double glazed window repairs - How to Fix Common Problems If a lock doesn't latch properly is a clear sign that it needs to be repaired. CR's testers use lipstick to mark where the latch contacts the strike plate. Tightening the hinge screws could fix the issue. Spraying a dry lubricant, such as powdered graphite or WD-40, on the lock cylinder could also aid. Check the Latch The latch is an extension bolt that extends beyond the door frame and locks the lock when the handle or knob is retracted. Popular options for increased security are deadbolts and positively locking latches. If the latch does not close or latch properly it may be due to a misalignment of the latch and strikeplate within the door frame. One common cause is hinges that have become loose, and they tend to sag over time and cause the latch to miss the strike plate. To determine this, conduct an experiment with lipstick. Smear some lipstick on the edge of the latch and attach a strip of masking tape to the strike plate. Close the door, and you'll be able to see where the latch connects to the plate. This will allow you to determine whether the contact is high or low to function properly. You'll require the replacement of a strike plate when the latch is more than 1/8 too low or high. This is a simple task that is usually accomplished without removing the doors. You will need to use a filing tool to expand the strike hole for your plate. A half-round file is best since it matches the shape of the strike plate hole. After moving the strike plate, you'll need to tighten screws that secure it to the door's frame. This should be enough to get your door to latch and close properly. If this doesn't work, tighten the hinge screws on either side of the door and test if that helps. If the latch is not in alignment even after lubrication, you will require more drastic measures. You can try taking off the strike plate and using a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise of the strike plate which allows you to move the strike up or down. You can also use a metal filing to reshape your strike plate to fit better into the mortise. You may want to think about this option if you are worried about the strike plate breaking off while traveling in your RV. Check the Keyway If your lock is not working properly, you may be leaving yourself and your property vulnerable to burglars. The good news is that certain kinds of door lock issues can be resolved without the need for a professional. This is the case with a lock or a key that isn't turning. The earlier you spot an issue, the more likely it is to fix it on your own. If your key isn't sliding into the lock or turning smoothly it may have rough spots that need to be sanded off. Locksmiths can help you with this however it's a simple do-it-yourself project that you can do at home. Place the key in and move it around looking for a spot which is producing friction. If you spot any of these spots, use a fine metal file to smooth out the rough areas. A jammed or locked bolt or latch is a different issue. This could be caused by debris or keys that have broken and lodged itself in the mechanism. You can employ a needle or pin to remove the debris. However, it is best to contact a locksmith in order to conduct a thorough examination and remove the broken part. A deadbolt that isn't extended over the strike plate may be a sign of a faulty lock. Over time, the screws that hold your deadbolt together may loosen and cause it to shift. This makes your home more vulnerable to burglars. If the deadbolt continues to shift it is possible to upgrade the hardware. If you are having trouble with a cylinder which won't move when you turn the key, the key cylinder could be stuck. If this is the problem, you can use the lubricant. You can also apply dry lubricant, or WD-40 spray to lubricate and remove any buildup. These products can be kept in a bottle that is convenient and used regularly to keep your locks in good condition. A lock that is lubricated is more likely to last longer than locks that aren't. Check the Hinges If the door lock cylinder turns easily when the door is opened but won't stay locked when you close it hinges that are loose are usually to the blame. This issue is fixable. To fix the issue fix it, tighten all the screws on the hinges. If the problem persists you may try removing or adding hinge'shims' in order to adjust alignment. These small metal plates are available at hardware stores or online. You can also sand the edges of the hinge mortises, which are the slots that hold the hinges, to allow them to sit in a straight line with the frame. Another common cause of trouble locking is that the bolt for the latch may be too high or low in the strike plate. To determine this, apply a small amount of lipstick on the latch. Then place a stripe of masking tape over the strike plate. When you close the door the lipstick will rub off the part of the tape it comes into contact with, leaving a mark that will indicate whether the latch is in contact with the strike plate above or below the hole. Finally, if the latch isn't interacting properly with the strike plate it could be due to an accumulation of grime and dirt. A q-tip coated with graphite or silicone spray will help to remove this obstruction, allowing the lock to function exactly as it should. If the problem persists even after lubricant is applied, it could be that the lock cylinder is jammed and requires replacement. This is a job for an expert, but not that difficult for anyone familiar with basic home repairs. When replacing the lock cylinder, choose one that's tested and rated by the BHMA to avoid problems with fitting and finish. The hardware for the door lock could be flimsy or poorly designed. This type of lock might require more maintenance and will last longer than a top-quality lock. If this is the case, switching to a more durable lock will typically solve the issue. The most important thing is to select a model that's classified as B or better in terms of durability to ensure it will stand up to years of use. Make sure you check the Strike Plate A door latch that does not reach the strike plate could cause a number of problems. It can prevent the door from closing and latching correctly, or make it more difficult to unlock. It's not as difficult to fix as you might think. Doors that are sagging, gravity and even foundation movement can cause a misalignment of the latch and the strike plate. The good news is that simple adjustments are often enough to correct the issue. If you have tried lubricating and tightening the hinges, but it doesn't fix the problem it might be required to move the strike plate to another location to align with the latch. To do this, you must first take off the strike plate and mark where the latch comes into contact with it. You can use a caulk, lipstick or a strip of masking tape that will stain as you close the door to mark this spot. If the mark is below the spot where the strike plate hole is, this indicates that the latch is hitting the plate too high. A lower strike plate position could solve the issue. If the mark is higher than the strikeplate hole you may need to move the strikeplate up. Once you've determined the direction in which the strike plate must be adjusted, you can remove the strike plate from the frame. Place the screws in a secure place so that you can replace them at a later date. You will also need to grease the keyway on the strike plate to ensure that it can move effortlessly. Then, you must determine if the contact point of the latch is above or below the strike plate hole. You can do this by applying paint, lipstick or chalk to the latch. After closing the door, you can open it to observe where the mark has been left on the latch or masking tape. If the mark is located below the strikeplate, this means that the latch is striking the strikeplate too low. A higher strikeplate position can solve the issue. To adjust the strike plate, remove it from the mortise. Then with a sharp knife, chisel or hammer widen the plate so that it can be moved upwards or downwards to align with the position of the latch. Check the door after the strike plate is moved to make sure that it closes and latches effortlessly. After you've completed the adjustments, you'll have to attach the strikeplate back to the frame of the door and fill any old screwholes or gaps with woodfill that matches the frame's other parts.
double glazed window repairs
