What to do if the lock on the door has turned? Tools and features of work

If the lock on the door turns, it is necessary to take immediate measures to identify the problem and fix it. Malfunctions of the mechanism reduce the level of burglary resistance and often cause loss of access to the premises. You can open a locked door and repair the lock yourself - you need to act based on the type of problem and the type of locking device.

Why does the lock on the door turn?

At the first errors in the operation of the locking mechanism, it is necessary to identify their cause; common ones include:

1. Irregular maintenance of the mechanism (lack of cleaning, lubrication) often causes the lock to turn.
2. The response hole is small, which prevents the tongue from closing properly. To resolve the problem, it is recommended to widen the inlet or move the plate slightly.
3. Foreign objects and substances getting into the well - broken parts of the key, debris, metal shavings, and so on.
4. An increase in the volume of the door leaf due to increased humidity is a problem typical for wooden structures.
5. Using a damaged key - damage to it disrupts the functionality of the mechanism (for example, when used for other purposes - to open bottles).
6. Forceful impact on door structures during burglary attempts, frequent slamming of the door, excessive pressure on the handle.
7. Warping of the door leaf due to wear, poor installation, or external influence. Alignment is required to correct the problem.
8. Attempts to open the lock with a “foreign” key, a low-quality duplicate, or improvised means (master keys, paper clips).
9. Wear of the locking mechanism, shifting of parts. Often requires complete replacement of the device (or cylinder).
10. Manufacturing defect - improper quality or installation of the lock or door.

Troubleshooting methods for various problems

The method of eliminating the breakdown directly depends on the cause of the keyhole breakdown, so it is necessary to consider several options.

Lock clogged

First of all, the keyhole is thoroughly washed with kerosene, vegetable or machine oil. After pouring the liquid, a key is inserted into the hole each time, after which it is removed and wiped with a clean rag. Each time you insert the key, you should try to push it as deep as possible in order to thoroughly rinse the clog. At the same time, the key is turned all the way. Such manipulations are carried out about 2-3 times.

Chunk in the castle

Such a nuisance arises in cases where an intruder tries to get into the apartment and if he is scared off, he can deliberately break the master key in the lock to hide the traces of his crime. However, sometimes the keys in the lock also break for the owners themselves. This type of problem can be easily fixed. If there is someone at home, you just need to push a piece of metal out from the inside with a key. But if there is no one at home, then it is better not to try to remove the part from the lock from the outside yourself. In this case, it is recommended to call a repair specialist.

Difficulty turning the key in the keyhole

Poor key turning can be due to two reasons:

• If it turns poorly when opening and closing the door, then it is necessary to clean the mechanism from clogging;
• If poor turning occurs only when the door is closed, then this directly indicates deformation of the frame or the door leaf itself. If the door is wooden, then the problem can be solved by scraping off the wood material from the side of the lock, but if the door is metal, then it must be replaced with a new one, because this problem cannot be corrected.

Latch stuck

If the front door lock does not open, the problem may be directly related to a jammed latch. This can be solved using a metal blade or ruler, but in the absence of these, a plastic card will do.

You need to try to pull the door well away from the jamb and insert an ax, chisel or something similar between the frame and the door leaf. This is done in order to facilitate access to the tongue. Now you need to take a plastic card or a metal ruler (whatever you managed to get) and press on the tongue, trying to push it inside the lock, after which the door leaf will swing open. After the door has been opened, it is still necessary to figure out the reason for the failure of the lock, and it may consist in a breakdown of the spring mechanism or in its weakening.

Malfunction of the cylinder lock

There are several possible problems:

• Poor lock rotation;
• It is impossible to pull the key out of the hole;
• A creaking noise is heard when turning the key.

If the key is stuck in the keyhole, it is unlikely to remove it without the help of a professional. But you can try the following:

• Lubricate the keyhole with machine oil or kerosene. Then try to turn the key;
• Try to pull out the key using pliers;
• If none of the options work, all that remains is to drill out the cylinder and replace it with a new one.

