Door Lock double glazing repair - How to Fix Common Problems

If a lock doesn't latch properly is a clear sign that it needs to be repaired. CR's testers use lipstick to mark the area where the latch meets the strike plate; tightening the hinge screws can fix the issue.

Spraying a dry lubricant such as graphite or WD-40 powdered powder on the lock's cylinder may aid in.

Check the Latch

The latch is a bolt that extends beyond the door frame and secures the lock when the knob or handle is retracted. Deadbolts as well as positive locking latches are popular options for additional security. If yours will not close or latch correctly, it could be because of a misalignment in the strikeplate and latch in the door frame.

A common cause of this is hinges that are loose. They may sag over time and cause the latch to be off its strike plate. To test this, perform the test of lipstick. Apply some lipstick on the edges of the latch and then attach the strip of masking tape on the strike plate. Close the door, and you'll notice where the latch touches the plate. This will tell you if the contact point is too high or low to allow proper operation.

If the latch is connecting to the strike plate at a distance of more than 1/8 inches high or too low, you'll have to reposition the strike plate. Fortunately, this is an easy task that can be completed without removing the door. It's just a matter of using an instrument to increase the size of the strike plate hole. The best file to use is a half-round one, as it matches the curve of the strike plate hole.

Once the strike plate has been moved, you'll need to tighten the screws that attach it to the door frame. This is enough to get your door glazier to shut and latch correctly. If this does not work, tighten the hinge screws on either side of the door to see if that helps.

If the latch is out of alignment after the lubrication process, you'll need take more drastic steps. Try taking off the strike plate and using a chisel that is sharp to increase the size of the strike plate mortise, allowing you to move the strike up or down. Alternately, you can employ a metal file to reshape the strike plate so it is more snugly in the mortise. This is a possibility you may think about if your RV has many bumps and dips along the highway and you're worried that it may come off during travel.

Make sure you check the Keyway

If your lock is not functioning properly, you could be leaving your property open to burglars. Certain door lock issues can be solved without the help of an expert. This is the case with a lock or a key that isn't turning. If you can identify an issue, the more likely to be able to repair it yourself.

If your key isn't moving in or turning easily, it could have rough spots that need to be sanded off. You can hire a locksmith to assist you with this or you can do it yourself. Place the key in and upvc window repairs move it around, local (click here.) searching for a place which is causing friction. If you spot any of these, use a fine metal file to smooth out the rough spots.

Another frequent issue with door locks is a jammed or locked latch or bolt. This can be caused either by debris or by a damaged key that has lodged itself in the mechanism. You could try using a needle or pin to remove the debris, but it's best to contact an expert locksmith for a more thorough examination and removal of the broken piece.

A deadbolt which won't extend through the strike plate could also be an indication of a malfunctioning 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. Changing the screws can aid, but if the deadbolt is still moving it might be time to invest in superior hardware.

If you have trouble with a cylinder which won't turn when you turn the key, the cylinder could be stuck. If this is the case, make use of a lubricant in order to loosen it. You can also use a dry lubricant, graphite spray or [Redirect-Meta-0] WD-40 to help lubricate the key cylinder and get rid of any buildup. These items can be kept in a bottle that is convenient and csmz.jrmznet.org.cn noted used regularly to maintain your locks. A lubricated lock is more likely to last longer than one that's not.

Check the Hinges

A loose hinge could cause a door lock cylinder that is easily rotated when the door is opened but doesn't lock when closed. This issue can be solved with a simple procedure. To fix the issue make sure you tighten all screws on the hinges. If the problem persists you may try removing or adding hinge'shims' to adjust alignment. These small metal plates are available at hardware stores or online.

You can also sand the edges of the mortises on the hinges, the slots that hold the hinges, to ensure that they are in a straight line with the frame. The latch bolt might be too high or low in the strikeplate. To determine this, apply a small amount of lipstick on the latch. Then, you can place a piece of masking tape on the strike plate. When you shut the door to the front the lipstick will stain any part of the tape that it comes into contact with. This will indicate whether the latch is located above or below the hole.

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

If the problem continues to persist after using the lubricant it could be because the lock cylinder is jammed and needs to be replaced. This is a job for an expert, but not too difficult for someone who is familiar with basic home repair. When replacing the lock's cylinder, make sure you choose one that's been tested and rated by the BHMA to ensure that there are no issues with fit and finish.

A final possible cause of difficulty latching is when the door lock hardware is cheap or poorly made. This kind of lock is likely to require more maintenance than a good lock, and handles it might not last as long. If this is the situation, upgrading to a better lock is usually the best solution to the issue. It is important to choose one that is rated B or higher in durability to be sure it can withstand years of use.

Make sure you check the Strike Plate

A door latch that does not reach the strike plate could cause a variety of problems that range from preventing the door from shutting and latching properly to making it more difficult to open. Fortunately, it's not always as difficult to fix as it seems. Gravity, sagging doors and even foundation movement can cause an issue with the alignment of the latch and the strike plate. It's a good thing that simple adjustments are often enough to correct the issue.

If tightening the hinges and lubricating keyway doesn't solve the problem the strike plate might require to be moved into a new position to line up with the latch. To do this, remove the strikeplate and mark the location where the latch will be. You can use a caulk, lipstick or a strip of masking tape that stain when you close the door to mark the spot. If the mark is below where the strike plate hole is, it means that the latch is hitting the plate too high. A lower strike plate location will solve the issue. If the mark is over the strike plate hole you can move the strike plate up little.

Once you have determined the direction in which the strike plate needs to be adjusted, remove it from the frame and keep the screws in a safe place so you can replace them in the future. It is also necessary to grease the keyway of the strike plate to ensure it is able to move effortlessly.

You can do this by applying lipstick, paint or chalk to the latch. You can do this with paint, lipstick or chalk. After closing the door, open it and see whether the mark remains visible on the masking or latch. If the mark is located below the strikeplate, it indicates that the latch is striking 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 expand it with a sharp knife or chisel with a an hammer to allow for the strike plate to shift either way to align with the latch's position. After the strike plate has been moved, you can test the door to make sure it shuts and latches smoothly. Once you have completed the adjustments, you can reattach the strike plate to the door frame and fill in any existing gaps or holes with wood filler that is the same color as the rest of the frame of the door.