Car Locks Repair
A locksmith for cars is usually able to work with both electric and manual door locks. Manual lock problems may be more frequent, but they are still frustrating.
WD-40 is a great lubricant to use during the winter. It will absorb the moisture and prevent it from freezing in the keyhole.
Door Lock Cylinder Replacement
If you lost your car keys, or suspect that someone has, it's a good idea to replace the cylinders of your door lock as quickly as possible. This will ensure you are the only one who can access your vehicle and keep thieves from entering. Unfortunately replacing a car's door cylinder is quite difficult, as it requires at minimum removal of the door's interior panel in most cases. It is not something that majority of people would like to tackle on their own. It can be dangerous in the wrong way.
The lock cylinder must be removed from the handle first. You'll have to locate the screw at the end of the lock housing (usually the upper right corner). It could be concealed under plastic pieces or even barely visible. If you are unable to locate it and you're not sure where it is, use a screwdriver remove any trim panels that are blocking your view of the screw. Make use of a screwdriver, a pick Awl, or a small screwdriver to release the lock cylinder tab. Then remove the cylinder of the housing.
After removing the cylinder, you'll need to take care of a few things to prepare it for its use. The keyway should be cleaned of grease and dirt, and the cylinder should be lubricated to keep it from squeezing into the lock. This can be done by using brake cleaner. It will clean and lubricate all the parts of the lock cylinder. After using G28 Car Keys can take off the 10mm bolt that connects the handle to the cylinder housing using the help of a screwdriver.
Install the new cylinder, and then use your original key to operate it. It is a good idea to choose a cylinder that matches the brand and model of the one you have because it is more likely to fit correctly and seal securely. Test the door after installation to confirm that the lock is working correctly and is closed securely.
Door Lock Cylinder Repair
The lock cylinder is the component of your car's door that the key fits into to unlock or lock the door. If you're experiencing difficulty turning the key inside the lock, or if it gets stuck, then this is a sign that your door cylinder may be damaged and need replacing.
The lock is normally situated near the door handle. However, some vehicles 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 and allow you to move the lock and unlock the car door. If you have a cylinder mounted on a surface remove the faceplate from the door handle. Unscrew any or all setscrews for the cylinder.
Once the screw has been removed, you can rotate it to take the door off. Put the screws in a bag, or a secure place to replace them later. Then, insert the key into the lock and verify that the tumblers and pins are movable. If you feel or hear clicking or a ringing sound, or if the cylinder is stuck and needs to be replaced, it's best to replace it.
The cylinders can be purchased at any auto parts store, but you will need to know your car's make and model before you shop. You can also call an expert locksmith to replace the door cylinder. They will be able match the new lock to your existing key, so you can continue to use the lock you have in your possession.
The most frequent issue is that the cylinder does not turn when you press the key. This could be due corrosion or dirt that has accumulated, which prevents the cylinder from turning freely. This is easy to solve by applying lubrication to the mechanism. You can apply brake cleaner to rid your cylinder of any rust and grime, or a commercial lubricant like white grease. It is important to remember that this procedure is only for the cylinder that is jammed, since it won't solve any other problems.
Door Lock Repair
A door lock can be blocked due to rust, dirt or other debris. It can be fixed by spraying WD-40 onto the mechanism. This will unclog the mechanism, and stop it from repeating itself in the future. If you can't get the lock to turn, try wiggle the rod upwards and downwards using needle-nose pliers. If this doesn't help you, you must contact a locksmith to replace the lock.
Another issue that is common to door locks is misalignment. This can make the lock difficult to operate and is a security issue because it makes the door easier to bypass in a break-in attempt. This problem can be corrected by a locksmith, however it is typically possible to solve the issue yourself.
Begin by looking at the lock to determine what's causing it to stop working properly. If the issue is caused by a misaligned deadbolt or strike plate, tighten the screws that hold these items. Reposition the strikeplate and bolt to align them with the door frame.
If the problem is that the key won't insert or turn, a little graphite in the keyhole can sometimes solve this problem. You can apply the graphite to the key by squeezing it out of a tube or dusting it onto the key with a spare. Insert the key and operate it several times to work the graphite in the mechanism. If this doesn't help, you can remove the doorknob and examine the spindle. It could be worn out.
The process for removing a door handle or panel is different based on the vehicle, but it is generally the same. After you've removed the panel and the handle, you must locate all of the set screws that secure the lock cylinder in place. They are typically located in the center of the panel or on the inside of the door handle, dependent on the manufacturer and model. Remove the screws and then carefully align the cylinder with the keyway. It is possible to damage the components if you tighten too much the screws.
Door Lock Replacement
If your lock is worn-out or looks a bit old, replacing it can give you a new appearance. This is a simple job that you can complete at home in just a few steps. Just be sure to take the time to take measurements of your door's deadbolt and latch in order to make sure that the new locks are properly set.
Begin by stripping the screws that attach the knob plate inside to the door. Then, pull the knob and latch off. If the inside plate is decorative and has no screws, you can carefully remove it using a screwdriver. The plate may be held in place by pins or snap off the edge. After the plate is removed, you are able to easily remove the dead bolt and latch, and set them aside.
Now is the time to put the new plates in place. Make sure that the inside and exterior plates are positioned over the deadbolt hole on the jamb of the door and the long metal spindle from the lock cylinder mechanism moving through both holes. After the plates are in place, hand-thread the screws into the holes to hold the plates together. If the plate doesn't have any screw holes, you can simply slide it on the latch.
When you put the lock back together, be careful not to reuse the existing screws (unless you have the same color). Use the screws that came in your new lock kit instead. If you don't have the right size screws, go to an improvement or hardware shop and purchase some that match the rest of the hardware on your new door lock.
Make sure your new latch plates and deadbolts are exactly the same size as originals, and that they're centered over the hole in the jamb. Once everything is set, push the remaining screws to tighten them up. Now you can test the deadbolt and latch using your key. If the key won't turn, it's time to call locksmith.