Car Locks Repair
A car locksmith is usually equipped to work with electronic and manual door locks. Manual lock issues are more common but still an issue to address.
A good way to prevent this is to apply a lubricant for the door lock during the winter months such as WD-40. It will absorb moisture and stop it from freezing within the keyhole.
Door Lock Cylinder Replacement
If you've lost your car keys or suspect that someone has the keys, it's best to replace the cylinders of your door lock as quickly as possible. This will ensure that you're the only person who has the ability to open your car, and keep other unauthorized individuals 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 most cases. This is not a job that many people would like to tackle by themselves, as it can be extremely risky if done improperly.
The lock cylinder needs to be removed from the handle. To do this, locate the screw on the edge of the housing for the lock cylinder (usually located in the upper right-hand corner). It may be hidden under several pieces of plastic or barely visible. If you cannot locate it, use a screwdriver to remove any trim panels blocking your view of the screw. Make use of a screwdriver, a pick Awl, or a small screwdriver, and let the tab on the lock cylinder. Then remove the cylinder of the housing.
Once you have the cylinder removed and reassembled, there are some things you need to do to prepare it to be used. The keyway must be cleaned of grease and dirt and the cylinder should be lubricated to prevent it from sticking in the lock. The easiest way to do this is to use a brake cleaner, which will clean and lubricate lock cylinder components. After using the cleaner, you can remove the 10mm bolt holding the handle to the cylinder housing using an screwdriver.
Install the new cylinder and then use your original key to operate it. It is best to buy a cylinder with the same model and brand as your existing one. This will ensure that it fits properly and provides a secure seal. After it's installed, test the door to ensure that the lock functions correctly and that the door is shut 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 the key is stuck in the lock or you have difficulty turning it, it could indicate that the cylinder for your door needs to be replaced.
The lock is normally placed close to the door handle. However, some automobiles place it behind a piece of plastic. When you turn the key, the pins of the cylinder align with the cuts on the head of the key, allowing you move the lock and unlock the car door. If you have a surface-mounted cylinder take off the faceplate on the door handle and remove one or two cylinder setscrews.
After the screw has been removed, you can turn it so that you can take the door off. You'll need to be careful not to loose any screws when you do this, so place them in a bag or safe location to be able to replace them in the future. Then, insert the key into the lock and verify that the pins/tumblers are moving freely. If the cylinder is stuck or you feel or hear clicking, it's time to replace it.
The cylinders can be purchased at any auto parts shop however, you'll have to know your vehicle's model and make before you shop. You can also call an locksmith to repair your door cylinder. They'll be able match the new unit to the key you have already, so that you can use your original lock.
The most common issue with the cylinder for a car lock is that it won't turn when you attempt to use your key. This is usually caused by corrosion or dirt that has accumulated, stopping the cylinder from moving freely. It is possible to solve by applying lubrication to the mechanism. You can use brake cleaner or white grease to eliminate any rust and grime. It's important to note that this procedure is only suitable for a jammed cylinder, as it will not solve other problems.
Door Lock Repair
Rust, dirt or other debris can cause a door lock to jam. It can be fixed by spraying WD-40 on the mechanism. This will free the mechanism and prevent it from happening again in the future. If you cannot turn the lock, try wiggling the rod using needle-nosed pliers. If this fails it is recommended that a locksmith be called to replace the lock.
Another issue that is common to door locks is misalignment. This can make the lock difficult to use and poses a security risk because it makes the door easier to break into in a burglary attempt. A locksmith should be sought to correct the issue, but you can usually solve the issue yourself.
To fix this problem begin by looking at the door lock to determine the cause of why it does not operate properly. If the problem is due to a misaligned deadbolt or strike plate then tighten the screws that support these items. Reposition the strikeplate and bolt to align them with the door frame.
If the issue is that the key doesn't insert or turn, a little graphite in the keyhole can sometimes solve this issue. You can apply the graphite to the key by squeezing it out of a tube or dusting it on an extra key. Put the key in into the lock, and then turn it several times to activate the graphite into the mechanism. If this does not work, remove the door knob and inspect the spindle. it might be worn out.
The process for removing the door handle or door panel is different from vehicle to vehicle, however the general procedure is the same. After you have removed the panel and the handle, you must locate all of the set screws that hold the lock cylinder in place. They are typically located in the center of the panel or on the inside of the door handle depending on the make and model. Unscrew the screws, and then move the cylinder to ensure that it is aligned correctly with the keyway. You may damage the components if you tighten too much the screws.
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If your lock is worn out or just looking a bit old, replacing it can provide a new look. It's a simple task that can be accomplished at home with only a few simple steps. Just be sure to be sure to measure your door's latch and deadbolt settings to be able to make sure that the new locks are properly set.
Begin by removing the screws that hold the knob's inside plate to the door. Then, pull the knob as well as latch off. If the plate inside is decorative and doesn't have screws, gently lift it up using a screwdriver. It could be secured by pins, or it may simply snap off at the edges. After the plate is removed, you can take off the deadbolt as well as the latch.
Now is the time to put the new lock plates into place. Make sure the interior and exterior plates are aligned over the deadbolt hole in the jamb for the door and the long spindle of metal from the lock cylinder mechanism passing through both holes. Once you have the plates positioned, hand-thread screws into the screw holes to secure them together loosely. If the plate doesn't have any screwholes it is possible to slide it over the latch.
Use the screws that came with the lock kit you purchased instead of the screws you already have. Instead make use of the screws included in the new lock kit. If you don't already have the correct size screws, go to an improvement or hardware shop and buy some that are compatible with the hardware used on your new door lock.
Make sure that the new latch plates and deadbolt are the same length as the original ones, and that they are centered over the latch hole on the door jamb. After all the components are in place, tighten the remaining screws. Now you can test the latch and deadbolt using your key. If the key won't turn, it's time to call locksmith.