In addition, one of the reasons for jamming may be door sagging or damage to the hinges. To fix the problem of door sagging, you will need a wedge: this can be either a chisel or a screwdriver. It must be driven into the place where the door leaf overlaps the frame. After the wedge is inserted, you can begin to install the structure in place, and the wedge in this case will act as a lever.

Breakage of the lever lock

If the key in the lever lock turns several times, and the last time it is difficult or does not turn at all, then there is an option to grind off the longitudinal protrusions. After this, you need to try to insert the key from the back side and turn it. But if it is not possible to grind off the protrusions, then you should press the hole a little and insert the key “upside down”.

How to open a door if the lock is jammed?

A common reason for the lock functioning “idle” is the lack of lubrication or its drying out.
It is easy to fix the problem - to do this, a small amount of special equipment must be poured into the well. You can use any lubricant - silicone, graphite, universal WD-40, grease, litol, machine oil, and so on.

After introducing the lubricant into the well, it is advisable to wait a couple of minutes, then insert and turn the key. If you manage to open the door, then the reason was due to improper care.

You cannot use vegetable oil - it will have the opposite effect and become a source of dust and small debris.

If the problem persists and access to the room is blocked, the lock will need to be broken. You can do it yourself or call a specialist. The actions depend on what kind of lock is used - common types:

• cylinder - has a standard key with protrusions and notches;
• level - characterized by an elongated key with peculiar “wings”;
• Phillips - the key is similar to a Phillips screwdriver.

To open the lock, use available materials: wire, a hairpin (as a master key), a metal ruler, you may need tools - a screwdriver, a grinder, a crowbar, a drill. Mostly after the intervention, replacement of the locking mechanism or its individual parts (for example, cylinders, levers) is required.

Often it is not possible to open the door even if the key is turned all the way, if there is a problem with the latch. You can try to solve the problem using a flat and hard object - a plastic card, an aluminum ruler, a knife blade. It must be carefully placed in the gap between the door leaf and the frame and pulled back. This will provide access to the tongue - you need to hook it and press it into the lock, then the door will unlock.

However, after opening it is necessary to carry out diagnostics, otherwise the situation may repeat. The main reason why the latch is blocked is a weakening or malfunction of the spring mechanism. If the tongue breaks (due to impact, slamming), you will need to disassemble the lock to remove parts.

If there are problems with the door handle, the method of action depends on its type. There are 2 main groups:

• knob - typical for interior doors;
• on the socket - installed on the entrance doors.

To get to the mechanism and open the door, you need to take into account the features of the handles. The knob has a decorative round flange with a diameter of 50-55 mm. The handle is light and hollow, consists of 2 parts - rotating devices on both sides of the blade and a latch.

To access the handle mechanism, you need to:

1. Remove the handle by pressing the locking pin with a sharp object, while pulling it towards you.
2. Remove the flange by using a screwdriver to pry it into the special recess (groove). Below it are the mounting screws. They need to be unscrewed.
3. Remove the halves of the locking device.
4. Remove the latch attached to the end of the door with self-tapping screws.

The handle on the rosette has a flange with a diameter of up to 35 mm, it is heavy and, in addition to self-tapping screws, is attached to the door with a locking screw.

To disassemble it, you need:

1. Remove the cover flange by turning counterclockwise.
2. Using a hexagon, unscrew the locking screw located at the bottom.
3. Remove the screws that hold the handle.
4. Remove the halves of the locking device.

The feasibility of repair depends on the type of door handle. Fixed ones do not have a locking mechanism, so they fail completely, that is, they require complete replacement. Push and turn knobs can be repaired; sometimes lubrication of the parts helps.

Repair is advisable if:

• The inner rod is broken. In many Chinese models it is too short, which often causes jamming. In this case, replacement with an elongated rod is required.
• The mechanism is weakened (loose) - it needs to be strengthened with new screws.
• The locking ring was dislodged - the handle fell out, but did not break off.
• Foreign objects (dust, litter, debris) have entered the mechanism.

