No one wants to be a victim of being locked out of their home, especially if it means calling a door lock repair service to fix the issue or doing a house lock repair. Being locked out can be so tiring. Early detection of a door knob or lock issue frequently allows you to rectify it before it becomes severe enough to render the lock inoperable.
When a door lock mechanism malfunctions, it may only be due to filth or a need for graphite lubrication (do not use any oil because this will gum up the works)
Parts of door lock
Table of Contents
Before you can repair a door lock, you need to be conversant with the anatomy of the door lock. They include:
- Lock body: This is called the cylinder where the key is inserted. The cylinder engages several spring-loaded pins to lock it. Thus, the cylinder doesn’t turn.
- Latch: A piece of metal protruding into the door frame serves as the latch, or bolt, within the door to keep it closed. A latch can either be a Deadbolt or Spring bolt. A knob or supplementary key located on one side of your door is used to activate the deadbolt. These are said to be safer than spring-bolt latches. The clips that hold the spring bolts compress to release the latch and operate automatically as the door shuts.
- Metal strike plate: The frame has a metal strike plate on it. As a result, the latch is moved from the cylinder into the box for added durability.
The following equipment is required for general door lock repair:
- Graphite power tube
- Screwdriver
- Pair of plier
- Hammer
- Lock de-icers
How to repair Home Door Locks
Below are different lock problems and some house lock repairs you can do yourself.
1. When the door latch doesn’t latch properly
The strike plate on the door jamb and the door latch are typically out of alignment when a door latch fails to click into place.
Patio door lock repair can also follow this mechanism of lock repair. The main types include Latch locks, Handles, and Door Jamb bolts. Since some patio lock types have a latch lock, the latch might not latch properly.
Tools required
Screwdriver
How to repair
- Tighten the door hinge screw
- Move the strike plate by loosening its screw if necessary
- Reposition the door to fix a latch.
2. When the key gets broken off in the lock
A Key can get broken in the lock. When this happens, do not panic. There is a solution.
Tools required
Needle-nose pliers
How to repair
- Grasp and pull the broken key piece out straight using needle-nose pliers.
- Cut off a piece of a coping saw blade and insert it into the keyway with the teeth facing outward will try to hook and drag the key out
- Alternatively, use a needle-nose plier to remove the key.
If this doesn’t work, remove the lock cylinder. You can remove the key from the cylinder by inserting a firm wire into the cam slot at the back.
3. When the door lock is frozen or works slowly
Front door locks can become stuck, and the issue can lie with the keyhole or door latch. Try using a lubricant if your door latch is stuck or won’t retract all the way.
Exterior door locks like garage door locks are susceptible to freezing, interior locks become dusty, and minute internal components eventually deteriorate or fail. You can try some quick fixes first before purchasing a replacement door knob or lock or using a home door lock repair near me services.
For sliding glass door lock repair, a lock that won’t latch, or a lubricant can’t be applied too.
Tools and materials require
Lock de-icers cream, graphite lubricants.
How to repair
The best lubricant for door locks is a graphite lubricant. The lubricant repels dust and grime that could harm the door’s locking mechanism.
- Put some graphite in the lock’s keyhole by squeezing it out of a tube or dusting it onto a key and inserting and removing it. The graphite will then be incorporated into the door lock mechanism after a few operations.
- Alcohol and other lubricants are found in lock de-icers, which aid in breaking up slimy, filthy deposits. These are used for a frozen door lock.
- Also, you can disassemble the lock to examine if anything is broken or jammed; you might be able to fix it or replace the item without buying a new lock. These same steps can also be used for DIY Garage door lock repair because they are exterior door locks prone to freezing.
4. When a door knob is loose
Over time, door knobs could become loose. The type of lock will determine the best way to tighten them. You can tighten a simple interior mortise.
Tools required
Pair of plier and screwdriver
How to Repair
- Loosen the set screw on the doorknob
- Turn the loose doorknob clockwise until it is tightly attached to the doorknob on the other side of the door while holding it
- Tighten the screw until you can feel it resting against the spindle’s flat surface.
- Ensure the knob rotates easily.
- Alternatively, take the door knob off to inspect the spindle; if it’s worn, it has to be replaced. It is advisable to completely replace the lock set if worn throughout.
