Fixing door locks, handles & knobs: what to know

The loose door handle can be a problem. The lock that sticks is also bad. The doorknob that wobbles is annoying. These things could cause trouble. But do not worry, there are fixes for door handles, locks, and doorknobs.

This article talks about the problems you might have with locks, door handles, and doorknobs. It shows you how to fix some things by yourself. It also tells you when you should call a locksmith for help with door repairs and locks.

Before we start fixing the problem, we want to know what the issue is.

 
Here are some possible problems:

* A wobbly handle can happen when the screws get loose over time.

* A sticky lock can occur because of dirt or rust. If it's not aligned properly.

* If the handle isn't turning, it could be a problem with the mechanism.

* If the key won't turn, it might be because the cylinder is old or worn out, or the door isn't aligned correctly.

* If the latch doesn't catch, it could be because the strike plate is loose or not aligned.

* A broken spring can cause the handle to feel floppy.

All these problems can be fixed in various ways.

If you notice that your doorknob is loose, you can fix it.

It is really not that hard to make it tight

To fix a doorknob, do these things:

* Find the screws that hold the doorknob or handle in place.

Sometimes these screws are hidden under a plate.

* Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws.

* If the screws are worn out, you need to get new ones.

The new screws should be a bit longer than the old ones.

Fixing a doorknob is probably the easiest thing you can do yourself with your doorknob.

When your key is hard to turn, or the lock feels stiff:

You should use a kind of lubricant that has graphite or PTFE in it because this kind of lubricant is good for locks.

Do not use oil because it gets dirty with dust.

Put the lubricant in the lock cylinder.

Then turn the key times, inside the lock cylinder.

Also, check if the door is properly aligned because sometimes the door can move a little, and this can make it hard for the lock to work properly.

So you need to make sure the door. The locks are working together correctly.