In other cases, the locking device and fittings are mainly replaced.

Attention! If problems with the lock are related to the skew of the door leaf, force will be required to align it. You will need a tool that acts as a lever - a screwdriver, a chisel, a wedge. The object must be driven into the problem area, installing the door in its original place. At the same time pull it by the handle to open it.

Ways to remove the key

The first thing to do if you encounter such a problem is to decide whether to act on your own or whether it would be better to call a specialist. If the open door is jammed, you can try to solve the problem on your own. If a closed door is jammed, then calling a locksmith will be the best decision, since there is a high probability that even when you manage to pull out the key, the lock will jam when you try to open the door again.

If you decide to act on your own, here are some practical tips.

Try to find WD-40 fluid, it is usually used in repairs and is sold in hardware stores or parts stores. If there is no such liquid, then kerosene, liquid silicone, grease, motor oil or, in extreme cases, vegetable oil will do, which will help unblock the jammed parts. You need to treat the keyhole (WD-40 has a sprayer; if you are using a different lubricant, you can use a syringe), wait a few minutes and try to carefully move the key in different directions for better distribution of the lubricant. To remove the key, try swinging it and pulling it towards you at the same time.

If it does not come out, you need to lubricate the lock, wait 15-20 minutes again and try. You can use pliers or pliers if your hands slip, but in this case you must be extremely careful to avoid breakage. If successful, it is still better to change the lock, since there is a possibility that the problem will happen again.

The following method is suitable for cylinder locks (the type of lock can be easily determined by the shape of the locking device). If the open door is jammed, then you need to open the locking mechanism at the end of the door and unscrew the fastening element, due to which it was impossible to get the key. If the door is closed, you will have to act more radically: use some improvised means to knock out the larva, after which it can be easily pulled out of the lock. Next, you need to press the lock plate with a screwdriver and try to push the tab in. Typically, after several attempts, the door will open. As a result, the cylinder in the lock will have to be changed.

Cylindrical type

If the mechanism is jammed, you can initially try cleaning the hole with a wire brush and lubricating it.
If the problem is stuck garbage, functionality will be restored. If cleansing does not help, you will have to resort to hacking. To unlock a door with a cylinder mechanism, you do not need to remove the lock; you just need to remove the faulty cylinder. Then you need to insert a new part. The cylinder must be purchased in accordance with the size of the previous one, it is better to choose the same brand.

When breaking the locking mechanism, you need to act carefully, but use force:

1. Use a flat screwdriver and insert it into the cylinder as deep as possible.
2. Rotate the tool firmly inside the mechanism.
3. If successful, you will be able to pull out the screwdriver along with the cylinder. You will need to install a new one in place of the faulty cylinder.

If it was not possible to open the door in this way, you can take drastic measures - use a drill. To do this, insert the drill into the hole and drill out the secretion to the end. Then pull out the larva and open the door. This method is indelicate; it will not be possible to save the lock - it will need to be replaced.

Useful tips: how to maintain the integrity of the door locking mechanism

Useful tips will help to significantly preserve the integrity of the front door locking mechanism for a long time. You just need to read the recommendations and try to follow them.

They are as follows:

• there is no need to lubricate the lock secret with oil applied to cotton wool, as the fluff will get inside the mechanism;
• periodically inspect the lock and check its serviceability, and if you identify the slightest defects, begin to eliminate them;
• always treat door hardware with care so that such a situation does not arise;
• if the lock begins to jam during opening and closing, then this is a signal that the locking mechanism needs to either be repaired or replaced;
• if you doubt your competence to dismantle the door lock, it is better to entrust this work to professionals;
• For each class of burglary resistance of locks, different methods are applicable, but the easiest way to deal with cylinder mechanisms;
• It is better to install at least two separate locks on the entrance doors, so that if one of them fails, you can use the second mechanism.

