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Perhaps, many have had to deal with such a situation - you need to leave the house, but you cannot lock the door or, having come home, you cannot get there. The situation is not pleasant, therefore, sometimes you need to do the repair of the door lock of the front door yourself, moreover, as quickly as possible. I do not propose to study the craft of schnifer, although they know the designs of locks better than the manufacturers themselves, but familiarity with locking mechanisms will help you avoid many troubles.
To fix a breakdown in the door lock on the front door and at the same time leave it intact, at least you should understand the design features of such mechanisms. Of course, there are a lot of varieties here, but there are four main systems, understanding which, you can start repairing.
Types of systems: 1) disk, 2) cylinder, 3) lever, 4) cruciform
Disc system - has a small semicircular key with notches.
The cylinder system is a small key with projections and notches.
Lever system - there are wings on the long key leg on the sides.
Cruciform system - the end of the key is sharp, but in general resembles the tip of a Phillips screwdriver.
The principle of operation of the mechanisms is reduced to the features of the blocking elements: disc plates, cylinders and levers. But cruciform systems are very similar in functionality to cylindrical ones, but at the same time they are easy (with certain skills) to crack with an ordinary screwdriver.
Also, such devices can be classified according to the method of installation - they can be overhead or mortise. The first option is somewhat simpler, since to dismantle it, you just need to unscrew the bar, while in the second case, you will need to do more operations.
As a rule, in the event of a breakdown, the crossbars do not move.
As a rule, in the event of a breakdown, you cannot move the crossbars in one direction or the other, but this problem can be caused by various reasons. But, you should always be prepared for the fact that you will not be able to fix the malfunction with your own hands, or that it will not be possible to fix it at all.
Larva or secretion from the inside
What can happen most often:
The door does not slam. The tongue may not snap into place for the reason that it rests against the strip on the box and you just need to bore the mating hole with a file. Also, the tongue can rest against the overlay that holds the mechanism from the end side of the web - here, too, you need to bore the hole with a file.
Problem opening (closing) the door. The reason most often lies in the skew of the canvas, or in the skew of the door lock. Check it out and fix the problem. Also, during installation or dismantling, you could bend the walls of the mechanism case - remove it, level it and the functions will be restored
It is difficult to turn and sometimes insert the key (in most cases, this problem is inherent in metal doors). The most common cause of breakdowns lies in clogging of mechanisms or, as a result, displacement of parts. In such situations, they simply remove the lock, clean it, or even wash it with white spirit or gasoline (the first option wears off faster), then grease it and insert it into place.
The system will jam, both open and closed. Most often, the problem lies in the secret. It is removed, washed with white spirit and a few drops of machine oil are dripped into it. If the rotation normalizes, then the larva is inserted into place, and if not, then it is replaced with a new one.
Replacing the larva with a new one is easy enough
Replacement of the larva (lock, key cylinder) is done in two cases: the first is described above in point 4 of the "Frequent faults" section, and the other reason is the need to change the keys (5 pieces are usually attached to the lock). In order to dismantle the old part, it is necessary to remove the clamping bar from the end of the canvas (usually there are 4 bolts), as well as handles with side plates. After that, you need to unscrew the long bolt that rigidly fixes the cylinder in the working position - this way you will free the larva, but it will not come out right away.
The blue tick marks the cam that not only moves the crossbars, but also stops the part
The fact is that the larva is held by the cam when the key is in the "open" or "closed" position - in a different angle, the key does not pull out, but this is not necessary. The key remains in the lock and is turned slightly, literally 5-6⁰ to one side or the other (you must try). And then the cam sticking out to the side will sink into the body of the cylinder, which will come out of the bore hole without any problems (just pull the key). You may not need to change this unit, but a few drops of engine oil will suffice. After dismantling the lock, you can pull out the entire lock, but there are no bolted connections on the body - the side walls are riveted.
Destruction of pins in the larva with a thin drill
If you need to open the door, and you have lost the only key, then this can be solved in at least two ways:
To do this, you will have to destroy the set of pins. Just below the well, make a through hole with a thin drill, but provided there is no protection against drilling. After that, the lock will open with a flat screwdriver.
The interior of the lever lock - view without the case cover
Lever type locks can be both overhead and mortise, but in any case, the repair of the front door door lock requires removal and disassembly. For the overhead version, it is enough to unscrew the self-tapping screws that fix it to the canvas, and for the internal one, you will need to remove the end clamping bar, and in some models also the handle when a latch is provided there. Then the housing cover is unscrewed, and when you open it, sometimes the problem of breakage is immediately visible, too - most often, it is a loose thrust spring on the levers.
