How to Repair an Old Fashioned Door Lock Mechanism
- Lubricate. Door locks and knobs are full of moving metal parts that need to be kept lubricated to work properly.
- Dismantle. Remove all trim screws from the doorknob and lock hardware. You may only find screws on the lock casing...
- Repair. Replace any obviously broken pieces and lubricate the entire interior of the lock.
Full Answer
How to repair an old fashioned door lock mechanism?
Spray the lock mechanism with a silicone or graphite lubricant. Be sure to lubricate any place where metal rubs against metal. Replace the side cover plate and tighten the retaining screw. Check...
How do you repair door locks?
Repair. Replace any obviously broken pieces and lubricate the entire interior of the lock. Lubricate the entire interior of the casing and reinstall it into the door edge. Examine the doorknob if ...
How to fix a broken car door lock?
DIY: How To Fix A Broken Car Door Handle
- Step One: Get The Door Open With the broken handle in your hand, it's likely that the door is still shut. ...
- Step Two: Assess The Door Handle Attachment Points Before you start ripping things apart unnecessarily, check around the door handle to determine how it's attached. ...
- Step Six: Check Functionality And Finish Reassembly
How do you replace a front door lock?
Replacing the Lock On a Front Door
- Purchase a New Lock. Before you begin, make sure you have a new door lock set and a screwdriver or drill. ...
- Remove the Old Lock. First remove the old door lock by unscrewing the doorknob on the inside of the door. ...
- Install the New Lock. Now take your new latch piece and insert it into the hole in the side edge of the door. ...
How do you fix an antique door latch?
No worries, I'll show you how you can fix a vintage door knobby using a commonrubber band instead.Remove the door handle. ... Remove the antique mortise lock from the door. ... Unscrew the cover. ... Install rubber band. ... Replace the coverand test the handle. ... Reinstall the mortise lock and door handle.
How do you restore an old lock?
How to Restore an Old Mortise LockRemove the Knob. Locate the set screw at the base of the knob on the inside of the door. ... Remove the Spindle. ... Clean the Lock Face. ... Remove the Lock Case. ... Open the Lock Case. ... Take a Picture. ... Disassemble the Lock Components. ... Clean the Lock Face.More items...•
How do you fix an old fashioned door knob?
0:051:09How to Repair Loose Doorknobs - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce you have the door handle thread it back on you can tighten that set screw back down on theMoreOnce you have the door handle thread it back on you can tighten that set screw back down on the handle. And it will hold it in place so it won't come loose again.
Can a door lock be repaired?
In any case, a mechanical issue means that the lock must either be repaired or replaced. For a standard residential lock, you can easily find a replacement at the hardware store and do a DIY install. For a high-security lock or commercial lock, it's best to have it opened up and repaired by a locksmith.
Can you repair a mortise lock?
1:172:29Repairing a Mortise Door Lock - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is a very easy job and takes an experienced handyman about 10. Minutes. You can run intoMoreThis is a very easy job and takes an experienced handyman about 10. Minutes. You can run into trouble though with screws and lock sets that are slightly different to your old ones.
How do you clean an old metal lock?
If iron or steel locks are rusty, rub them with fine (0000) steel wool and household oil. Clean away the oil with soap and water, then dry the lock thoroughly and prime with metal primer. Spray or brush on a durable enamel top coat and let dry.
How do you fix a cylinder lock on a door?
0:221:44DIY - How to Change a Barrel or Cylinder Lock - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNext push the cylinder lock from behind while pulling from the front with the key. The key should beMoreNext push the cylinder lock from behind while pulling from the front with the key. The key should be turned slightly towards the opening position.
What are the parts of a door lock?
Parts of a door lockTrim: Sometimes called a rose, the trim is a decorative plate attached to the door under the knob or lever. ... Deadbolt: ... Escutcheon: ... Faceplate. ... Backplate: ... Latch bolt: ... Spindle: ... Strike plate:More items...•
Do door locks wear out?
Like all mechanisms with moving parts, a lock eventually wears out. Jamming the wrong key into a lock or just the repetitive movement of locking and unlocking the door over time can damage the internal mechanism, resulting in a key that sticks or is difficult to turn.
How much does it cost to fix a broken door lock?
Answer provided by. Oh no, you'll definitely want to get that fixed! It will normally cost between $200 and $600 to fix a car door lock, depending on the problem and the type of vehicle you drive. Replacing door locks will usually require removing your car door's interior panel.
How do you clean old mortise locks?
