12 Facts About Car Locks Repair To Bring You Up To Speed The Water Cooler

Car Locks Repair Typically a car locksmith will work with both manual and power door locks. Manual lock problems may be more common however, they can be annoying. WD-40 is a good lubricant to use during the winter. It will absorb moisture and stop it from freezing in the keyhole. Door Lock Cylinder Replacement It's a great idea to replace the door lock's cylinders as soon as possible if you lose your car keys, or suspect that someone else might have. This will ensure that you're the sole person who can access your car, and keep other unauthorized people out of it. Unfortunately replacing a car's door cylinder can be quite difficult, as it requires at a minimum dismantling of the interior door panel in the majority of cases. It's not something most people would want to attempt on their own. It could be risky in the wrong way. First, car lock repairs must be removed from the handle. To accomplish this, you need to locate the screw at the outside of the housing for the lock cylinder (usually in the upper right-hand corner). You may find it concealed under plastic pieces or barely visible. If you can't locate it, take off any trim panels that block your view. Make use of a pick, an Awl, or a small screwdriver to let the lock cylinder tab. Then, pull the cylinder out of the housing. Once you have the cylinder removed and reassembled, there are some things that must be done to prepare it to be used. The keyway should be cleaned of dirt and grease, and the cylinder should be lubricated to keep it from getting stuck in the lock. The most efficient method to accomplish this is to use a brake cleaner, which will clean and lubricate the lock components of the cylinder. After using the cleaner, you can remove the 10mm bolt holding the handle to the cylinder housing using a screwdriver. You can then install the new cylinder and use it with your original key. It is best to purchase a cylinder with the same brand and model as the one you have. This will ensure that it fits properly and seals securely. Test the door after installation to make sure that the lock functions properly and is closed securely. Door Lock Cylinder Repair The lock cylinder is a part of your car door that keys fit into to unlock or secure the door. If you're having trouble turning the key inside the lock or it becomes stuck, it's an indication that the door cylinder could be damaged and need replacing. The lock is normally situated close to the door handle. However, some automobiles put it behind a piece of plastic. When you turn your key, the pins inside the cylinder meet with cuts on the head of the key which allows you to turn the lock and open your car door. If you have a surface mounted cylinder remove the faceplate from the door handle. Unscrew any or all setscrews on the cylinder. Once the screw is removed then you can rotate the cylinder, so you can get it out of the door. You must be careful not to lose any screws during this, so place them in a safe spot so that you can replace them in the future. Then, take the key and place it inside the lock to check whether the tumblers or pins are moving freely or getting stuck. If you can feel or hear an erupting sound or if the cylinder is stuck, it's best to replace it. You can buy new cylinders at any auto parts store however, you'll need to know your car's make and model before you shop. You can also contact a locksmith to repair the door cylinder. They'll be able to match the new cylinder to the key you have already, so you can keep using the original lock. The most frequent issue is that the cylinder does not rotate when you turn the key. This can be due to dirt or corrosion that has built up, preventing the cylinder from circulating freely. This can be easy to repair by making sure the mechanism is lubricated. You can make use of brake cleaner to get rid of any grime or rust, or a commercial lubricant such as white grease. This method only works on a cylinder that has become jammed. It can't solve any other problems. Door Lock Repair Rust, dirt and other debris can cause the door lock to stop. This can be resolved by spraying WD-40 onto the mechanism. This will clear the mechanism and prevent it from occurring again in the future. If you're unable to turn the lock, try wiggling the rod using needle-nosed pliers. If this doesn't work you, you must contact an locksmith to repair the lock. Another issue with door locks is misalignment. This could make it difficult to use the lock. It is also a security issue because it makes it easier to get through the door to try to get in. This problem can be corrected by a locksmith. However, it is usually possible to fix the issue on your own. To fix the issue begin by looking at the door lock to find out the cause of why it does not operate properly. If the problem is due to an incorrectly aligned strike plate or deadbolt tighten the screws that hold these items. Reposition the strikeplate and bolt to align them with the door frame. A small amount of graphite can be used to resolve the problem if the key will not move or turn. You can apply the graphite to the key by squeezing it from a tube, or dusting it on a spare key. Inject the key, and then operate it a couple of times to activate the graphite into the mechanism. If this does not work, take the knob off and check the spindle; it may be worn out. The procedure for removing a door handle or panel differs based on the vehicle, but is generally the same. Once you have removed the panel and the handle, you must locate all of the set screws that keep the lock cylinder. These are usually located in the center of the panel or on the inside of the door handle, depending on the brand and model. Remove the screws and carefully align the cylinder with the keyway. There is a risk of damaging the components if you tighten too much the screws. Door Lock Replacement If your lock is worn-out or just looking a bit old, replacing it will give you a fresh new look. It's a fairly simple procedure that can be accomplished at home using just a few steps. Make sure you measure the deadbolt and latch settings on your door. You'll need to make sure that your new locks have been installed correctly. Remove the screws that hold the knob plate inside the door. Then pull the knob and latch off. If the inside plate is decorative and does not have screws, carefully remove it using the screwdriver. It could be held in place by a pin, or it may simply snap off at the edges. After the plate is removed, you can easily take off the deadbolt as well as the latch. Now it's time to get the new lock plates into place. Make sure that the interior and exterior plates are lined up over the deadbolt hole on the jamb of the door and that the long spindle of metal from the lock cylinder mechanism moving through both holes. Once the plates are set, insert screws into the screw holes to secure them in place. If the plate does not have any screwholes it is possible to slide it over the latch. When you put the lock back together, be sure not to reuse the existing screws (unless you have the same color). Instead utilize the screws included in your new lock kit. If you don't already have the correct size screws, visit a home improvement or hardware shop and purchase some that match the rest of the hardware on your new door lock. Make sure that your new latch plates and deadbolts are the exact same length as the originals, and they're aligned with the hole in the jamb. Once everything is set you can drive the remaining screws to tighten them up. You can now check the latch and deadbolt using your key. If the key won't turn, you should call locksmith.