch

The latch is a bolt that extends beyond the door frame and locks the lock when the handle or knob is pulled back. Popular choices for increased security are deadbolts and security door Repairs positively locking latches. If the latch doesn't close or latch correctly, the problem may be an unaligned latch and strike plate inside the door frame.

The most common reason is loose hinges that may sag with time and Glass repair cause the latch to miss the strike plate. To check this, use the test of lipstick. Apply some lipstick on the edge of the latch and [Redirect-302] then attach a stripe of masking tape to the strike plate. Close the door and lens replacement (webcamera.ru) you will observe where the latch meets the plate. This will let you know if the contact point is too high or too low for [empty] proper operation.

You'll require a new strike plate when the latch is more than 1/8" too low or high. Fortunately, this is usually an easy job that can be accomplished without the need to remove the door. It's just a matter of using an instrument to increase the size of the strike plate hole. The best type of file is a half-round one, since it's a good match to the curve in the strike plate hole.

After the strike plate has been moved, you'll need to tighten the screws that attach it to the frame of your door and window. This should be enough to allow your door to close and latch properly. If not, try tightening the hinge screws on the other side of the door to see if this will help.

If the latch is out of alignment even after lubrication, you will require more extreme measures. You can remove the strike plate and then use a chisel sharp on the mortise of the strike plate, allowing you to move the latch upwards or downwards. You can also make use of a metal file reshape the strike plate so it will fit better into the mortise. You might want to consider this option if you are concerned about the strike plate falling off during travel in your RV.

Make sure you check the Keyway

If your lock isn't working properly, you could be leaving your home open to burglars. Certain door lock issues can be resolved without the help of an expert. This includes a key that isn't fitting or a lock that is stuck when turned. The sooner you discover the issue, you are more likely to be able to repair it yourself.

If your keys don't fit into or turn smoothly it could have rough spots that you have to smooth out. Locksmiths can help you with this, but it's also a simple do-it-yourself project that you can try at home. Move the key around until you can find a place that causes friction. If you notice any of these, file the rough spots using a fine metal file.

Another frequent issue with door locks is a jammed or locked latch or bolt. This can be caused by debris or a damaged piece of key that has become lodged within the mechanism. You can make use of a needle or pin to remove the debris. However it is advised to call a locksmith to perform a thorough inspection and to remove the broken piece.

A deadbolt that isn't extending beyond the strike plate could be a sign of a defective locking mechanism. The screws that secure the deadbolt will loosen over time and cause it to move, making your home more vulnerable to burglaries. Changing the screws can assist, but if your deadbolt is still moving it might be the time to invest in higher quality hardware.

If you have trouble with a cylinder which won't rotate when you turn the key, your key cylinder could be stuck. If this is the case, use a lubricant to loosen it. You can also use a dry lubricant, graphite spray, or WD-40 to lubricate the key cylinder and eliminate any buildup. These products can be stored in a bottle that is convenient and used regularly to maintain your locks. A lubricated locking system will last longer than one that is not lubricated.

Check the Hinges

The hinges may be loose and could be the cause of the cylinder of a door lock that turns easily while the door is opened but does not lock when closed. This issue is fixable. First tighten the screws on the hinges to ensure they're not sagging. If the issue continues, try adding or removing the hinge's shim to alter the 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 which hold the hinges to allow them to sit flush with the frame. Another reason for trouble locking is that the bolt for the latch may be too high or too low in the strike plate. To determine this, smear a little lipstick on the latch and then place a strip of masking tape on the strike plate. When you close the door, the lipstick will stain the part of the tape it comes into contact with, leaving a mark that indicates whether the latch contacts the strike plate above or below the hole.

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

If the issue is not resolved after applying the lubricant, then the lock cylinder might be jammed and need to be replaced. This is a task for an expert, but it's not too difficult for someone experienced in basic home sash window repair. If you're replacing the lock cylinders, be sure they have been tested and rated BHMA approved to avoid issues with the fitting or finishing.

The hardware used to lock the door could be unprofessional or poorly made. This kind of lock will often require more maintenance than a quality lock, and may not last as long. If this is the case, switching to a better lock will typically solve the problem. The key is to choose a model that's graded B or higher in terms of durability, so that you can be sure it will stand up to years of usage.

Verify the Strike Plate

A door latch that doesn't reach the strike plate may cause a variety of problems that range from blocking the door from closing and latching properly to making it more difficult to open. It's not as difficult to fix as you think. Gravity, sagging doors or even foundation movement can lead to an issue with the alignment of the latch with the strike plate. Fortunately, simple adjustments are usually enough to fix the issue.

If lubricating and tightening the hinges doesn't fix the problem it might be necessary 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 is in contact with it. Mark this spot with caulk, lipstick or a stripe of masking tape. If the mark is below the hole where the strike plate is, this indicates that the latch is slamming the plate too high. A lower strike plate can resolve the problem. If the mark is over the strike plate hole, you can move the strike plate up little.

Once you have determined the direction in which the strike plate needs to be adjusted, you can remove the strike plate from the frame. Keep the screws in a secure place to allow you to replace them at a later date. You should also grease the keyway of the strike plate to ensure it can move smoothly.

Next, determine whether the contact point of the latch is located above or below the strike hole in the plate. This can be done by applying lipstick, paint or chalk to the latch. After closing the door, you can open it and see if the mark is still visible on the latch or the masking. If the mark is lower than the strike plate, it indicates that the latch is hitting the strike plate too low and an upper strike plate position can fix the issue.

To adjust the latch to adjust the strike plate, take it out from the mortise and then widen it with a sharp knife or chisel, and a Hammer to allow the strike plate to move upward or downward to match the latch's position. Check the door after the strike plate has been moved to ensure that it latches and closes easily. Once you've made the adjustments, it's time to reconnect the strikeplate to the frame of the door and fill any old screwholes or gaps with woodfill that is in line with the rest of the frame.