One Of The Biggest Mistakes That People Make With Lock Repair

Door door Fitting Lock Repair - How to Fix Common Problems

A lock that doesn't latch properly indicates that it should be repaired. The testers from CR mark the spot where the latch is in contact with the strike plate with lipstick. Tightening the hinge screws could solve the problem.

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

Check the Latch

The latch is bolt that extends beyond the door frame and secures the lock when the knob or handle is pulled back. Deadbolts and positive locking latches are popular choices for extra security. If yours will not close or latch properly, it could be because of a misalignment in the strikeplate and latch in the door frame.

The most common reason is hinges that have become loose, and they may sag with time which causes the latch to be unable to reach the strike plate. Make use of a lipstick test to test. Apply some lipstick to the edge of latch and attach the strip of masking tape on the strike plate. Close the door fitting and you will be able to see where the latch is touching the plate. This will allow you to determine if the contact is too high or too low for door fitting proper operation.

You'll need an entirely new strike plate if the latch is more than 1/8" too high or low. Fortunately, this is usually an easy task that can be completed without having to take the door off. You will need to use an extension file to increase the size of your strike plate hole. A half-round file is best because it is in line with the shape of the strike hole on the plate.

After shifting the strike plate you'll need to tighten screws that secure it to the door's frame. This should be enough to allow the door to close and latch correctly. If this doesn't work then tighten the hinge screws on either side of the door to test if that helps.

If the latch is out of alignment even after lubrication, then you will need to take more drastic measures. You can remove 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 use a metal filing to reshape your strike plate to fit better into the mortise. This is a possibility you may be considering when your vehicle is prone to bumps and dips along the highway and you're worried that it may come off in the course of travel.

Make sure you check the Keyway

If your lock is not working properly, you may be leaving your home open to burglars. The good news is, some kinds of door lock issues can be resolved without the need of an expert. For instance, a key that isn't fitting or a lock that doesn't work when it is turned. The sooner you notice a problem the more likely it is that you can fix it yourself.

If your key isn't moving into or turning easily, it could have rough areas that need to be filed off. You can hire a locksmith to do it for you or do it yourself. Move the key around to locate the spot that is causing friction. If you notice any of these, you can file the rough spots with a fine metal file.

A jammed or locked bolt or latch is another frequent problem. This can be caused either by debris or a damaged key that has stuck itself into the mechanism. You may try using a needle or pin to clear the debris, but it's best to contact an experienced locksmith for a thorough examination and removal of the damaged piece.

A deadbolt that isn't extended beyond the strike plate can also be an indication of a malfunctioning lock. Over time, the screws that hold the deadbolt in place may become loose and cause it to shift. This makes your home more vulnerable to burglars. If the deadbolt is still shifting, you may need to upgrade the hardware.

Finally, if you're having problems with the cylinder lock that won't turn with the key it could be because the key cylinder is stuck. If this is the problem then you should consider using an oil-based fluid to lubricate it. You can also apply dry lubricant, or WD-40 spray to lubricate your locks and remove any buildup. These products can be kept in a handy bottle and used regularly to keep your locks in good condition. A lock that is lubricated will last longer than a non-lubricated lock.

Check the Hinges

If the door lock cylinder turns easily when the door is open but won't stay locked when you close it, loose hinges are often to be blamed. This issue can be a simple fix. First tighten the hinge screws to ensure they're not sliding. If the problem persists you can try adding or removing the hinge's shims' to alter alignment. These plates made of metal can be found in hardware stores as well as online.

Sand the edges of the hinge mortises (the slots that hold the hinges) to make them flush with the frame. Another reason for trouble locking is that the bolt for the latch could be too high or too low in the strike plate. To determine this, smear a little lipstick on the latch, then put a strip of masking tape over the strike plate. When you shut the door to the front, the lipstick will stain any portion of the tape it comes into contact with. This will show whether the latch is located above or below the hole.

If the latch doesn't work properly with the strikeplate, it could be due to dirt and grime. This debris can be cleaned by soaking a q-tip in graphite or silicone spray.

If the issue persists even after lubricant is applied, it could be because the lock cylinder is jammed and needs to be replaced. This is a task for an expert, but it's not too difficult for someone who is familiar with basic home repairs. When replacing the lock cylinder, choose one that's been tested and rated the BHMA to ensure that there are no issues with the fit and finish.

A final possible cause of trouble latching is if the door lock hardware is not well-made or of a low quality. This type of lock might require more maintenance and last longer than a top-quality lock. Upgrade to a higher-quality lock is usually the best solution to this problem. The key is to choose a model that's rated B or higher in durability to be sure it can withstand years of usage.

Verify the Strike Plate

A door latch that doesn't reach the strike plate could cause a range of problems. It could hinder the door from closing and latching correctly or make it more difficult to unlock. It's not as difficult to fix as you might think. Sagging doors, gravity and even foundation movement can result in an error in the alignment of the latch and the strike plate. Fortunately, simple adjustments are often enough to fix the problem.

If tightening the hinges and applying lubrication to the keyway fails to resolve the issue, the strike plate may require to be moved to a different position in order to align with the latch. To do this, remove the strikeplate and mark the area where the latch contacts it. Mark this area using caulk, lipstick, or a stripe of masking tape. If the mark is below the spot where the strike plate hole is, it means that the latch is hitting the plate too high. A lower strike plate can resolve the problem. If the mark is higher than the strikeplate hole, you may have to move the strikeplate up.

Once you have determined the direction in which the strike plate has to be adjusted, remove it from the frame. keep the screws in a secure place so you can replace them in the future. You should also grease the keyway of the strike plate to ensure that it is able to move smoothly.

Then, determine if the contact point of the latch is located above or below the strike hole of the plate. This can be done using lipstick, paint or chalk. After closing the door, open it up and check whether the mark is visible on the latch or masking. If the mark is lower than the strike plate, this means that the latch is hitting the strike plate too low. an upper strike plate position can fix the issue.

To adjust the latch make the adjustment, remove the strike plate from the mortise and then widen it using a sharp knife or chisel and an hammer to allow for the strike plate to move upwards or downwards to match the position of the latch. Once the strike plate has moved, you can test the door to make sure it shuts and latches smoothly. After you've completed the adjustments, reattach the strike plate to the frame of the door and fill in any old gap or screw holes using wood filler that is the same color as the the door frame.