How to disassemble an interior door lock

Situations in life are different, and therefore it is worth playing it safe and learning how to install, disassemble and repair door locks. In addition, all this is done extremely simply, especially for those who have basic skills in home repair work. So, let's look at how to disassemble the door lock of an interior door yourself.

Sometimes it becomes necessary to disassemble the interior door lock

How to disassemble the locking device of an interior unit

In many cases, when the lock of interior doors begins to malfunction, its functionality can be restored. To do this, it is enough to carefully remove and disassemble the device, and then perform maintenance or repair operations. An old lock may have parts left that can be used to replace faulty components in similar models of other locking mechanisms. If you understand the structure of locks and have the appropriate tools, you can restore their functionality without involving a specialist from a lock company.

When is door handle disassembly required?

The procedure for assembling and disassembling the handle is not difficult. But it is important to understand why to do this before disassembling the door handle. It may be more advisable not to tinker with this fittings, but to buy similar new ones.

The main reasons why you have to disassemble the handle:

The handle has stopped working and I want to fix it myself. You need to get to the required part of the handle.
It is necessary to lubricate the moving structural elements to make the door open easier.
You need to open the door with a handle with a locking mechanism, but there is no key or it is broken. To access the cylinder you will have to disassemble the handle.
The handle is loose and needs to be tightened.
It is necessary to replace worn out parts that have lost their attractiveness.

When it becomes necessary to disassemble the lock

In most cases, the internal door structures of private houses, apartments, offices and other premises are equipped with inexpensive locks that have a simple design and a low degree of security. The purpose of such products is to keep the canvas closed. Since such mechanisms are not designed for high loads, they are assembled from low-quality components.

During operation, the mechanism begins to malfunction, resulting in jamming of the tongue, malfunction of the handle and its fastening elements, jamming or incomplete insertion of the key. The reasons for their occurrence may be:

accumulation of dust and small metal shavings formed during wear of rubbing parts;
insufficient quantity or thickening of the lubricant, due to which significant force must be applied to operate the lock;
entry of foreign bodies into the housing, interfering with the normal operation of the locking device;
jamming of the latch handle;
a fragment of a key stuck inside the larva.

Many of these problems can be resolved by dismantling, disassembling, repairing or servicing the lock. The owner who decides to restore the functionality of the locking device on his own should be aware that not all models can be disassembled.

What locks are installed on interior doors?

To equip doors that close entrances to rooms, the following are most often used:

1. Handles with a tongue. The simplest design, the operating principle of which is based on the release of the tongue that holds the door closed when the handle is pressed.

2. Latch mechanism. On the outside of such a locking device there is a key hole or a plug is installed. The door leaf locking mechanism is located inside. A device with a latch, designed in the form of a round knob handle, is popular among property owners. The system is activated by rotating the ball on its axis through a certain angle. Depending on the model, they can be additionally equipped with latches and cylinders built into the handle. There are products that are equipped with a push handle.

3. Locking devices with limited access, having a certain degree of secrecy, as a rule, cylinder or lever type. They can be overhead or mortise. The complexity of the secretion is determined by the number of movable lever plates with figured cutouts or the number of pins of the larva with the configuration of the grooves between them.

4. Electromagnetic and electronic protective systems. In most cases, such mechanisms are used as additional ones and are installed on doors covering the entrances of work and office rooms, storage areas for valuable items and other secret rooms. A source of electrical energy is required for operation. This kit includes sensors, a powerful electromagnet, a metal plate, connecting wires and a control unit. Due to the complex electronics involved and the potential for electrical shock, disassembling this type of device yourself is not recommended.

How to disassemble the lock yourself

Before disassembling a mechanical type device, it is necessary to prepare the tools and materials that will be required for the work:

screwdriver with attachments or screwdrivers (phillips and flat);
pliers and tweezers;
thick needle or awl;
a set of small open-end and hex keys;
oiler with lubricant;
WD-40 liquid;
old toothbrush or brush;
clean cloth.

Since the sequence of disassembling devices of various types has a number of differences, it is recommended to record all operations on a smartphone or camera. A pre-prepared sheet of white paper will help you avoid losing small details during work.