Sources:

• https://ozamkah.ru/ne-otkryvaetsya-klyuchom
• https://svd24.ru/kak-otkryt-dver-esli-zamok-prokruchivaetsya/
• https://dvernoi-doktor.ru/chto-delat-esli-prokruchivaetsya-klyuch
• https://www.mult-servis.ru/questionexpert.php?question=33
• https://www.plan1.ru/hotkovo/news/klyuch-prokruchivaetsya-v-zamke-dveri-chto-delat-78180/

Cross type

The mechanism is characterized by a cross-shaped cylinder.
If lubricating and cleaning the lock does not help, you can open the door using regular chewing gum. It needs to be chewed well, inserted into the core of the lock, and pushed to the base. Wait for it to harden (about 5 minutes), insert a screwdriver (any) and rotate as for opening. The principle is based on the fact that the chewing gum will fill the cavities of the key cut and, when hardened, will take on its shape. You can use another hacking method - using a drill and screwdriver. The method is also suitable if the key is stuck in the well or broken off. The cylinder must be drilled out with a drill with a diameter slightly larger than that of the key. Next, move the core beard and open the mechanism with a screwdriver.

If a child or disabled person is locked in a room and you need to quickly open the door, it is advisable to use a drastic method:

1. Drive a Phillips screwdriver into the lock cylinder to the maximum depth.
2. Turn the tool forcefully (you can use an adjustable wrench).
3. The cylinder rotates, after which the door can be opened.

Hairpins and barrettes can also become master keys

With some skills, you can make tools with which you can perform an intellectual autopsy from an ordinary hairpin. You can also try opening the lock with a paper clip or an iron pin. I must say that any piece of wire will not work here. You should choose those that have suitable strength and mechanical characteristics. It is best to make master keys from the so-called “invisible” ones:

• The pin bends into a straight rod.
• What makes it a master key is the shape of the letter “G” as in the previous description.
• The free end of the hairpin, for convenience, is bent into the form of a handle.
• You also need a second hairpin, straightened and bent at an angle of 90 degrees, which will serve as a lever.
• A lock is a cylindrical secret with pins of different heights that firmly fix it. Similar, spring-loaded pins are located in the body of the lock. A key inserted into the hole acts on the pins, pushing them down. As they sink, they become in a position where their ends coincide with the cut of the secretion. This allows you to rotate the cylinder mechanism, since it is removed from the rigid fixation.

The task is to act on the pins with a master key made of “invisibility” and slightly rotate the cylinder using a pin lever, to place them one after another in a position where unhindered rotation of the lock cylinder is possible.

It is unlikely that you will be able to open the lock in this way if the cylinder mechanism is jammed or completely broken.

If there are no results from using the techniques given in the article, then you can always break into any entrance lock using more radical methods, for example, drilling out the cylinder or knocking out the door.

Related article: How to set up a plastic balcony door

Level type

If cleaning and lubrication do not restore the functionality of the mechanism, it needs to be hacked.
This is not easy for a non-professional to do, since the lever lock is characterized by increased strength and reliability. To open the mechanism and unlock the door, you need to:

1. Prepare 2 master keys; you can use improvised materials - wire, hairpins, paper clips, and so on.
2. One device is inserted into the main board to the maximum depth.
3. Using the second master key, a suitable position of the levers is gradually selected in order to move the main pin. When this is successful, the lock will open.

The method is quite labor-intensive and time-consuming. To speed up the process, you can use a drill with a metal drill; you will also need a master key (wire, knitting needle, pin). You need to drill in the location of the lock secret. Next, a master key is inserted into the well and scrolled. As a result, the levers move, which makes it possible to unlock the door. It will not be possible to keep the lock in working condition; it will need to be replaced.

Possible causes of lock failure

With regret, we have to admit that humanity has not yet invented ideal locking mechanisms. And he’s unlikely to invent it. A very common problem is when the front door lock is stuck .

Locking mechanisms rarely break “suddenly.” Almost any locking mechanism gives signals that a breakdown is about to occur. For example, it jams a little, the key stops turning freely - it is quite possible that soon it will not open at all.