TLC for Old LocksRemove the lock. Loosen the set screw on the knob, and take the knobs and spindle off the door. ... Open the lock case. Lay it on a table, and back out the screw holding the cover plate. ... Clean and lubricate. Blow out the dust and dirt.
How do you open an antique furniture lock?
2:546:05How to pick a skeleton key lock - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhen you're picking it you're gonna use one to push the lever up and another one to maneuver the orMoreWhen you're picking it you're gonna use one to push the lever up and another one to maneuver the or not maneuver but move the deadbolt. In.
How do you clean a mortice lock?
Cleaning a Mortice LockStep 1: Dismantle. Having with drawn the lock assembly from the door, access is gained to the workings by undoing 3 screws and removing the cover plate. ... Step 2: Clean. ... Step 3: Lubricate and Reasemble.
How old is a lock?
Locks have been in use for over 6000 years, with one early example discovered in the ruins of Nineveh, the capital of ancient Assyria. Locks such as this were developed into the Egyptian wooden pin lock, which consisted of a bolt, door fixture or attachment, and key.
What is an antique door lock?
One type of old-fashioned or antique door lock is the mortise lock, which consists of a thin, rectangular box housing the lock mechanism that is installed within the body of the door. Routine maintenance is required to keep any lock in good working order, so older locks are more prone to breakage due to neglect over years of use.
How to fix a lock that won't turn?
If your lock does not engage when you turn the key, you may be able to fix it with lubrication alone. Apply a generous amount of a silicone-based lubricating spray to the interior of the lock. Insert the key and begin to turn it back and forth, working the lubricant further into the mechanism.
What to do if your car lock is seized?
If the lock is seized and does not respond to lubrication and repair of missing parts, you'll need to take the casing to a locksmith for professional repair. Alternatively, you can purchase a replacement casing, then reinstall the original trim.
What to do if your keys are not turning?
If your keys are not turning smoothly or you feel resistance, apply more lubricant to the lock interior. Check all trim screws each time you lubricate the door, and tighten any loose ones. Make sure the latch is aligned with the strike plate on the door trim opposite the latch and adjust the plate as necessary.
How to polish a lock face?
Use 0000 steel wool to polish the lock face. Do not think you are clever and use sand paper to rush the job along. Be patient. Remember you are here because some lazy sod didn't bother ot remove the lock before painting. Look at all the gunk on there! Do not repeat their mistake. Patience!
What to do if your latch spring is broken?
If your latch spring is broken or weak then you'll need a replacement. You can take the lock to a local locksmith (find the one that's been around since your house was built). If you have a good spring (maybe in a different lock) you can measure the length of the spring when un-tensioned.
Why is the latch mechanism on a lock easier to work with?
The latch mechanism on this lock is easier to work with because it doesn't fly apart when you open the case. There's a leaf spring for the knob return and a separate coil spring for the latch return. Also the the spindle cam pushes directly on a combined arm/transit. Ask Question.
Why does my mortise lock stop working?
The usual reason mortise locks stop working is broken springs-one would do well to replace them all, if possible. A good way to clean out the lock body is with brake cleaner spray, followed by wiping with a paper towel. One of the FEW things graphite is good for is lubing the inside of a mortise lock body-if it has a cylinder for a key, lube with WD40 (or similar light spray oil) ONLY-no 3-in-1, no grease, no silicone spray.
How to lift a deadbolt?
The deadbolt mechanism will have a powerful spring. Press the gate toward the top of the lock mechanism, lift it over the top of the cam on the deadbolt , and gently release the spring tension until you can safely lift the gate off it's pin.
What to do if you don't test the deadbolt?
If you have a key for the lock, also test the deadbolt. Now is your chance to fix things, if you don't test it until you have it back in the door, you'll be sorry when you have to tear it all back out and bring it back to the bench. Make sure your latch is the right way too, if it's backward fix it now.
Can you use a vise to hold a brass lock?
Use a vise to hold the case body so you can clean the face, but do not over-tighten the vise or clamp directly to the brass face, or you will damage your lock. Ask Question.
Is the door damaged?
Most doors will fall apart long before your lock. Doors rot, the wood wears so that set screws no longer hold or that the locks/handles sag. If your door is falling apart, your antique locks could probably use some sprucing up as well, but you will need to make sure the new door that you get is cut properly so it will fit your antique locks.
Is the problem mechanical?
With antique locks, there are a whole host of mechanical issues that can crop up. Antique locks can also be anything from antique door locks to antique padlocks, so the problems will vary substantially between the different devices. But the root of a mechanical issue can be understood only after you understand the antique lock itself is not functioning.
