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How to Do Your Own Lock Repair If your locks start to fail, you can try to repair them yourself or hire an expert locksmith. However, the process of fixing locks can be tricky and the wrong approach could result in further damage. The first step is to make sure the issue isn't caused by dirt or dust. A Graphite-based spray or a silicone-based lubricant are a good choice to solve this issue. 1. Door Handle or Knob Loose Door knobs and handles may get loose in time, which can result in a jiggly door handle or knobs that are difficult to open. It is crucial to repair loose door knobs because they are not only annoying, but can compromise the security of your home. A loose doorknob is relatively easy to fix. There are several methods to fix it, dependent on the type of lock system your door has. Certain lock systems have easily accessible mounting screws, whereas others use backplates that hide the screws. If your door has the latter type, this method might be more difficult. Most interior doorknobs are designed to slip over a cylindrical spindle which is mounted in the door as part of the latch assembly. If yours is jiggly it could be due to a tiny screw, known as a setscrew, on the inside of the knob, which prevents it from sliding across spindle. Utilize a flashlight to help you locate the screw and use an Allen wrench to tighten it. After the screw has been tightened then turn the knob to test if it is solid. If your knob is jiggly, it could be that the screw that sets it hasn't been placed correctly. Find the small button that matches the spindle to ensure the screw is in the correct position. Press the button using the flat-head screwdriver, then slide the knob across the spindle. The knob should move into the proper position after you have done this, signalling that it is properly positioned on the spindle. After ensuring the set screw is positioned properly then tighten it once more to ensure that the knob or handle is in the correct position. If this does not resolve the issue, you might need to remove the knob from the backplate and look for missing or loose screws. You'll need to replace the screws if this is the situation before you can replace the knob or handle. If you're uncomfortable with this type repair, call a professional who specializes in repair of damaged locks. 2. The key won't turn in the lock. There are a number of reasons that your key may stop turning in the lock. One of the most common reasons is that the pins in the cylinder have begun to wear down and do not have the right shape to move the wafers, sliders or tumblers that allow the key to open the lock. In this case the best solution would be spraying the lock with graphite spray or silicone-based lubricant to coat the pins and make them move again. If the issue is much more serious and the key is bent out of shape, you might need to have it straightened professionally. A professional locksmith will employ an exclusive tool that has a curved edge to fit into the groove that runs along the edge of the key. This kind of tool isn't readily available in hardware stores, however you can purchase an entire kit of the correct tools online or at an establishment that sells locksmith tools. Another possibility is that the lock is dirty or contaminated. The accumulation of dust over time can cause problems within the lock's cylinder, and causes the springs or pins to become stuck. In this case, spray the lock with graphite or WD-40 spray to clean out the pins, and then return them to their original places. It could also be a problem if the key has been damaged. Over time, repeated use can wear down the grooves of a key. This could cause the key to not fit into the cylinder. It is important to check regularly to make sure that the key fits correctly. In the winter months locks can freeze, which can stop the springs and pins from moving when the key is put in. This can be a frustrating issue however, it can be solved by warming the lock by using hot water and then re-lubricating it. If the lock is damaged beyond repair, or has frozen, it will need to be replaced. 3. The lock isn't turning It can be a hassle to have a lock that won't turn or open. If it happens frequently you may want to consider contacting locksmiths to come check it out and see if they can help. This isn't always needed however, as some issues can be solved by yourself. The key won't rotate in the lock if it is damaged. This can happen if you've lost your keys or it is broken in the lock. Instead of trying to get keys out of the lock which could result in it being further pushed into the mechanism and increase the risk using needle-nosed pliers, you should remove the key from the lock. You'll want to be careful not to break off any broken pieces by using the pliers or you may cause damage to the lock. There could be an improperly aligned lock that can cause the door to latch properly. If you have an extra lock key, you may test it to verify that the lock functions correctly. If you discover that the lock is not aligned correctly tightening the screws on the strike plate can fix the problem and allow the lock to function normally. A lock might not turn due to dust or dirt. Using graphite sprays or a silicone-based lubricant can solve this issue by coating the pins in the lock, allowing them to move up and down in a normal manner. It's important not to use oils-based products such as WD-40 to solve this issue, as these can cause further clogging problems down the road. It's important to note that some keys simply won't fit in all locks. If this is the case, you might need to have a new key made by a local hardware store. 4. The Cylinder is Rotating When a cylinder is turned in a confinement space, it can cause the formation of hairpin vortices which can cause significant forces on the cylinder. The forces are proportional to the dimensionless curvature radius and the confinement factor. upvc window locking mechanism repair , tube and main body are all made of aluminum alloy. If you're able to insert your key inside and turn it but the lock is still rotating, there may be an issue with the cylinder. Rekeying your lock can resolve the problem. You can buy kits for this purpose on the internet or in a lot of big box stores.