Below we will list you the main causes of failure, which can occur regardless of how high-quality the mechanism is, how expensive it is and what design features it has.

Main causes of failures:

• attempts to open using certain manipulations;
• foreign objects inside the keyhole;
• well contamination (large amounts of dust or metal shavings; a reason very typical for cylindrical mechanisms);
• lack of regular maintenance of the mechanism (lubrication, washing);
• high level of humidity, which provokes swelling of the wooden door leaf;
• strong and frequent slamming of the door;
• there is a high risk of early breakdown if excessive force is often used on the door;
• the unlocking device is not used for its intended purpose (it can be used to open bottles or open various packages);
• skewed door leaf;
• a low-quality duplicate is often used;
• Pins could fall out of the mechanism, the tip could be blocked;
• manufacturing defects.

In general, there are many options to choose from when it comes to damaging a lock or door. And if the locking mechanism does not receive proper preventative care, then the fact that it does not “stick” is simply a miracle.

What to do if the lock is jammed?

How to open a jammed lock ? The most important thing is that you should not make strong physical efforts, this can only worsen the situation. If standard effort is not enough, then “non-standard” efforts will only make the situation worse.

By the way, if the cause of the malfunction is a high level of moisture, then a basic hair dryer can help you out - an excellent option for wooden doors. You can also use a heater.

If a lock in an iron door breaks down, then you should start from the type of lock itself.

Perhaps the best option would be to call a locksmith; he will know exactly how to open the door if the lock is stuck.

What to do if the lock is jammed:

• First of all, you can clean the door and lock slots with a stiff bristle brush (this way you can eliminate dust contamination or peeling paint);
• Then lubricate the mechanism with machine oil (WD-40, kerosene). The key may turn.
• If it doesn't turn over, we move on. We are trying to pull out the key using pliers.
• If the pliers do not help, the cylinder should be drilled out and replaced.

The above scenario for the development of events is quite radical. You also need to investigate options for shrinkage, skewed position of the canvas or damage to the hinges.

Take: wedge/flat screwdriver/chisel.

What we do: we drive the tool into the place where the door leaf overlaps the frame. If the wedge is even slightly clogged in the slot hole, then we try to put the structure in place, using the wedge as a lever. At the same time, pull the handle to open the iron door.

Cylinder lock failure

It is also called larval.

What could happen (scenarios):

• the key cannot be pulled out;
• it takes quite a lot of effort to turn the key;
• A squeak is noticeable during revolutions.

Only a technician can remove a stuck key with minimal risk to the condition of the locking mechanism.

Damage to the suvalny lock

• To prevent the key from being inserted incorrectly, grind off the longitudinal protrusions (if the situation does not allow grinding, you can slightly press the well).
• Try inserting the key from the opposite side and try to open the door again.

How to remove a stuck key

The mechanism should be treated using silicone spray. Then, with careful movements, you can pull out the stuck key.

Important: if this is successful, the mechanism or its mask should be replaced so that such an awkward situation does not happen again. If the key is stuck, this is another reason to replace it.

There is another situation: complete serviceability is demonstrated when the door is open. But as soon as you start closing the door, the key immediately gets stuck after the first turn.

What to do: try boring the door frame with a file, drill or grinder.

For the more experienced: you can also use pins to open it. But this work requires a lot of time and careful preparation. In addition, there is a high risk that the studs will break and further aggravate the situation. And then you cannot do without radical measures.

What if the lock tongue is jammed?

When the door is not closed, but you cannot open it with the usual turn of the handle, it means that the tongue is jammed. You can use a flat and flexible object (for example, a card, a knife or a metal ruler) Place the object in the gap between the leaf and the lock box (where the tab is located), then you need to tilt the object towards the door handle and press it, then press the object away yourself (at the same time you need to press the door and pull it towards you).

The reasons why a key gets stuck in a hole or a lock is jammed are often common. No matter how high-quality a mechanism is, if it is used for a long time, it begins to lose its initial “sales appearance” not only externally, but also internally, qualitatively. Therefore, any mechanism requires attention, care and repair, and sometimes complete replacement.

