DIY repair of lever locks

Repairing a lock in a metal door is a rather complicated procedure, but with careful preparation in this matter, it is quite possible to do without a master, if for some reason it is impossible to call professionals. In some cases, only adjustment is needed to restore the functionality of the lock, but often you have to change the cylinder or even buy a new locking device.

Broken door latch

If the lock in the iron door has broken, you need to be well versed in the mechanism of the locking device. Locks are available with lever and cylinder. Each type has its own characteristics:

1. The first type is also called "safe", although this does not correspond to the principle of its operation. The lever system consists of a set of plates that turn the mechanism with the correct position of the key bits inserted into the lock. If there are more than six plates, all the elements are made perfectly and there are special teeth on the plates, then breaking such a lock is almost impossible.

Lever lock device

1. Cylinder locks are very popular. They are more convenient, more compact, cheaper. In addition, in the event of a breakdown, you do not have to change the lock - they just replace the larva (cylinder). Such mechanisms can be of low, medium, or high secrecy.

Larva, bolt, cylinder lock keys

Like any mechanism, locking devices are subject to wear and tear and possible breakdowns. The main reasons for the failure of the lock can be called incorrect installation or poor-quality device. In most cases, incorrect installation is understood as a bias during the installation of the case, as a result of which the key can be damaged or broken.

Bad, low-quality metal from which the lock is made also affects its performance. In addition, wear can cause damage. The normal operation time increases if you follow the mechanism - clean the lock (disassemble), use it carefully.

Don't forget the most frightening reason: the hacking attempt. In this case, it is recommended to replace the device.

If your lock in a metal door simply "sticks" and it is almost impossible to turn the key in it, do not rush to the store for a new locking mechanism. It is likely that you can restore the castle to normal operation and eliminate the trouble in ten minutes. So, let's consider what needs to be done in order to understand that the lock is not broken and repairs are not needed:

1. Use a bright flashlight to get a good look at the keyhole. Sometimes hooligans or gunners put foreign objects and debris in there. The obstacle must be removed with tweezers, an awl, a needle. If there is too much debris in the keyhole, or, even worse, glue, then the body of the mechanism will inevitably have to be disassembled: for cleaning and lubrication.
2. Even minor damage to the key will prevent you from opening the lock. Examine the key carefully: it is possible that some element is damaged on it. Such a key should be replaced immediately, without trying to “straighten” it with a hammer or a file - this can lead to a “dead” key stuck in the lock and a real breakdown.

If the malfunction of the lock is not too serious, you can do it yourself. Here are typical door locks malfunctions and ways to eliminate them:

1. Key sticks, does not fit well. In this case, the replacement of the larva or the use of lubricant is indicated.

Applying a special lubricant can help solve the problem.

1. The tongue does not pop out when slammed.We'll have to bore the door frame.
2. To open the door, you have to click on it. The door frame should be bored and the lock mechanism adjusted.
3. The lock does not open, it is impossible to get into the apartment. It is necessary to open the locking system, and subsequently replace the larva or the entire lock.
4. The mechanism of the device is jammed. This is a more complex problem: it is necessary to determine which element is out of order - the body, the larva, or something else. The broken element should be replaced.
5. It is difficult to get the key out of the lever lock. It is necessary to adjust the nozzle, or replace the lock (if the keys are worn out).

If we are talking about a lever lock, then the owner's actions in the event of a breakdown will depend on the cost of the device. The fact is that there are no spare sets of levers for cheap leveler locks, but for expensive locks, spare levers are sold together with the lock itself. All that remains is to open the case and, according to the instructions, replace the old levers with new ones (instructions are attached to the set, like new keys).

Replacing the levers is done as follows:

1. First, unscrew the bolts (1) and remove the side cover of the lock (2).

1. In their place, levers from a new set (5) are inserted in reverse order, if necessary, they are pressed (6).

Install new levers

The cover is installed in place

You can choose a new larva by consulting the seller. It is easier to do this by bringing an old cylinder to the store, since the diameter, size, length, and location of the special hole into which the fastening screw is inserted are taken into account.

