Door Lock Repair - How to Fix Common Problems A lock that doesn't latch properly is a sign it needs to be fixed. Testers at CR employ lipstick to mark where the latch is in contact with the strike plate. Tightening the hinge screws can fix the issue. Spraying a dry lubricant such as powdered WD-40 or graphite powder on the lock's cylinder may also help. Check the Latch The latch is an extension bolt that extends beyond the door frame and secures the lock when the handle or knob is pulled back. Deadbolts and latches with positive locking are popular options for additional security. If the latch does not close or latch properly, it could be because of a misalignment in the strikeplate and latch in the door frame. The most common reason is hinges that are loose and may sag with time and cause the latch to be unable to reach the strike plate. Use a lipstick test to check. Apply some lipstick to the edge of the latch and attach the strip of masking tape to the strike plate. Close the door and see where the latch touches the plate. This will help you determine if the contact is too high or too low for proper operation. If the latch is connecting to the strike plate more than 1/8 inch high or too low, you'll have to reposition the strike plate. This is a simple job that can usually be done without the need to remove the doors. You'll need to use an instrument to increase the size of the strike hole of the plate. Half-round files are the best since it follows the shape of the strike hole on the plate. After shifting the strike plate you'll need to tighten the screws that attach it to the door's frame. This should allow the door to close and latch correctly. If not, you can try tightening the hinge screws on the other side of the door to see if this will help. If the latch is not in alignment even after lubrication you will require more extreme measures. You can take off the strike plate, and then use a chisel sharp on the mortise of the strike plate to allow you to move the latch up or down. You can also use a steel filing to reshape your strike plate so that it fits better into the mortise. You may want to think about this option if worried about the strike plate coming off while traveling in your RV. Make sure you check the Keyway If your lock isn't operating correctly, it can make your home vulnerable to burglars. Some door lock issues can be solved without the help of an expert. This includes a lock that won't fit or a lock that doesn't work when turned. The sooner you discover the issue, you are more likely to be able to fix it yourself. If your key isn't going into or turning easily, it could have rough spots that need to be smoothed out. Locksmiths can help you with this however, it's also an easy DIY project you can do at home. Move the key around to locate the area that is causing friction. If you find any of these, you can file the rough spots using a fine metal file. A jammed or locked bolt or latch is another frequent issue. This could be caused by debris or a broken piece of key that is stuck in the mechanism. You can use pins or needles to get rid of the debris. However, it is best to contact a locksmith to conduct a thorough inspection and remove the broken piece. A deadbolt that won't stay extended over the strike plate may be an indication of a defective lock. 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. If the deadbolt continues to shift, you may need to upgrade the hardware. If you're having issues with a cylinder which won't turn when you turn the key, the key cylinder may be stuck. If this is the case then you should consider using an oil-based grease. You can also apply dry lubricant, or WD-40 spray to lubricate your locks and remove any buildup. Keep an ounce of these products handy and apply them frequently to keep your locks in good condition. A lubricated locking system will last longer than one that is not lubricated. Check the Hinges If your door lock cylinder turns easily when the door is opened but won't stay locked when you close it hinges that are loose are usually to blame. This is a problem that can be fixed. To fix the problem, tighten all the screws on the hinges. If the issue continues, you may try removing or adding the hinge's shims' to alter alignment. These plates made of small metal are available at hardware stores or online. Sand the edges of hinge mortises (the slots that hold the hinges) to make them flush with the frame. Another reason for trouble locking is that the bolt for the latch may be too high or low in the strike plate. To determine this, place a small amount of lipstick on the latch. Then, place a strip of masking tape over the strike plate. When you close the door to the front, the lipstick will stain any area of the tape that touches. This will show whether the latch is located above or below the hole. Lastly, if the latch isn't working properly with the strike plate, it could be due to the accumulation of dirt and grime. This debris can be cleaned by soaking a q-tip in graphite or silicone spray. If the issue is still not fixed after using a lubricant, the lock cylinder could be stuck and require to be replaced. This is a job best left to an expert, but not too difficult for someone familiar with basic home repair. When replacing the lock's cylinder, look for one that's been tested and rated by the BHMA to avoid issues with fit and finish. Another possible cause of difficulty latching is when the hardware for the door lock is faulty or cheaply made. This kind of lock could require more maintenance and last longer than a lock of a higher quality. If upvc window repair is the situation, upgrading to a more durable lock will usually solve the issue. The key is to choose the lock that's rated B or higher in terms of durability to ensure it will last for years of usage. Check the Strike Plate A door latch that does not reach the strike plate may cause a range of problems such as 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. Gravity, sagging doors or even foundation movement can lead to a misalignment of the latch with the strike plate. It's a good thing that simple adjustments are often enough to correct the problem. If tightening the hinges and applying lubrication to the keyway doesn't solve the problem the strike plate might need to be moved to a new position to line up with the latch. To do this, remove the strikeplate and mark the location where the latch is located. Mark the spot with caulk, lipstick or a strip of masking tape. If the mark is below the strike plate's hole, it indicates that the latch is striking the plate too high. a lower strike plate position will resolve the problem. If the mark is higher than the strikeplate hole you may need to move the strikeplate up. After you have identified the direction in which the strike plate should be adjusted, you can remove the strikeplate from the frame. Place the screws in a safe place so that you can replace them at a later time. You should also grease the keyway on the strike plate to ensure it moves smoothly. You can do this by applying chalk, paint or lipstick to the latch. This can be done using paint, lipstick, or chalk. After closing the door open it and see whether the mark remains visible on the latch or the masking. If the mark is below the strikeplate, it means that the latch is hitting the strikeplate too low. A higher position for the strikeplate can fix the issue. To adjust the strike plate, you must remove it from the mortise. Then, using a sharp knife, chisel, or hammer, make the plate wider so that it can be moved downwards or upwards to align with the position of the latch. Check the door after the strike plate has been moved to verify that it locks and closes effortlessly. After you've completed the adjustments, you'll have to reattach the strikeplate to the frame of the door and fill in any screw holes or gaps with woodfill that matches the frame's rest.
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