But sometimes you have to clean or wash all the parts of the mechanism with white spirit, and the difficulty here is not that they cannot be removed, but that it is problematic to remember the order of the arrangement of the plates (levers). Some locksmiths simply number each plate, scratching a number on it with a scribe, since the marker will not hold, because all the parts will need to be cleaned, washed and lubricated.By the way, in such situations, it is best to use fatty or synthetic grease for lubrication, where the operating temperature is up to 70⁰C. But then, when the door goes out into the street and the castle area is very hot from the sun's rays, then Tosol-OIZ (cutting fluid) is perfect. The machine oil will certainly make the sliding of moving parts easier, but not for long, since it will simply drain and be used only for CIP lubrication.
Below you can watch an instructional video about disassembling and assembling a lever lock.
VIDEO
Video: Dismantling a lever lock with your own hands
Emergency opening of the suval castle
If you drill out the shank post, then the lock will crumble
If I were a sniffer, I would open such a lock with a master key, but this requires skill, although some still manage to open the door without experience using a screwdriver curved with the letter G and a crocheted knitting needle. But there is a method that is available to almost everyone - you just need to drill out the shank post and the insides of the lock will crumble. After that, instead of a key, any bent screwdriver will do to hook the bolts.
Disassembled disc lock
In fact, the repair of disc locks is not much different from lever mechanisms, since it also consists in cleaning, washing and lubricating rotating elements, for example, a disc pack, although dust almost does not get there, if it was not done on purpose. But at the same time, such a device is a type of cylinder lock, only the cylinder is a set of discs, according to the configuration of which the key is made. Here you can change the shapes, sizes and angles, which will allow you to use a different key, only an experienced craftsman can do this.
It is noteworthy that amateur hacking of such a device is almost impossible (I mean accurate work without any damage) - a master key will not work here, and drilling a larva will lead to scrolling of the disks along with the drill. So, all that remains is the work of the bugbear, that is, knocking out the larva, which will lead to the eruption of the discs. All that remains is to insert a simple screwdriver into the hole and turn it instead of the key. You can also drive a convolution into the well - this is a flat screwdriver made of alloy steel, which is bent with the letter G. The lock, of course, will have to be thrown out, but the door will open.
Exploded view of the cruciform lock
As you can see, there is nothing to repair a person in cross locks, since there is nothing to break, so maintenance, as a rule, boils down to cleaning, washing the insides and lubricating. The system itself of this type is extremely inconvenient and unreliable - most often the key wears out first, and all four ribs at the same time, which during opening leads to a "bite", that is, the key jams.
There are many ways to hack, for example:
If the key breaks in the hole of the well, then with a drill slightly exceeding the key diameter, the larva is drilled out and the device is opened with an ordinary screwdriver.
When there is no key at all, but there is a screwdriver, select the nozzle according to the borehole diameter, and in the low speed mode, they begin to scroll the larva, pressing harder and harder. The door will be open in a few minutes.
You can even open the cross mechanism with chewing gum, but this will take several hours and preferably in the cold season. The chewing gum is pushed into the hole, and when it hardens, drive in any screwdriver there and open the door.
The fastest way is to break in with a Phillips screwdriver. It is driven into a well (in fact, this is the same convolution) to the depth of the larva and turned with a gas wrench. It only takes one or two minutes.
Perhaps, in this article, you learned more about emergency opening or burglary than about repairing the door lock of the front door, but such is life.When a key is lost or broken in the keyhole, then in most outcomes the question of maintenance of the device is no longer there, but only about replacing the mechanism.
How to fix a lock on a door if it suddenly breaks down? Such an unpleasant situation requires an urgent solution, especially when it comes to the front door. In this case, you can make repairs yourself. What is required for this and what actions need to be performed?
To know how to repair it yourself and not damage the door lock, you need to familiarize yourself with its design. There are many types of mechanisms. For an entrance wooden or metal door, the following systems can be used:
cylinder - the key is small in size, with notches and protrusions;
lever - a key on a long leg with "wings" on the sides;
disk - a small semicircular key with notches;
Phillips - The wrench is similar to a Phillips screwdriver.
The main types of door locks for the front door
The principle of operation of such systems lies in the features of the locking elements: cylinders, levers or disc plates. Cross locks are similar to cylinder locks, but they do not differ in reliability, since the lock can be broken with a simple screwdriver.
Also distinguish between overhead and mortise locks. It is quite easy to repair the invoice, as you only need to remove the escutcheon. But it will be more difficult to correct the mortise on your own. You should not undertake repairs if you are not familiar with the rules for installing the mechanism, since a door lock of such a plan can only be repaired by disassembling it.
Repair of a door lock largely depends on the nature of the breakdown. It is not always possible to fix the problem with your own hands.
A common cause of door lock breakage is failure of the locking mechanism tongue
The most common problems are the following situations:
The tongue does not snap. The reason may be an insufficient size of the mating hole. In this case, you need to bore it or displace the iron plate. The pad of the lock itself at the end of the door can block the tongue. It may also be skewed due to frequent use of the door, due to wear and tear of the mechanism. It is necessary to adjust its position.