What to do if the key is stuck or broken?

If the key cannot be pulled out of the hole or has broken off in it, lubricant will help remove it - for example, machine oil. Introduce the product into the mechanism and leave for 20-30 minutes. Next, grab the key or fragment with pliers, slightly loosen it and try to pull it out.

Attention! The method is effective if the broken part allows you to clamp it with a tool. It will also help if the key has not yet turned in the hole.

In other cases, you will need to open the mechanism along with the key, change the lock or cylinder with a new one.

If the jam occurs only when the door is closed, this indicates a misalignment of the door leaf. The box needs to be ground down using a file or drill.

Getting stuck inside the lock

If during the extraction process the key breaks due to excessive force and gets stuck in the lock, you can try to get the broken piece out yourself and use a duplicate, since it is quite possible that the lock has already been unlocked with grease. There are two possible scenarios:

• If there is a piece of debris sticking out of the lock, you can try using pliers, pliers or tweezers to turn it to the desired position and pull it out.
• The fragment is inside: with a sharp object, for example, a hairpin, a paper clip, a knitting needle, etc., pull the fragment, and then pull it out with tweezers. A jigsaw file is also suitable for these purposes: you need to break off the fastening tip, stretch the file along the rod and turn the teeth towards the fragment, and then pull it out.

A universal method is to use a strong magnet, but this method will only work if the key is made of high-quality metal. As mentioned above, the larva will have to be changed after all the manipulations.

Fault prevention

To avoid problems with the locking mechanism, it is recommended to choose a quality product.
When purchasing, it is important to clarify whether there is a warranty on the lock, check the smooth movement of the tongue, make sure there is no rust, abrasions, damage, look at the manufacturer - Austrian, German, Polish, and Turkish devices are considered good.

Preventative measures to prevent malfunctions from occurring:

1. Carrying out maintenance measures - cleaning from dust, dirt, lubrication.
2. Correct operation of the lock - for example, you can turn the key only when it is completely inserted into the hole.
3. Do not allow the door leaf to skew, straighten it immediately - even if the locking mechanism is still functioning normally.
4. Do not use keys of poor quality, scratched or broken.
5. Open the door by the handle, do not pull the key.
6. Avoid force (slamming doors, hitting).

Every person has encountered a problem in the operation of the locking mechanism - it is necessary to take action at the first sign of a malfunction. If the door lock rotates, it is first recommended to clean and lubricate it. If maintenance measures do not help and the door is locked, you will need to open the mechanism. This requires replacing the lock or its individual elements. Prevention ensures long-term operation of the locking device and avoids blocking access to the premises.

Features of mechanism designs

Most often, owners of lever locking devices encounter a problem when the key blank rotates in the lock. This is due to the features of their design. They are equipped with a bolt that has a shank that is in direct contact with the key. In order for the latter to be correctly positioned relative to the shank post, another element is used, which is called a guide.

If the lock in the door structure is installed incorrectly, the bolts experience increased friction when in contact with the striker. As a result, internal mechanisms operate under increased loads. The rotary tooth of the unlocking element usually begins to wear out first, since it is most often made of a softer metal than the shank of the bolt. Over time, wear becomes so severe that the unlocking element of the locking device simply rotates because it cannot catch on the bolt comb.

Cylinder mechanisms are less susceptible to this problem, but another problem can occur with them. In many cases, it is associated with an attempt to break into the locking device.

Many locking elements are equipped with protection against opening with a roll, which destroys the internal mechanism of the cylinder and makes further manipulation impossible. Unfortunately, once the security system is triggered, the device cannot be opened with anything. Also, the problem with opening cylinder products may be due to wear of the mechanism that transmits rotation from the cylinder to the crossbars.

Practical recommendations

1. In order not to periodically waste time and not rack your brains over what to do if the front door lock is jammed, you need to do regular maintenance of the mechanism. What may indicate the need for lubrication?

