Door Lock Repair my Windows and Doors - How to Fix Common Problems

A lock that fails to latch properly indicates that it should be repaired. The testers at CR use lipstick to mark the area where the latch meets the strike plate; tightening the hinge screws could fix the issue.

Spraying a dry lubricant, such as graphite powder or WD-40 that is powdered powder on the lock cylinder can aid in.

Check the Latch

The latch is the bolt that extends into the door frame to secure the lock when retracted by the knob or handle. Deadbolts and positive locking latches are popular choices for misted Up double glazing replacement extra security. If yours isn't closing or latch properly, RepairMyWindowsAndDoors it could be because of a misalignment in the latch and strikeplate in the door frame.

The most common reason for Window And Door Replacement this is a hinge that is not properly secured. They can loosen with time and cause the latch to fall off its strike plate. To check this, Repair My Windows And Doors use an experiment with lipstick. Smear some lipstick on the edge of the latch, and then attach a strip of masking tape to the strike plate. Close the door and you'll be able to see where the latch contacts the plate. This will help you determine whether the contact is high or low to function properly.

You'll need an entirely new strike plate in the event that the latch is more than 1/8" too low or high. This is a simple task that is typically accomplished without removing the doors. You'll need a filing to enlarge the strike hole in the plate. Half-round files are the best since it follows the shape of the strike plate hole.

Once the strike plate is relocated, you'll need tighten the screws which attach it to the door frame. This should be enough to get your door to close and latch properly. If this does not work, tighten the hinge screws on either side of the door to check if this helps.

If the latch is not in alignment even after lubrication, you will require more extreme measures. You can try removing the strike plate and using a chisel with a sharp edge to expand the strike plate mortise and allow you to move the strike up or down. You can also use a metal file to reshape the strike plate so it will fit better into the mortise. You might want to consider this option if you are concerned about the strike plate falling off while traveling in your RV.

Check the Keyway

If a lock isn't functioning properly, it can leave your home vulnerable to burglars. The good news is, some kinds of door lock issues can be resolved without the need of an expert. For instance, a key that won't fit or a lock that is stuck when it is turned. The earlier you spot a problem, the more likely it is to fix it yourself.

If your key isn't sliding in or turning easily it may have rough areas that need to be sanded off. You can have a locksmith do it for you or do it yourself. Insert the key and move it around looking for a spot which is producing 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 locked or jammed latch or bolt. It could be due to debris or a broken piece of key that has become lodged in the mechanism. You can employ 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 won't stay extended beyond the strike plate may be a sign of a faulty lock. The screws that hold the deadbolt together can loosen over time and cause it to move, making your home more vulnerable to burglaries. If the deadbolt is still shifting, you may need to upgrade the hardware.

If you are having trouble with a cylinder that doesn't turn when you turn the key, the key cylinder could be stuck. If this is the cause, you can use the grease. You can also apply dry lubricant, or WD-40 spray to lubricate your locks and remove any buildup. These products can be stored in a handy bottle and used regularly to maintain your locks. A lock that is lubricated will last longer than a non-lubricated one.

Check the Hinges

The hinges may be loose and could cause the cylinder of a door lock that turns easily while the door is opened but does not lock when closed. This issue is fixable. First, tighten the hinge screws to ensure they're not sagging. If the issue persists, you may try removing or adding hinge'shims' to adjust alignment. These plates made of small metal are available at hardware stores or on the internet.

You can also sand the edges of the mortises on the hinges, the slots that hold the hinges, to allow them to sit in a straight line with the frame. Another reason for trouble locking is that the latch bolt may be too high or too low in the strike plate. 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, the lipstick will stain the area of the tape it comes into contact with, leaving a mark that shows whether the latch is in contact with the strike plate above or below the hole.

Lastly, if the latch isn't working properly with the strike plate it could be due to a buildup of grime and dirt. A q-tip that's soaked in graphite or silicone spray will help to remove this obstruction, allowing the lock to work exactly as it should.

If the issue is not fixed after using the lubricant, then the lock cylinder could be stuck and require to be replaced. This is a job for an expert, but it's not difficult for anyone experienced in basic home double glazed window repairs. When replacing the lock's cylinder, look for one that has been tested and rated by the BHMA to ensure that there are no issues with fitting and finish.

The hardware used to lock the door could be cheap or poorly constructed. This type of lock may require more maintenance and will last longer than a top-quality lock. If this is the case, switching to a more durable lock will usually solve the problem. To ensure that your lock lasts for many years, choose a model with an endurance rating of B or higher.

Verify the Strike Plate

A door latch that doesn't reach the strike plate could cause a myriad of issues, 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 the movement of your home foundation can cause the latch to misalign with the strike plate, but usually a few adjustments can fix the issue.

If lubricating and tightening the hinges isn't enough it could be required to move the strike plate to another position to align with the latch. To do this, you must first take off the strike plate and mark where the latch makes contact with it. You can use lipstick, caulk or a strip of masking tape that will stain when you close the door to mark the spot. If the mark is lower than where the strike plate hole is, this means that the latch is hitting the plate too high. A lower strike plate position could solve the issue. If the mark is over the strike plate's hole, you can move the strike plate upwards a little.

Once you've determined the direction in which the strike plate needs to be adjusted, remove the strikeplate from the frame. Place the screws in a secure location to allow you to replace them at a later time. It is also necessary to lubricate the strike plate's keyway 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, you can open it to check where the mark has been left on the masking tape or latch. If the mark is below the strike plate, this means that the latch is hitting the strike plate too low and an upper strike plate position can fix the issue.

To adjust the strike plate, take it from the mortise. Then, using a sharp knife, chisel or hammer, make the plate wider so that it can be moved upwards or downwards to align with the position of the latch. Once the strike plate has moved, you can test the door to ensure that 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 matches the color of the rest of the door frame.