The larvae vary in reliability. Cheap cylinder options are very easy to pick up the key to pick the door open.

The distance to the hole into which the fastening screw is inserted is an important parameter when choosing a lock cylinder

In addition, there are different options for larvae: with an internal and external wells, as well as - only with an external one (from the inside there is a "lamb" so that you could close the door from the inside without a key). And the last moment is aesthetic: the larva should match the color of the lock and the door.

After purchasing a suitable mechanism, you need to prepare the tools necessary for the repair. When replacing itself, it is important to be extremely careful, since the slightest misalignment of the larva contributes to the malfunctioning of the entire device.

Step-by-step diagram of cylinder replacement:

1. Unscrew the fastening screws. The screw heads are always at the end of the door, so the door must be opened.

Unscrewing the screws is carried out with the door open.

1. Insert the key into the lock: the cylinder is held in place not only by the screws, but also by the crossbars, if they remain extended. Turn the key slightly and pull the cylinder towards you.

The "larva" is removed with a key using light movements to the left-right

1. If for any reason the key cannot be inserted into the hole, drill out the secret part of the locking device with a drill, and the cylinder will be easily removed.
2. Take it with you to the store, and buy the most similar one. It makes sense to ask the seller for advice, especially if this is your first time repairing the castle.
3. Install a new secret part, repeating steps 1-2 in reverse order.

While it enters the hole, the screw should be held perpendicular to the end of the door, insert it slowly, until it stops, then slowly turn it clockwise, slightly moving the cylinder itself, and, once in the hole, tighten it. Tight tightening can cause problems such as broken threads. Therefore, it is necessary to turn the screw 2 turns after its head is level with the lock bar.

How the cylinder lock works

As we have already said, if a cylinder lock breaks down, often only the replacement of the cylinder is required. This is possible not on all types of devices - only on mortise and some overhead.To do this, you will have to examine the lock by removing it.
Removing the lock is quite simple, it is done as follows:

• If the mechanism allows, then the tongues (crossbars) should be sunk into the lock entirely.
• Next, unscrew the external parts, fasteners and remove the structure.
• Take the old lock with you to the store and choose the model that best suits the existing connectors. (This will help you avoid lengthy, laborious fittings and metalwork.)

Experts still do not recommend repairing an iron door lock yourself, especially when it comes to a lever device. The slightest mistake can easily break the lock or install it incorrectly. Self-repair is better for those who have encountered similar work before. Repairing locks in metal doors is not an easy task, the result of which should be safety and reliability.

The reasons for the breakdown of the lock of an entrance metal door are very different: urgent dismantling due to an accident, wear, improper operation, and others. Depending on the type of breakdown, repair of the front door lock can be done by hand or call a specialist. Some manufacturers do not produce additional parts, and the elements of others may not fit in size and configuration. Then the only way out is to replace the whole mechanism.

To figure out which locks you can fix with your own hands, and which ones require the attention of a specialist, you need to decide on their varieties:

• Crossbars - the mechanism is based on the linear (instead of the usual circular method) movement of the key. The main disadvantage is the large key size.
• Electronic - unlock the door using a code or magnetic key.
• Lever - a standard mechanism, consists of plates and a core. Security depends on the number of key slots.
• Cylinder - the most common because of the high degree of safety and practicality of the key.

It is better to entrust electronic ones to a specialist. As for the rest - if there are no nuances in the design, you can take the following actions.

If the castle is expensive, it is better to immediately call the master, in his arsenal there is always the necessary inventory. Others, with a simpler device (lever, cylinder), can be repaired by hand.

It is advisable to have at least minimal skills in handling tools.

Most often, in the event of a breakdown, you can encounter the following problems:

• The tongue stopped slamming: a result of wear of the part or external influence. The malfunction can be eliminated by regulation.
• The door is difficult to open - you need to pay attention to the condition of the crossbars. The skew of the door leaf is also likely - the fastening should be checked.
• The most common problem with a metal door lock is the key won't turn, the key is jammed or stuck. The mechanism must be disassembled, cleaned and lubricated.
• Jamming - breakage of the larva. If there is a place to buy a new one, then repair is possible. Otherwise, a complete replacement of the mechanism.