• Characteristic sounds (grinding, rustling) when turning the key.
• It gets stuck in the cylinder when trying to insert/pull it out.
• Difficulty turning.

1. Special pads help prevent contamination of the keyhole. This is primarily relevant for street doors installed at the entrance to a building.

1. Often the locking mechanism has a complex design, to which an original key is attached. Practice confirms that if such a lock breaks, it is much easier to replace its cylinder (for a cylinder model) or the core of a lever lock (with subsequent recoding). Even an experienced master will not be able to make a one-to-one duplicate of such a key, having only a sample of it. The result is increased wear of the material and clogging of the mechanism with metal dust. After some time, you are faced with the fact that the key in the lock does not turn.

Do not forget that any method of solving the problem of stubborn constipation requires care. Excessive efforts are unlikely to eliminate it, but they may well aggravate it. If the lock does not budge, it is better to turn to professionals.

Types of locking mechanisms and types of keys

To open a lock mechanism without a key with minimal damage, you need to understand the type of lock, its structure and then select the necessary opening method.

There are two types of locks installed on modern iron doors:

• Mortise - the mechanism box is installed in the middle of the door leaf (which partially disrupts it);
• Inset - differs from the first one in that the lock is installed before the doors are assembled.

As for the mechanisms used, the following are most often used in metal doors:

• Level plate - consists of plates that, when the key is turned, appear in a certain sequence (the more there are, the more reliable the device;
• Cylindrical (pin) - consists of blocks (washers, pins) that, when rotated, act on the crossbars and the door opens.

Pin mechanisms are divided into privacy groups:

• Low security (up to 10 thousand) - easy to open with master keys. Key type two and one-sided English (butterfly key), cross.
• Medium (up to 5 million combinations) – opens using the “punch card” type.
• High (more than 100 billion) - punched card and Finnish key.

The lever mechanisms are opened with a butterfly key. The degree of protection directly depends on the quality, and the quality, in turn, depends on the price.

Eliminating door frame defects

Over time, the door frame may become loose in its fastenings and sag. There can be many reasons: installation errors, moisture, significant weight of the door leaf, long-term operation. The problem can be solved by strengthening the fastenings of the door frame or by radically reinstalling it. The choice of method depends on the state of the fastening.

In any case, you will need to remove the trim and assess the situation. Pay attention to the integrity of the box, the strength of its installation in the opening (wobbly or not) and the condition of the mounting foam.

If the connection between the elements of the box is broken, remove it and repair it: restore the fastening with self-tapping screws (the parts must first be “seated” with glue). Then install it in place.

If everything is in order with the state of the connections, the cause of the misalignment may be a violation of the geometry of the box: it has sagged somewhere, you need to determine in which direction it has been “led”. The main load falls on the box stand on which the hinges are located. Most often it is this side that gets loose, pay attention to it first.

In such a situation, you need to remove the polyurethane foam - completely or in a separate area. Next you need to place the box in the correct position and secure it with wooden wedges. The wedges need to be tapped in pairs, opposite each other (there are two wedges on each side that support each other, this way you will ensure the most reliable fixation of the box in the opening). After driving the wedges, check the correct installation - hang the door and check how it closes, whether the locks and latches work. The door should not touch the frame; there should be equal gaps around the perimeter.

Next, you need to close the door tightly, and insert strips of cardboard folded several times around the perimeter between the canvas and the frame to prevent the possibility of deformation of the box due to expansion of the polyurethane foam. The next stage is filling the space between the slope and the box with polyurethane foam. Wait until completely dry. It's better to leave the box for a day. Then trim off the excess and install the trim in place.

Procedure for replacing a lock cylinder or lock cylinder

They first determine the type of mechanism, since it is easier to replace only its core in order to extend its service life. Often there are cylinder locks available for sale, the design of which is equipped with a cylinder, but this does not apply to every type of lock. There are code mechanisms that require complete replacement if the key is lost or twisted.

The operation of the mechanism will be determined by the type of cylinder, which may be driven by gears or cams, etc. In practice, the larvae of such mechanisms are removed, and various difficult situations should not arise.

