How to Fix a Door Lock Cylinder
Introduction
The door lock cylinder is a flat piece of metal that contains multiple pins. These pins help the internal mechanisms of your lock function properly. If your door lock cylinder is sticking, or if some of the pins are broken or missing, then you will need to replace it. Luckily, this repair can be done easily and inexpensively by someone with basic knowledge of tools.
Step-wise Guide on How to Fix a Door Lock Cylinder
- Verify whether the cylinder is locked or unlocked from both sides of the lock.
- If you find out that both are locked, use a screwdriver to remove the two screws present on one side of the door.
- Pull out the cylinder in a way opposite to how it was installed during assembly. You must be pulling it towards yourself while working with your hand inside the hole through which you have removed it from its position within the door jamb’s edge. If there is any difficulty or there is a need for much force, then this suggests that some shims or wooden blocks should be fitted along with double-sided tape between each jamb and that endplate at which you are going to work to loosen and give more room for you to be able to work purposefully.
- But if both sides have been unlocked, this is because there must have been something faulty with the cylinder lock on one side of the two sides of the door that makes it so that it can get locked from its opposite side. In such a case, again use your screwdriver and remove the screws from that jamb through which you are going to unlock the door by removing and replacing new ones attached tightly over them at their places where they are now not needed anymore after working upon fixing the lock itself if it was faulty or otherwise replace these old screws with new ones to make sure that they don’t get lost, because if you do lose them during this process, then it will be tough to get such ones again at their places, which are inside this door jambs hollow interior.
- After successfully removing the cylinder lock from outside on one of its sides and after placing it over a flat surface for it not to fall from your grip accidentally or by mistake, now use a screwdriver and then try turning its key whilst the bolt is in either locked or unlocked position. If you find that there still is some resistance, then you must turn the lock back into its original place within this edge of the door jamb through which you have removed it from and out of too. Now repeat step 3 while also trying to insert the key into both sides of this lock mechanism and repeatedly turning these keys simultaneously in a way that is opposite to the way one usually would while unlocking or locking this mechanism from outside.
- If you find out that it was faulty, you will have successfully replaced its faulty component with a new one, and it will now be able to function normally once again as repair is complete. If all goes well, then try re-assembling it back into the hole through which you have removed it from earlier and inside of which hollow space. There are many such holes present along the edge of each door jamb where these cylinder locks are installed during assembly in any house or building for safekeeping of personal belongings and valuables with extra precautionary security measures also thrown in at places throughout its length and breadth to prevent intrusions of any kind.
Precautions While Performing How to Fix a Door Lock Cylinder
Before you start replacing the lock cylinder, make sure that you turn off the electricity supply to the lock. Then, remove all screws that are keeping your lock in place. Now pull out from your door or cabinet and take it outside. Try not to miss anything like old wiring or other parts because if you do so, then fixing a door lock cylinder will cause a problem for you.
Be careful with electric supply as the water of any kind may damage them because this is really harmful to humans and for circuit boards; electrical shock can also occur during this process so try very hard to avoid all these problems and try to solve them as soon as possible otherwise it would lead to serious damage throughout home and hence become really problematic. It is very important to take care of all these things because if you try to do it yourself it may lead to serious consequences.
For repairing a deadbolt lock, you have to use some special tool because normal tools may not work properly. Deadbolt has a special pin that is used for locking or unlocking, so for removing this pin, you need a special tool; otherwise, if you try to remove it with the help of regular tools, then it will also cause serious damage to your home and hence become really problematic. With a special tool, you have to remove the old pin from the deadbolt lock. Then you have to insert a new pin in its place, so that it can work properly.
If any problem occurs while fixing a door lock cylinder, don’t forget to contact a nearby locksmith who can help solve your problem as soon as possible because he knows better about how these things work. There are many places where locksmiths can be found, but a locksmith in Oakland Park is someone you can contact if you need help fixing your door lock cylinder.
