Door Lock Repair - How to Fix Common Problems

A lock that does not latch properly is a sign that it should be repaired. The testers at CR use lipstick to mark the area where the latch contacts the strike plate; tightening the hinge screws could fix the issue.

Spraying a dry lubricant such as graphite or Door Lock Repair WD-40 powdered powder on the lock cylinder can also aid.

Check the Latch

The latch is a bolt that extends out of the door frame and secures the lock when the knob or window and door replacement replacement (rkx1209.hatenablog.com) handle is retracted. Popular choices for increased security include deadbolts and positive-locking latches. If yours won't close or latch correctly it could be due to a misalignment between the latch and strike plate within the door frame.

The most common reason for this is loose hinges. They may sag over time and cause the latch to fall off its strike plate. To test this, perform an experiment with lipstick. Apply some lipstick on the edges of the latch and then attach the strip of masking tape to the strike plate. Close the door, and you'll be able to see where the latch touches the plate. This will allow you to determine whether the contact is high or low for proper operation.

You'll require an entirely new strike plate in the event that the latch is more than 1/8" too high or low. Fortunately, this is an easy job that can be done without removing the door. It's just a matter of using an instrument to increase the size of the strike plate hole. The most suitable file is a half-round, as it matches the curve of the strike plate hole.

Once the strike plate is moved, you'll need to tighten the screws that connect it to the door frame. This should be sufficient to allow your door to close and latch correctly. If not, try tightening the hinge screws on the other side of the door to see if it will help.

If the latch remains out of alignment even after the lubrication process, you'll need 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 or down. You could also use a metal filing to shape your strike plate so that it fits better into the mortise. This is an option you might be considering when your vehicle is prone to bumps and dips on the highway and you're concerned that it might fall off in the course of travel.

Make sure you check the Keyway

If your lock isn't functioning properly, you could be leaving your property vulnerable to burglars. The good news is, certain types of door lock problems can be fixed without the need for professional assistance. This is the case with a lock or a key that won't turn. The earlier you spot a problem, the more likely that you can fix it on your own.

If your key isn't moving in or turning easily, it could have rough spots that need to be smoothed out. You can have a locksmith help you or you can do it yourself. Move the key around until you can locate the spot that causes friction. If you notice any of these, you can file the rough spots using a fine metal file.

Another common door lock problem is a jammed or locked bolt or latch. It can be caused by debris or keys that have broken and been inserted into the mechanism. You can make use of pins or needles to get rid of the debris. However, it is best to call a locksmith to conduct a thorough inspection and to remove the broken piece.

A deadbolt that isn't extending across the strike plate may be a sign of a faulty locking mechanism. Over time the screws that hold the deadbolt in place may become loose and cause it shift. This can make your home more vulnerable to burglars. Removing the screws may aid, but if the deadbolt is still moving, it may be time to invest in better quality hardware.

If you're having issues with a cylinder that won't rotate when you turn the key, your key cylinder could be stuck. If this is the cause then you should consider using the lubricant. You could also use a dry graphite spray, lubricant or WD-40 to help lubricate the key cylinder and remove any buildup. These products can be kept in a bottle that is convenient and used regularly to keep your locks in good condition. A lock that is lubricated is more likely to last longer than one that isn't.

Check the Hinges

If your door lock cylinder turns easily when the door is opened but it doesn't lock when you close it hinges that are loose are usually to the blame. This problem can be solved with a simple procedure. To fix the issue fix it, tighten all the screws on the hinges. If the issue persists Try removing or adding the hinge's shim to alter the alignment. These plates made of small metal are available in hardware stores or on the internet.

Sand the edges of the hinge mortises (the slots that hold the hinges) to ensure they are flush with the frame. Another reason for trouble locking is that the latch bolt could be too high or too low in the strike plate. To find out this, put a little lipstick on the latch and put an area of masking tape over the strike plate. When you close the front door the lipstick will stain any area of the tape it comes into contact with. This will tell you if the latch is located above or below the hole.

Lastly, if the latch isn't engaging properly with the strike plate, it could be due an accumulation of dirt and grime. A q-tip that's soaked in graphite or silicon spray can dislodge this debris, allowing the latch to function just as it should.

If the issue persists after using the lubricant, it could be because the lock cylinder has become stuck and needs to be replaced. This is a task best done by an expert, however, it's not too difficult for anyone who has experience with basic home upvc repairs. When replacing the lock's cylinder, choose one that has been tested and rated the BHMA to avoid issues with fitting and finish.

Another possible cause of trouble latching is if the door lock hardware is faulty or cheaply made. This type of lock will often require more maintenance than a quality lock, and it might not last as long. Switching to a better-quality lock is usually the best solution to this problem. To ensure that your lock will last for a long time, opt for a lock that has an endurance rating of B or better.

Make sure you check the Strike Plate

A door latch that doesn't reach the strike plate can cause a number of problems. It could stop the door from closing properly and latching, or make it more difficult to unlock. Fortunately, it's not always as difficult to fix as it seems. The force of gravity, sagging hinges, and even movement of the home foundation can cause the latch to not align with the strike plate, however, often a few minor adjustments will fix the issue.

If tightening the hinges and applying lubrication to the keyway fails to resolve the issue the strike plate could need to be moved to a new position in order to align with the latch. To do this, first remove the strike plate and mark the area where the latch is in contact with it. Mark this area with lipstick, caulk, or a stripe of masking tape. If the mark is lower than 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 over the strike plate's hole, you can move the strike plate up a little.

Once you've determined the direction in which the strike plate must be adjusted, remove the strikeplate from the frame. Make sure the screws are in a safe place so that you can replace them at a later date. You should also grease the keyway of the strike plate to ensure that it can move easily.

You can do this by applying chalk, paint or lipstick to the latch. You can do this with lipstick, paint, or chalk. After closing the door, open it to check where the mark has been left on the latch or masking tape. If the mark is below the strikeplate, this means that the latch is hitting the strikeplate too low. A higher strikeplate position can solve the issue.

To adjust the strike plate, remove the strike plate from the mortise and widen it using a sharp knife or chisel with a Hammer to allow the strike plate to shift upwards or downwards to align with the latch's position. Once the strike plate has moved, check the door to ensure that it closes and latches without issue. Once you've made the adjustments, you'll have to reattach the strikeplate to the frame of the door and fill in any screw holes or gaps with woodfiller that matches the frame's rest.