Figure 2. Diagram of a lock with a bolt.

Before replacing the internal insert part, that is, the cylinder, it is necessary to make sure that this part is in fact faulty. For this purpose, machine oil is used to lubricate the key, then it is stuck into the cylinder. If the key begins to turn in the door silently or without extra effort, this means that everything is fine with the cylinder, and only lubrication was necessary.

You should absolutely not pour oil into the cylinder, which can only be used to lubricate the key itself.

If lubrication does not help, then the lock mechanism should be changed. The replacement is not difficult, so even a beginner without special professional skills can cope with this task. The main thing is to choose the necessary screwdriver, which has the appropriate shape and diameter.

This type of work must be carried out only after opening the door. The mortise lock mechanism should be freed from the middle screw located on the side where the end tab is located. Then, using the key, you should turn the mechanism to a certain location, in which it will not be too difficult to pull out the cylinder. After removing it, the screw should be saved, because it will be needed in the process of further work.

Features of the new cylinder design

Very often, any cylinder is standardized and fits almost any lock mechanism, that is, you only need to take into account the length of the cylinder. The next step is to purchase a new cylinder. To change the cylinder, you should take it to the store for comparison or simply take a photo.

Figure 3. With frequent use of the wrench, the drive teeth become deformed and small dents form on them.

Often, sellers can accurately select exactly the cylinder that is suitable. It is imperative to check whether the key fits the new part by turning it in the new set. If there are no obstacles, then all that remains is to clarify which company is the manufacturer of the cylinder, and also find out the type of material from which the insert is made.

Next, you will need to insert the core into the lock. If this stage is associated with special costs, then it is best to dismantle the lock by tightening the screws and installing the mechanism in its place where it was before.

Carrying out this procedure will be enough to replace the larva. There are cylindrical mechanisms that are best not dismantled without the help of an experienced technician. These types of mechanisms can only be found in expensive lock models. After changing the cylinder, check how the key turns in it to check the quality of the mechanism. Then all that remains is to give each family member a key to the new lock.

Hacking lever and tongue locks

Lever locks are very popular due to their high degree of reliability. To open such a mechanism without a key you need to:

• Find a similar key, a heavy object to hit;
• At 75%, insert the key, pull and strike.

It may not work the first time, but the method is reliable.

Another type of lever lock - single-row and double-row “laser locks” requires a different approach to solving the problem:

• Find a small metal plate, scissors (for metal), pliers.
• Cut something like a key from the piece and use pliers to make waves.
• Insert all the way;
• To turn.

The first method is also suitable for solving problems with a pump lock - it is often used to protect a garage or driveway.

There are more basic locks, but no less problematic when opened.

A lock with a tongue: you can use a plastic card like in the movies, but most likely the door will not open, and the card will break. It is better to use a metal plate, a screwdriver, or a flat rod - the main thing is that the device fits into the opening between the door frame and the leaf. If it works, you need to press down the tongue and push the door.

A lock with a latch can be opened in this way: remove the handle (you need to find a device to unscrew the bolts), remove the plate that hides the core of the lock. Then feel the latch, press and turn the door handle fastening.

Misalignment due to the fault of the door leaf

Doors made of wood are sensitive to changes in humidity and temperature - swelling of wood fibers can result in changes in the size of the door leaf (the doors do not close because they swelled when open, or, on the contrary, the doors jammed due to swelling when closed).

In such a situation, first of all, you need to eliminate the cause - bring the microclimate parameters back to normal: proper operation of ventilation and maintaining a sufficient temperature level are important.

If the integrity of the door leaf is preserved and the door is simply swollen a little, it may be possible to solve the situation by restoring the normal microclimate - the doors will return to normal without outside help.

In a more complex situation, one can observe an increase in the size of the panels and, as a result, destruction of the connection of the door leaf elements. In this case, it is advisable to contact a carpentry workshop - without special equipment it will be difficult to restore the integrity.