How to Repair A Door Lock That Won’t Turn
1. Identify Problematic Part
first, identify what part(s) are malfunctioning and cause the door not to open or close properly
2. Remove Broken Parts
unscrew screws or release lever/bar that keeps problematic part intact removing entire unit from the door; separate faulty separable parts discarding broken pieces; retain all parts of the cylinder
Determine if the Problem is Due to Broken Cylinder or Faulty Parts. If the problematic part that was removed manually does not appear broken, it may be possible that the specific part is faulty and needs to be replaced. However, if it is badly damaged when removed, then the entire lock cylinder set needs replacing
3. Replace Lock Cylinder
determine which replacement unit best fits your door (cylinders come in various sizes, so you need to make sure this one matches yours) by checking size using the old lock as reference [if old cylinder’s handle doesn’t turn at least a quarter-inch, you will likely need a whole new cylinder]; remove pins from the top; insert pin key into the keyhole and turn counter-clockwise to remove cylinder; insert replacement cylinder; make sure new unit is in place by turning key then try opening lock
4.Test and Fix if Necessary
test door manually, making sure it opens and closes properly, keep electronic devices away from newly installed lock just in case it’s been programmed already [forcing the locking system could cause the deadbolt to break]
5. Try Programming Key Device in Case of Emergency
program home or office electronic device with duplicate key code hoping that it will unlock door should electricity/power be wiped out or shut off completely.
You Can Check It Out To Break a Storage Cylinder Lock
Frequently Asked Questions
What Caused My Door Lock Cylinder to Go Bad?
Your door lock cylinder may have been damaged by a break-in attempt during which one or more pins were broken off, preventing the deadbolt from being secured inside the frame. It may also have become stuck in place due to corrosion or heavy usage over time. Either way, replacing the door lock cylinder will fix these problems. To remove your old door lock cylinder, start by unscrewing the two screws that secure the knurled knob to the outside of the door.
How Can I Tell if My Security Deadbolt Needs to Be Replaced?
Check to see if the cylinder is stuck in place. If it is, try twisting it gently with your hand. If that doesn’t work, you may need to use a screwdriver or other tool to pry it open.
If your lock appears broken and does not function without excessive force, or if you suspect that someone has been tampering with the deadbolt mechanism through repeated jimmying or ramming attacks, then a replacement may be necessary. Likewise, if your door latch seems difficult to unlock but turns freely when unlocked, then replacing the lock may also be necessary.
How Do I Replace My Door’s Broken Security Deadbolt?
Begin by removing any screws or adhesive strips holding the old cylinder in place. Next, remove any broken bits of metal hanging on, and then gently pull out the entire deadbolt mechanism from the door frame.
Replace it with a new one using two screws or adhesive strips to keep it in place just as before. Then, test your security by trying to unlock and lock the door to ensure it works properly. If you are still experiencing difficulties, contact a nearby locksmith for tips on replacing your security bolt or installing a new security system.
When To Replace Door Locks?
The longevity of a door lock cylinder depends on how it is used. In well-maintained and controlled environments, these cylinders can last for decades. However, in places where many people are passing through the door or more than one person has keys to the same area, you might have to replace your locks after as little as three years. Apart from rare cases of theft or damage, the problem must lie with the key for a replacement to be necessary.
A common example is when keys get worn out over time; they could fit into an existing lock but may not function properly anymore if they are too worn down. If this happens often enough, you might need a new cylinder to fix them before they stop functioning.
Another common example is when a key gets lost. If you have given out copies of the key to many people or it lies somewhere else, and they do not know where then check if you can fix the lock by replacing the cylinder first.
The third example is forced entry; if your locks have been severely damaged in one way or another, you will need new ones. Some events like this include fires (of course), explosions, and other types of tampering, which could damage the latch or even some parts within the entire mechanism. Given these three examples, it’s easy to see a few other reasons why cylinders should need replacement besides wear and tear so long as they are used well.
Conclusion
I hope this article has provided you an idea of how to fix a door lock cylinder. Ensure proper safety while executing the steps. Thank you and have a nice day!
You may read also – How to Make a Homemade Door Lock
Angela Ervin
Angela is the executive editor of DIY quickly. She began her career as an interior designer before applying her strategic and creative passion to lifestyle and home. She has close to 15 years of experience in creative writing and online content strategy for housekeeping, home decorations as well as other niche efforts. She loves her job and has the privilege of working with an extraordinary team. She lives with her husband, two sons, and daughter in Petersburg. When she's not busy working she spent time with her family.
