Door Lock Repair - How to Fix Common Problems

A lock that fails to latch properly is a sign that it should be repaired. CR's testers mark the area where the latch meets the strike plate with lipstick. Tightening the hinge screws may fix the problem.

Spraying a dry lubricant, like powdered graphite or WD-40, on the lock cylinder could also aid.

Check the Latch

The latch is the bolt that extends into the door frame to secure the lock when it is pulled back by the knob or handle. Deadbolts and positive locking latches are popular choices for added security. If yours won't close or latch correctly it could be due to an issue with the alignment between the latch and strike plate inside the door frame.

A common cause is a hinge that is not properly secured. They can sag with time and Double Glazing Repairs cause the latch to fall off its strike plate. To check this, use an experiment with lipstick. Apply some lipstick on the edges of latch and attach a stripe of masking tape to the strike plate. Close the door, and Door Lock Repair you'll see where the latch connects to the plate. This will let you determine whether the contact is high or Door Lock Repair low for proper operation.

You'll need the replacement double glazed units of a strike plate when the latch is more than 1/8" too low or high. Fortunately, this is usually an easy task that can be accomplished without the need to remove the door. You will need to use a filing tool to expand your strike plate hole. The best type of file is a half-round one, because it is in line with the curve in the strike hole in the plate.

After the strike plate has been moved, you'll need to tighten the screws that attach it to the door frame. This should be enough to get your door to shut and latch correctly. If this isn't working then tighten the hinge screws on either side of the door and see 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, allowing you to move the latch up or down. Alternately, you can employ a metal file to shape the strike plate so that it will fit better into the mortise. You might want to consider this option if you're worried about the strike plate coming off while traveling in your RV.

Check the Keyway

If your lock isn't working properly, you may be leaving yourself and your property vulnerable to burglars. Certain door lock issues can be resolved without the help of a professional. This includes a lock or key that won't turn. The earlier you spot an issue, the more likely to solve it yourself.

If your key isn't sliding into the lock or turning smoothly It could be having rough areas that need to be filed off. A locksmith can do this for you however it's an easy DIY project you can try at home. Place the key in and move it around, searching for a place which is producing friction. If you find any of these, use a fine metal filing to smooth the rough areas.

Another frequent issue with door locks is a locked or jammed bolt or latch. This can be caused by debris or a damaged piece of key that has become lodged within the mechanism. You may try using a needle or pin to get rid of the debris but it's best to contact a locksmith for a more thorough inspection and removal of the broken piece.

A deadbolt which won't extend through the strike plate could be a sign of a malfunctioning locking mechanism. Over time, the screws that hold your deadbolt together may loosen and cause it shift. This can make your home more vulnerable to burglars. If the deadbolt is still shifting it may be necessary to upgrade the hardware.

If you are having trouble with a cylinder that won't rotate when you turn the key, the key cylinder might be stuck. If this is the case, make use of a lubricant in order to loosen it. You could also use a dry lubricant, graphite spray or WD-40 to lubricate your key cylinder and remove any buildup. Keep an ounce of these products handy and use them regularly to keep your locks in good working order. A lock that is lubricated is more likely to last longer than locks that aren't.

Check the Hinges

A loose hinge could cause the cylinder of a door lock that is easily rotated when the door is open, but fails to lock when closed. This problem is easily fixable. First, tighten the screws on the hinges to make sure they're not sliding. If the issue continues, try adding or removing the hinge's shim to alter the alignment. These plates made of metal are available at hardware stores or online.

You can also smooth the edges of the hinge mortises, which are the slots that hold the hinges to help them sit flush with the frame. The latch bolt could be too high or low in the strikeplate. To find out, rub some lipstick on the latch and put a strip of masking tape over the strike plate. When you shut the door the lipstick will rub off the part of the tape it comes into contact with leaving a mark which shows whether the latch is in contact with the strike plate above or below the hole.

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

If the problem continues to persist after using the lubricant it may be that the lock cylinder has become stuck and requires replacement. This is a job that should be done by an expert, but is not difficult for anyone who has experience with basic home upvc window repairs. If you're replacing the lock cylinders, make sure that they've been tested and rated as BHMA approved to avoid any issues with the fitting or finishing.

Another reason that could cause difficulty latching is when the hardware for the door lock is cheap or poorly made. This kind of lock is likely to require more maintenance than a quality lock, and may not last as long. If this is the case, upgrading to a better lock will usually solve the issue. To ensure that your lock lasts for years, you should choose a model with an endurance rating of B or higher.

Make sure you check the Strike Plate

A door latch that doesn't reach the strike plate can cause a range of problems, from stopping the door from closing and latching properly to making it difficult to open. It's not as difficult to fix as you might think. The force of gravity, sagging hinges, and even movement of the home foundation can cause the latch to not align with the strike plate but usually a few adjustments will fix the issue.

If tightening and lubricating the hinges does not solve the issue, it may be necessary to move the strike plate to another position to align with the latch. To do this, first take off the strike plate and mark the area where the latch comes into contact with it. Mark this area with lipstick, caulk, or a stripe of masking tape. If the mark is below the hole where the strike plate is, this means that the latch is not hitting the plate sufficiently high. A lower strike plate location can resolve the problem. If the mark is above the strike plate hole, you can move the strike plate up bit.

Once you know which direction the strike plate needs to be adjusted, take it from the frame. keep the screws in a safe location so that you can replace them later. You should also grease the strike plate's keyway to make sure it moves effortlessly.

You can apply chalk, paint or lipstick to the latch. This can be done by applying paint, lipstick or chalk to the latch. After closing the door, you can open it up and check if the mark is still visible on the latch or masking. If the mark is below the strikeplate, it means that the latch is hitting the strikeplate too low. A higher strikeplate position will solve the problem.

To adjust the latch, remove the strike plate from the mortise and then widen it using a sharp knife or chisel with a Hammer to allow the strike plate to shift either way to match the latch's position. Check the door after the strike plate has been moved to verify that it closes and latches effortlessly. After you have completed the adjustments, you can reattach the strike plate to the frame of the door and fill in any existing screw holes or gaps using wood filler that matches the color of the rest of the frame of the door.