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How to Do Your Own Lock Repair If your locks fail If your locks fail, you can repair them yourself or hire an professional locksmith. However, lock repair isn't easy and the wrong approach could cause further damage. You should first check to find out if the issue is caused by dirt or dust. This can usually be cleared by applying a graphite-based spray or silicone-based oil. 1. Loose Door Knob or Handle Door knobs and handles may get loose in time, which can result in an unbalanced door handle or knob that is difficult to open. It is essential to fix loose door knobs as they can be a nuisance but also can affect the security of your home. A loose doorknob is relatively simple to repair. Depending on the lock system that is installed on your door, there are several ways to fix this. Some lock systems have visible mounting screws that are accessible, while others have a backplate that hides the screws that hold the lock together. If your door is the latter type, this method might be more difficult. Most doorknobs with interiors come with a small screw known as a setscrew that is located on the inside of the knob that prevents it from sliding over the spindle. This is part of the latch assembly. If yours is jiggly, it could be due to tiny screws, referred to as a setscrew, that is located on the inside of the doorknob, which is stopping it from sliding over the spindle. You can use a flashlight to locate the set screw and then tighten it using an Allen wrench. Once it's tightened, try turning the knob to see if it no longer feels jiggly. If the knob is jiggly it could be because the set screw isn't placed correctly. Find an oblique button that is positioned to match the spindle, to ensure that the screw is in the right position. Press the button using the flat-head screwdriver, then slide the knob over the spindle. As you do this, the knob should begin to click, indicating that it is placed correctly on the spindle. After ensuring the set screw is in the correct position and tighten it once more to fix the knob or handle in place. If this does not resolve the issue, you may have to remove the knob from the backplate, and then check for loose or missing screws. It is necessary to replace the screws in this case before you can install the knob or handle. If you're not comfortable with this kind of repair, contact a professional who specializes in repair of damaged locks. 2. Key won't turn in the Lock There are a number of reasons that your key may stop turning inside the lock. One of the most common reasons is that the pins in the cylinder have begun to wear down and don't have the correct shape to move the wafers, sliders or tumblers that allow the key to open the lock. In this case an easy fix is spraying the lock with graphite spray or lubricant made of silicone to coat the pins and make them to move once more. However, if the issue is more severe and the key is been bent out of shape it may be necessary to have it professionally straightened. A professional locksmith will use an exclusive tool that has a curved edge to fit into the groove that runs along the edge of the key. This type of tool cannot be found in hardware stores. However you can purchase an entire kit with the essential tools online or from an experienced locksmith. A dirty or contaminated lock is also a possibility. Dust can accumulate over time within the lock's cylinder, and cause the pins or springs to become stuck. In this instance spray the lock with WD-40 or graphite spray to remove the pins and restore them to their original positions. If the key itself has been damaged, it could also be a problem. A key can be worn down with time due to repeated use, which will cause the groves to wear down or even become smoother. This can result in the key not being able to fit into the cylinder. It is important to regularly check to ensure that the key fits correctly. In the winter months locks can freeze, which will prevent springs and pins from moving when the key is put in. This is a problem that can be frustrating however, it's usually fairly easy to solve by warming up the lock using hot water and then using an oil-based lubricant to re-lubricate it. However, if the lock is damaged or frozen beyond repair, it will likely need to be replaced by an expert. 3. The Lock Isn't Turning If you've had a lock that doesn't turn and isn't able to be opened, it can be extremely frustrating. If this happens frequently you might want to think about calling a locksmith to inspect the lock to determine whether they can assist. Fortunately, this isn't necessary since there are things that can be solved without professional assistance. The key won't rotate in the lock if damaged. This could happen when you've lost your key or it is broken in the lock. Instead of trying to get the key from the lock which could cause it to be further pushed into the mechanism, and increase the risk, use needle-nosedpliers to remove the key from the lock. Be careful not to cut off any of the broken piece by using the pliers or you could damage the lock. There could be a misaligned lock, which can cause the door to latch properly. If you happen to have an extra key, it can be tested inside the lock to ensure that it works correctly and isn't the issue. If try here discover that the lock is not aligned correctly, tightening screws around the strikeplate could solve the issue and let the lock to function normally. A lock might not rotate due to dust or dirt. This issue can be resolved by using a graphite or silicone-based lubricant to coat the pins of the lock. This will allow them to move up and down as normal. It's crucial not to use products that contain oil such as WD-40 for this though as these can cause further blockages later on. It is important to remember that some keys don't fit in all locks. If your key is one of these you might want to get a replacement key made at the local hardware store to ensure that it can be used inside the lock. 4. The Cylinder is rotating. When a cylinder rotates in a confinement space, it may cause the formation of hairpin vortices which can lead to significant forces on the cylinder. The force is proportional to dimensions of the radius x of curvature and the confinement factor. The cylinder's head, tube, and main body are composed of aluminum alloy. If you're able insert your key inside and turn it, but the lock is still rotating it could be due to an issue with the cylinder. Rekeying the lock may fix the issue. You can buy kits to do this online or in a lot of big box stores.