It is difficult to open the door. It can be blocked by a skewed lock or a door frame. The problem is corrected by adjusting these items.
Key sticks, turns poorly, or does not insert. Especially often, such a breakdown occurs in the locks of a metal door. The reason may be clogging of the mechanism or displacement of its individual parts. To repair it, you need to disassemble the lock, clean it, lubricate it and install it in its proper place.
The lock is jammed. The reason lies in the state of the larva. Repair of the lock, its replacement or complete change of the lock can help.
Do-it-yourself repair of the lock on the front door largely depends on the type of larva mechanism. It is in this detail that the source of the problem most often lies. For a metal door, cylinder and lever locks are most often used.
Replacing the larva will help extend the life of the locking mechanism
How to fix a cylinder lock on a door with your own hands:
Remove the armor plate.
Unscrew the retaining screw at the end of the door.
Pull out the cylinder.
Replace it with a new one and put all the parts back.
In the case of a lever mechanism, it is better to completely replace the lock, since it is highly likely to break again. If the tongue is ignited, you need to disassemble the structure and adjust its position.
Other types of mechanisms are less reliable or do not have adequate quality replacement parts on sale. First of all, this applies to disc and cruciform locks. Therefore, it is easier to install a new lock than to repair a broken larva.
A more complicated situation is when the spacer mechanism becomes unusable. In this case, the repair is carried out by removing the door from the hinges and disassembling the door leaf.The peculiarity of this lock is that when the door is closed, additional crossbars are extended both vertically and horizontally.
Any locking mechanism requires periodic lubrication
Let's say you checked the security status and did not find the source of the problem. All parts are intact and are in place. How to repair a lock with a working cylinder in a metal door with your own hands? Most likely, the cause of the breakdown lies in the clogging of the mechanism. This situation is not uncommon, especially when it comes to a metal door.
In this case, do-it-yourself repairs are as easy as shelling pears. Unscrew the lock first. Remove all parts of the mechanism. Blow thoroughly and use a stiff brush to remove any accumulated dust and other dirt particles. Then wipe down the larger parts with a cloth. Apply a small amount of lubricant to a cotton swab and carefully clean each piece of the lock. Assemble it and put it back in place. Check the quality of his work.
Please note: after such processing, the key may become contaminated with lubricant for some time.
Quite often, it is required to repair the lock in the interior door. There is a large load on them, and therefore, over time, the tongue begins to sink, the handle sticks or the latch dangles.
How to repair a lock in an interior door with your own hands:
If the problem lies in the sunken latch, it is necessary to disassemble the lock and reinstall it. The spring may need to be replaced.
If the handle is loose and does not return the tongue to its original position, you need to check its attachment relative to the pivot mechanism. Then put it back in place and tighten with screws. From time to time, you need to carry out a similar procedure and lubricate the mechanism to prevent its breakdown.
When the latch jams, you need to disassemble the part of the lock that is responsible for fixing it. The reason may be displacement of the part, rubbing of elements, their deformation or cracks. In this case, you need to replace the damaged part with a new one.
If problems arise with the turnkey lock, the repair is carried out according to the same principle as for the front door. Perhaps replacement of the larva or simple cleaning of the mechanism is required.
If all efforts were in vain, you can call the master. However, you will most likely need to install a new lock.
VIDEO
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:
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
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:
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.
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:
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.
The tongue does not pop out when slammed. We'll have to bore the door frame.
To open the door, you have to click on it. The door frame should be bored and the lock mechanism adjusted.
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.
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.
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:
First, unscrew the bolts (1) and remove the side cover of the lock (2).
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:
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.
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
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.
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.
Install a new secret part, repeating steps 1-2 in reverse order.
VIDEO
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.
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.
At the moment, there are quite a few different locking mechanisms. As for the iron doors, the assortment here is a little narrower. Do-it-yourself repair of locks of an entrance metal door is possible, but there are a lot of nuances. Next, we will analyze which lock in a metal door can be repaired, and which one will have to be completely changed. Plus, we will tell you in detail how to fix the door lock yourself.
Let's start with the fact that the repair of door locks is a general and rather vague concept. Steel doors consist of a number of interconnected nodes and it is not a fact that it was the lock that broke. Plus, the lock consists of a classified unit, a locking power mechanism and a striker, which means that you will have to figure out which unit is out of order.
The key is inserted into the lock of the front door, but it does not turn - here either "well-wishers" put something into the well for you, or some element broke off and jammed the entire structure;
The key turns, but does not open the door - in this case, you are dealing with a banal wear and tear of the mechanism, you can repair the door lock, although you will need to partially replace the nodes;
The lock, in principle, opens, but it is tight and not the first time - most likely the mechanism is simply clogged with small debris or the lubricant has completely dried out;
When the front doors are open, the lock works fine, but to close or open the doors, you need to pull, press, lift, etc. In this case, the repair of the door lock may not be necessary at all, most likely, the problem is in the design of metal doors, the trouble can be solved, but first things first.