The sequence of disassembling the mechanism with a latch (socket, with a classic L-shaped or ball-shaped handle):

1. On the bottom or side of the handle, unscrew the recessed fixing screw with a hex key. On some models this can be done using a screwdriver.

2. Disconnect the decorative trim by turning it several turns along the thread.

3. Unscrew the fixing screws of the locking mechanism.

4. Unscrew the fastening elements of the latch plate from the end of the doors and remove it.

5. Carefully remove the mechanism from the groove by pulling it.

In the case when the interior door has a mechanism with a lock located inside the handle, proceed as follows:

Using a thin screwdriver, carefully pry the decorative trim off from different sides and then remove it.
Unscrew the screws securing the inner and outer parts of the locking mechanism, and then carefully remove the handle from the outside of the doors. To remove the fittings, it is recommended to hold the stopper that secures the handle with the thin end of an awl.
Remove the protective plate from the end of the doors by unscrewing the fastening screws.
Remove the core of the device.

When a device with a round handle is installed, the operations are performed in the following order:

1. Insert the thin end of the awl into the hole in the cover. Lock it by pressing the spring-loaded latch. Disconnect the ball handle.

2. Carefully pry up the decorative trim and detach it.

3. Unscrew the screws securing the mechanism and remove it from the groove.

4. Remove the core of the mechanism. If the lock is activated and does not allow the core to be removed, insert the key into the hole and turn it, simulating closing.

Types of accessories

Based on the type of locking mechanism, appropriate disassembly methods are used. The following types of such accessories are distinguished:

stationary - divided into one- and two-sided. Mounting is done using bolts or self-tapping screws. Due to their simple manufacturing, such models are durable, since there is practically nothing to break in them;

push - produced in an L-shape (lever). When pressed, it unlocks;

rotary - similar to push ones, but here to open you need to press not the lever, but turn the round knob. Such solutions are called knob handles with a distinctive quality - the presence of a locking device with a key or latch.

How to extend the life of a lock

Timely maintenance of the mechanism and its minor repairs will help ensure the locking device of the interior door has the maximum possible service life. Maintenance consists of partial or complete disassembly of the product, timely cleaning of accumulated dust, chips and other contaminants, and replacement of worn-out parts.

In some cases, the owner has to deal with lever and cylinder mechanisms that have a certain degree of secrecy and a more complex design. To service them and replace components you must:

Unscrew the screw securing the handle with a hex key, and the screw securing the cylinder at the end of the door using a screwdriver. After inserting the key into the hole, it is easy to pull it towards you. When resistance appears, turn the key until the tongue of the cylinder disengages from the mechanism.
Unscrew the screws securing the decorative trims with handles and disconnect them. Remove the handles, pull the square out of the mechanism, remove the mechanism body.
Unscrew the screws securing the housing cover and remove it. Clean the hole for the housing at the end of the blade from dust and chips. Inspect the handle mechanism, lubricate the return springs and travel stops. Check the operation of the cylinder and lubricate it by adding oil using a syringe.
Clean the internal elements of the mechanism from dust and chips using a brush. Check the position and condition of rods and springs. If necessary, replace worn out parts. Apply oil to moving parts. Place the cover in place and tighten it with screws.
Reassemble the mechanism in the reverse order, securely fasten all elements with clamping and mounting screws. Check the ease of movement of the crossbars and latch tongue when the doors are open, and the tightness of the closure of the door leaf. If necessary, adjust the position of the strike plate.

In the event that the owner is not confident in his capabilities, does not have sufficient knowledge and experience in disassembling different types of locking mechanisms, or the necessary tools for the job, he can always turn to specialists from a specialized company for help.

Who should I contact for help?

In cases where the problem cannot be solved on your own, you need to call a specialist.
In most cases, this will be cheaper than trying to open the door yourself by breaking the lock. Do-it-yourself actions often lead to the key breaking in the keyhole, and this in any case leads to calling a technician and completely replacing the lock. Our staff will open the lock with special tools. Prices for their services vary in different cities and companies, and depend on the source of the problem. The craftsmen will try to preserve the integrity of the lock if possible, but if this is not possible, they will offer an additional service to replace the mechanism on site. The average time for emergency opening of locks is 15-20 minutes.

If the lock breaks, there is no need to panic. Some problems with the door can be solved independently. The main condition is that if you can’t fix it, you need to contact a specialist.