Car Locks Repair
Typically, a locksmith for cars will work with both manual and power door locks. Manual lock problems are more common, but they are still difficult to solve.
A good preventative measure is to use a door lock lubricant in winter, like WD-40. It will displace the moisture and stop it from freezing in the keyhole.
Door Lock Cylinder Replacement
It's a good idea to replace the door lock cylinders immediately when you lose your car keys or suspect that someone else might have. This will ensure you are the only person to unlock your car and keep thieves from entering. Unfortunately, replacing a car door cylinder can be quite difficult, as it requires at minimum dismantling of the interior door panel in the majority of cases. It's not something majority of people would like to do on their own. It can be risky in the wrong way.
The lock cylinder is removed from the handle first. You'll have to locate the screw on the top of the housing (usually the upper right corner). It may be hidden beneath plastic pieces or even barely visible. If you cannot find it, take off any trim panels blocking your view. Use a pick, an awl or a small screwdriver to release the tab on the lock cylinder. Then take the cylinder out of the housing.
Once you have the cylinder removed from the lock, there are a few things you need to do to prepare it to be used. The keyway needs to be cleared of dirt and grease, and the cylinder needs to be lubricated to keep it from sticking in the lock. This can be done by using brake cleaner. It will clean and lubricate all the components of the lock's cylinder. Once the cleaner is employed to clean the cylinder, you can use a screwdriver to remove the bolt of 10mm that connects the handle to the housing of the cylinder.
You can then put in the new cylinder and use it with your original key. It is a good idea to get an cylinder that matches the brand and model of the one you have because it is more likely to fit properly and provide a secure seal. Test the door after installation to make sure that the lock is operating properly and that it is shut securely.
Door Lock Cylinder Repair
The lock cylinder is a part of your car door the key fits into to unlock or secure the door. If you're having difficulty turning the key inside the lock or it becomes stuck, this is a sign that the door cylinder could be damaged and need replacing.
It's usually located near the door handle, however certain cars hide them behind an aluminum piece. When you turn the key, the pins in the cylinder align with cuts on the key head which allows you to move the lock and open the car door. If you have a surface-mounted cylinder, remove the faceplate on the door handle and remove one or two setscrews for the cylinder.
After the screw is removed, you can turn it to remove the door. Place the screws in a bag or in a safe location to replace them later. Then, insert the key into the lock and verify that the tumblers or pins are moving freely. If the cylinder is stuck, or you hear or feel clicking then it's time to replace it.
You can purchase new cylinders for your car at any auto parts store but you'll need be aware of the model and make of your car before you go shopping. You can also contact locksmiths to replace your door cylinder. They'll be able to match the new unit to your existing key, so you can use the lock you have in your possession.
The most common issue is that the cylinder will not turn when you press the key. This can be caused by corrosion or dirt that has accumulated in the cylinder, preventing it from turning freely. This can be easy to fix by lubricating the mechanism. You can make use of brake cleaner or white grease to remove any rust and grime. It's important to note that this technique is only suitable for an cylinder that has been jammed, and it will not solve other problems.
Door Lock Repair
A door lock could be stuck due to rust, dirt or other debris. This can be resolved by spraying WD-40 on the mechanism. This will allow you to loosen the mechanism, and will also stop the issue from occurring in the future. If you cannot turn the lock, try wiggle the rod using needle-nosed pliers. If this doesn't help then you should contact a locksmith to replace the lock.
Another issue with door locks is misalignment. This can make it difficult to use the lock, and is also pose a security risk since it makes it easier to bypass the door in an attempt to gain entry. A locksmith should be sought to correct this issue, however you can usually fix the issue yourself.
To fix the issue begin by inspecting the door lock to find out the cause of why it does not function correctly. If G28 Car Keys is due to a deadbolt that is not aligned properly or a strike plate then tighten the screws that hold these components. Reposition the bolt and strikeplate to align them with the door frame.
If the problem is that the key won't turn or slide in or turn, a small amount of graphite inside the keyhole may help solve this issue. You can apply graphite by squeezing the tube or dusting an old key. Insert the key into the lock, and then turn it for a few times to get the graphite working in the mechanism. If this does not work, you can also remove the knob from the door and examine the spindle; it could be worn out.
The procedure to remove the door handle or door panel is different from vehicle to vehicle, however the general procedure is identical. After you have removed the panel, you'll need to find the set screws that are holding the lock cylinder. These are located on the inside of the handle or in the middle of the panel depending on the model. Remove the screws and then carefully align the cylinder with the keyway. It is possible to damage the components if tightening too tightly the screws.
Door Lock Replacement
If your lock is worn out or appears old, replacing it will give you a new look. It's a simple process that you can do at home in just a few steps. Be sure to be sure to measure your door's latch and deadbolt settings to be able to make sure that the new locks are properly set.
Begin by removing the screws that hold the inside knob plate to the door. Then, pull the knob and latch off. If the plate's interior has no screws and is purely decorative, gently pry it off with a screwdriver. It may be held in place by pins, or it may simply break off at the edge. After the plate is removed, you can take off the deadbolt as well as the latch.
It's now time to install the new plates for your lock. Make sure that the inside and exterior plates are positioned over the deadbolt hole in the jamb for the door, with the long metal spindle from the lock cylinder mechanism passing through both holes. Once you have the plates set, insert screws into the screw holes to hold them in place. If the plate doesn't have any screw holes, you can simply slide it on the latch.
When putting the lock back together, be careful not to reuse the previous screws (unless you have the identical color). Instead utilize the screws that came with the new lock kit. If you don't have the right size screws, head to an improvement or hardware shop and purchase some that match the hardware used on your new door lock.
Make sure that the new deadbolt and latch plates are the same length as the original ones, and that they are centered over the latch hole on the door jamb. After all the components are in place then tighten the screws. You can now test the deadbolt and latch using your key. If the key won't turn, it's time to call locksmith.