Even if there is a slight discomfort during use, it is better to immediately figure out what the problem is so as not to aggravate the situation.

This is part of the cylinder mechanism. If the larvae of the castle have become unusable, then they cannot be repaired - they must be replaced with new ones.

Cylinder parts are interchangeable. To change the larvae, you need to take the following steps:

• Remove the upper fixed structure (armor plate).
• Find the screw in the end that secures the device and unscrew it.
• Carefully remove the defective part (larvae).
• Install new larvae, make sure that it is fixed and return the above parts to their places.

The advantage of this design is safety (hard to pick up a master key) and practicality.

If the door lock was subjected to any physical impact and the body was damaged, it is better to replace it. Using a screwdriver, remove the screws and replace the old part with a new one.If the lock is mortise, then when removing it, you must take care not to lose the springs. Replace on a clean surface, pay attention to the integrity of the parts and cleanliness inside the lock. Brush and lubricate if necessary.

Do-it-yourself repair of a lever-type lock is a rather difficult task. Often, a spare set of levers is not attached to the device, except that this is an expensive model. If you managed to find a suitable set of parts, you can try to replace it yourself, and if it does not work out, you will have to purchase a new lock. A replacement is made according to the following scheme:

• Remove the door lock cover by unscrewing the bolts in advance;
• Get the levers (squeeze out);
• Move one by one the levers of the purchased set;
• Screw on the cover.

The opinion of experts here is unambiguous - if there is no experience, then it is better not to repair the lever lock of a metal door on your own.

The locking mechanism consists of two parts:

• Secret (recognizes the key).
• Executive (moves the crossbars holding the door closed).

Each of the parts of the mechanism can wear out, but most often these are springs, bolts, larva.

All components of the mechanism are very small - there is a high probability of losing any spare part.

You will need the following tools:

As well as household cleaning tools:

• A rag or napkins.
• Brush.
• Paint or cosmetic brushes.

All tools will be useful in your work.

If, after dismantling and careful inspection, the apparent cause of the malfunction of the door mechanism could not be identified, the problem may be in its clogging. Troubleshooting is simple:

• Promote;
• Extract parts,
• Clean all small parts with a large paint or cosmetic brush;
• Wipe large parts with a napkin;
• Using a stick for cleaning ears or a match with a cotton swab, treat all parts without exception with a lubricating fluid;
• Assemble the mechanism carefully.

You should not disassemble the mechanism for no apparent reason, so as not to damage its filling.

You can learn more about the repair of locks from the video:

Mortise lock - a mechanism that fits inside the door. For its greater safety, an armor plate is placed on the outer part of the door leaf, which reduces the likelihood of drilling.

When repairing it, carefully remove it without losing the spring, and carry out the necessary actions:

• Definition of malfunction.
• Cleaning the mechanism.
• Replacement of worn out parts or completely larva.
• Transcoding.
• Checking the work of the secret part.

The plus is that it is not visible, the minus is that it is difficult to dismantle, especially metal doors with vertical traction.

Most locks are fairly simple mechanisms, which are a collection of locking devices.

Depending on the complexity of the lock, the system may include crossbars, a lock (lock), a latch bolt, as well as other mechanisms that ensure the movement of all its functional elements.

The following types of locks are widely found:

1. Cylinder (English) - open with a key, on one side of which there are projections and recesses.
2. Lever - a key with characteristic "blades" on a long shaft is intended for it.
3. Cruciform - the key represents two planes intersecting at right angles, on each side of which there are notches.
4. Disk - the body of the key is made in the form of a semicircle, on one of the sides there are recesses.

According to the method of installation, the locks are overhead and mortise.

The type of malfunction depends on how difficult it will be to repair door locks. Sometimes it's easier to buy a new lock than to fix an old one.

The most common causes of breakage:

• Mating hole of the wrong size.
• Drawdown of the door frame, due to which there is a mismatch in the mating parts of the door lock.
• Debris got inside the mechanism.
• There was a violation of the geometry of the castle.
• The larva broke.

If the lock cylinder breaks, you need to purchase a new one and replace the faulty mechanism. Such repair implies replacement of keys for opening the corresponding lock.