Not every DIY repair of the front door lock is possible. Moreover, there are mechanisms that, in principle, are not repaired, or more in-depth preparation is needed for repair. Therefore, first you need to decide on the type of mechanism.
A cylinder system with a larva is the best option for you, however, you will have to spend a little money, but the main thing is that replaceable units are sold for these locks;
Lever mechanism - the key looks like butterfly wings on a long shaft. Repaired models exist, but to find out you have to dismantle the lock completely;
Disc system - the key here is semicircular with side notches. Such locks are close relatives of cylinder locks. Theoretically, you can find spare parts for them, but they belong to the budget sector, so it is often cheaper to change the entire lock;
Cross locks - the key in such mechanisms has notches on 3 or 4 sides and gives the impression of being reliable. But in reality, they are rather weak, they can be opened easily, they are not expensive and are disposable. You can find detailed information about the choice and systems of secrecy "HERE ».
Reliable locks with electronic coding have appeared recently. These systems are quite complex and if something is out of order, then you yourself will not repair such a lock, do not even try, just call the master.
By the way, you will find detailed information on the selection and installation of modern combination locks "HERE ».
Based on our own experience, we can confidently assert that if you are not a professional locksmith or mechanic, then with your own hands you can only repair a cylinder lock with a replaceable cylinder and some collapsible models of power mechanisms with collapsible cases.
There are also options for repairing the strike plate, but it refers indirectly to the lock mechanism. And we will start with the most accessible, you will learn how to repair a lock with a replaceable cylinder.
Prepare your tool before fixing the door lock. Do not be alarmed, you will not need much of it, often a pair of screwdrivers (straight and cross), tweezers and pliers are enough. Auxiliary materials may include an oiler with a pipette and clean napkins or rags.
First of all, you need to remove the outer linings from the lock;
Further, the repair of the door lock consists in a complete replacement of the coding larva. The instruction is extremely simple: from the end of the blade you will find a locking screw, which you need to unscrew completely;
Now, using the key inserted into the larva, find the zero position of the internal locking tongue and pull the larva out of the mechanism;
Information on the types and methods of selection of replaceable larvae is "HERE ”, But you can do it easier, take a broken one, go to the market and buy a similar one. The steps for installing the larva are carried out in the reverse order. Below in the video in this article, everything is shown clearly.
VIDEO
We are repairing the locking mechanism, which is located in the case, and in order to get to it, we will first have to dismantle the case (remove the lock). If the lock is cut from the end of the door, then unscrew a couple of screws and pull it out.
Worse, when the lock was inserted from the inside, in this situation, in order to remove the lock, you will have to remove the inner cover plate.Often, only the front part of the doors is made of metal; from the inside there is a light cladding, which is quite simple to remove.
Next, you need to inspect the case for the presence of collapsible screws. The fact is that the possibility of repair is provided for about 50% of the cases, all steel ones are riveted or sealed tightly.
There is no point in trying to open the non-separable case. Even if you disassemble it, you will not be able to put it back together, because there are no fastening screws, so there is nothing to fix it with.
Be very careful when disassembling the case. After unscrewing the top screws, remove the panel;
Examine the mechanism for loose parts, it happens that some spring just popped out;
If the mechanism is seized from rust, fill it with WD-40 grease and leave it for half an hour;
The grease will eat away the rust and all you have to do is wipe off the dirt;
Excess debris is simply blown out, after which the mechanism is lubricated, everything is collected and put in place.
Many "smart people" on the net recommend getting all the parts of the lock mechanism, rinsing them and putting them back in place. So, with a probability of 95%, we guarantee you that if you disassemble the mechanism completely, you will not be able to reassemble it.
VIDEO
It's not that simple with the strike plate. If you have it adjustable, as in the photo below, then you can try to unscrew the screws and try to rectify the situation. But in most iron doors the function of the striker is performed by the holes for the crossbars cut in the metal box and there is nothing to regulate there.
The easiest way is to take a file and bore these holes, but this will only exacerbate the problem. If the crossbars of the lock do not fall into the mating holes, then either the canvas has sagged or the box has skewed.
In both cases, you need to adjust the door knots, not bore holes. Because if you bore holes, the lock will close, but the canvas will begin to cling to the edge of the box and you will have to adjust it anyway. The door adjustment material is "HERE".
VIDEO
VIDEO
VIDEO
Video (click to play).
We talked about situations where repairing a lock on metal doors is possible, but not all locks can be repaired. Therefore, if you doubt your abilities, it is better to call the master.
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