Is the problem aesthetic?
Maybe you are not looking for antique door lock repair because the lock is not working. Many antique locks can be in a desperate need of a polish. They can become discolored or their coating can begin flaking off giving them a very unpleasant appearance. This can harm the general visual appeal of a room or the home itself, and that can also decrease your home security.
Why are antique locks so diverse?
Antique locks are very diverse. Because many older locks were made during the time when every new lock was trying to set the industry standard, there are a lot of surprises your antique locks can have.
How to tell if a lock is rusting?
You can usually tell by looking at a lock whether it is rusting. There will commonly be a yellowish brown sandy textured residue. Even if you clean the faceplates, handles, spindles, and other visible parts of antique locks this internal build up is still detectable if it is spilling out of the keyway.
What are the worst types of large breaks?
The worst type of large breaks are those that damage the locking mechanism. 3. Internal Issues. Most of the time, antique lock repair will not deal with fixing the internal components of a lock because the majority of antique locks use very hardy lock styles (due to their simplicity/lack of moving parts).
Why do antique doors fall apart?
Most doors will fall apart long before your lock. Doors rot, the wood wears so that set screws no longer hold or that the locks/handles sag. If your door is falling apart, your antique locks could probably use some sprucing up as well, but you will need to make sure the new door that you get is cut properly so it will fit your antique locks.
How to tighten a mortise lock?
They should be in line with the center of the cylinder. Tighten the setscrew (s) by turning clockwise— be sure they engage the slot that runs along the edge of the cylinder (the key slot should be perfectly vertical). Replace the faceplate.
Why doesn't my door latch click?
Door Lock Doesn’t Latch Properly. When a door latch doesn’t click into position, it usually means the latch and the strike plate are out of alignment. Tighten the hinge screws and then try adjusting the strike plate by loosening its screws and shifting it slightly.
What to do if the latch does not reach the strike plate?
If the latch does not reach the strike plate, shim out the plate, or add another strike plate on top of it (remove the screws and run them through both plates). If the latch still will not reach, shim out the door’s hinges. As a last resort, remove the door’s hinges and shim them to adjust the door’s position.
Why is my master lock not working?
Master Lock. The lock mechanism may not work simply because the lock is dirty or dry and needs to be lubricated with graphite (do not use any type of oil because this will gum-up the works). An improperly functioning latch may be the result of a poorly fitting door.
How to extract a broken key?
Use needle-nose pliers to extract a broken key. Stanley
How to remove rim lock?
Surface-mounted rim lock: Unscrew and remove the cover, called a “case.” Tighten the cylinder setscrews. Replace the case.
What is an aerosol lock de-icer?
Aerosol lock de-icer thaws and lubricates a frozen lock. Check price on Amazon. Victor
Restore Old Doors
Over the years we replaced a few doors on the main floor with off-the-shelf, 6-panel doors and we had a few old, flat slab doors remaining that needed to be swapped out as well. Most of the doors downstairs are from a 20-30 year old renovation so they were ugly, boring and of poor-quality. They had to go.
Remove the Old Hardware
To get started on the restoration of this old door we need to remove the old lockset. This one came out pretty easy but as you can see, I had break away layers of paint and wrestle a couple stripped screws out. It’s okay to pry some of the stripped screws out like a nail, we’re going to patch that all up in the process.
Remove the Heavily Damaged Areas
Next we’re going to identify and mark the damaged area that needs to be removed. The key to this step is staying parallel and square with the existing edges. This will make it easier to create our patch later. Using an oscillating saw, remove the damaged area.
Drill Bore Holes
In order to fit a new, modern style knob set into this door we need to layout the position of the new lock and cut a new main bore hole and make any adjustments to latch hole. Using a door lock installation jig a great idea here to save time and ensure accuracy.
Make a Patch
Now, it’s time to measure and cut our wood patch. I used a piece of pine cut from a regular 2×4 because pine is easy to work with. The downside with pine is that it’s soft and may damage again easily but with a patch this small and a quality paint to cover it, I wasn’t too concerned.
Fill and Sand
Now we can finish the fit by adding wood filler to all the gaps around your patch. This is a good time fill any other gaps, screw holes or cracks on other areas of the door like the one we saw above. Sand down any high spots around your patch and rough areas on the entire door.
Restore Old Doors
Restoring old doors creates so many great design opportunities and they are fun to hunt for, too. You can update the hardware like we did here or close up all the holes and install the door using sliding barn door hardware. You could even clean one up and just lean it against the wall as decor.