If the breakdown is caused by a defect or wear of large elements, it is preferable to purchase a new mechanism in its entirety. If small elements, such as springs, break, only this part can be replaced. Sometimes the unsatisfactory operation of the lock is associated with a lack of lubrication in the moving parts of the mechanism, then it is necessary to disassemble the lock and lubricate it.

The larva must be changed if the key in the lock scrolls, or, conversely, jams. It may be necessary to remove the lock to remove the broken remainder of the key. Then they act according to the following algorithm:

Repairing a lock in a metal door is considered a very difficult process. The most important thing is to prepare carefully. How do you repair the locks of an entrance metal door with your own hands?

With a conscientious attitude, you can fix the breakdown without contacting the master. The situations are very different. Sometimes, for the lock to work properly, only adjustment is carried out, and it may be necessary to change the cylinder, or in very rare cases a new device is bought.

Door locks are of two types: lever and cylinder. But it may be that a person has no idea all their features. First, let's figure out and understand the characteristics of each type of castle.

In a simple way, they speak to him - "safe". But if you take into account the principles of work, then the castle does not really correspond to this name. The entire internal structure is a set of plates that rotate. They function if the key is inserted correctly and all its protuberances are ideally located in the door lock.

In the event that there are more than six plates and all auxiliary elements are produced ideally with special teeth, then it is impossible to crack such a constipation.

When the keys to the lever system are lost, it is very difficult to replace it. The whole mechanism is interconnected - it is easier to buy a new device. This, of course, will not reflect well on the budget.

Cylinder locks are considered the most popular in use.

The main influencing factor is its cost. The price of the castle is not big. It is very convenient, since in case of a breakdown, you do not have to change the entire structure, it will be enough to change the inner part of the system (cylinder). It is considered unsafe because it is very easy to hack.

Sooner or later, everything tends to break down. Likewise, door lock mechanisms are no exception.

Let's analyze the main causes of breakdowns.

• The constipation may have been incorrectly installed, which led to the malfunction. Or the device is of poor quality.
• An inappropriate installation means that the housing is skewed. In this case, the key may be deformed or broken.
• The folded work of the lock is influenced by the metal it is made of. Manufacturers are obliged to use quality material.
• The door system will last the maximum period, if you follow it - disassemble and clean. But, of course, use it with care.
• A malfunction of the lock could have caused an attempt to break into the front door.

If the lock in the metal front door starts to jam a little and the key hardly turns, then there is no need to rush to the store for a new one. It is highly likely that this problem can be fixed in ten minutes. You need to take a good look at everything and only then summarize. It is possible that no repairs will be required.

• First, take the flashlight that shines the brightest and look through the keyhole. There is a high probability that someone has thrust foreign objects into the well, and this has caused a breakdown. Rubbish can be removed very easily with tweezers.
• If this procedure does not help, then the entire body of the door system is removed. There may be a lot of debris or even glue.For proper operation, the insides are cleaned and lubricated with special agents.
• Failure to open the lock could cause deformation of the key. The owner of the premises must very scrupulously inspect the presence of damage on it. With any incomprehensible find on the key, it immediately changes. There is no need to correct deformations on your own, because this will lead to irreversible consequences. The key will get stuck in the keyhole and a real breakage is formed.

So the castle became incapacitated. In the case when you can figure out a breakdown on your own, then it can be eliminated easily and simply. Let's take a look at the most popular malfunctions of metal door locks and how to fix them.

• Key problems. In this situation, the middle of the constipation changes. But first, try to lubricate it. Typically, a special lubricant is used for these options. And she will solve all the problems.
• The main element does not pop out when closed. To do this, disassemble the door frame and adjust the lock structure. This application of work is used when maximum effort must be made when closing the door.
• If the door lock does not open at all, then the entire system is disassembled and the insides are replaced, or the entire lock is changed.
• The whole mechanism is jammed. This is the most difficult problem. First, it is determined what kind of element stopped working. And then they replace it.
• When opening the door, it is difficult to extract the keys from the lever lock. This indicates that they are worn out.