From time to time, situations arise when a lock needs to be repaired. The reasons can be very different: for example, the water tap or there is a gas leak. Usually in such situations the problem is solved quickly, sometimes without even waiting for the owners to return home.

Naturally, in this case no one thinks about the integrity of the locking mechanism. After such a rescue operation, the owner of the house is tormented by guesses about how to repair the broken device with his own hands.

Before you start restoration work, it is worth assessing the feasibility of repairs. You can repair the deadbolt on steel entrance doors with your own hands only if the manufacturer has taken care of producing spare parts. Otherwise, you may need to replace the old locking mechanism with a new one.

Repairing door locks with broken housings is carried out using a screwdriver. To do this, you need to unscrew all the mounting screws and replace the broken housing with a new one. This approach is used when restoring overhead-type locking mechanisms installed on an interior or entrance metal door with your own hands.

If the breakdown occurs in the mortise mechanism, you need to remove all the parts step by step and remove the device from the “pocket”. To remove the spring, it is recommended to use a cloth (it will fix the spring).

Removed from metal front door Place the lock on a flat surface and use a screwdriver to remove all the screws securing the case.

After removing the housing of the lock mechanism installed in the interior or entrance door system, it is recommended to remove the dust accumulated inside the device using tweezers.

Then you should carefully inspect the mechanism to identify broken or bent parts. Perhaps the problem is rooted not only in the body, but also inside the locking device, so it will not be possible to repair the lock yourself without such an inspection.

Replacing the larva

The cylinder-type locking mechanisms installed on the entrance metal door have a secret element - a cylinder. If this component breaks, repairing door locks involves replacing the damaged core with a new one.

The whole process looks like this:

1. The end plate is removed from the device.
2. Remove the main screw and remove the cylinder using a key (if the key is suddenly lost, you will need a drill to perform the operation).
3. The new core (it must be identical to the old one) is inserted into the lock of steel entrance doors and secured with a mounting screw.
4. Put on the end strip and screw it on.

If the integrity of the cylinder is broken and it is impossible to remove it or the keys are lost, the cylinder must be drilled out and the core knocked out. And to open the entrance or interior door system you will need a special master key.

If the lever locking device breaks down

Leveling mechanisms are complex devices; it is almost impossible to repair them with your own hands. Therefore, in case of failure, it is recommended to replace the old mechanism with a new one.

Replacing a lever locking device with your own hands is as follows:

1. The door must be in open position. The key is pulled out of the keyhole. Then remove the bolt, handle and armor plate.
2. Look for self-tapping screws (depending on the model of the mechanism, their number can vary from 2 to 4 pieces) and remove them.
3. They take out the old mechanism.
4. A new lock is installed in its place (the parameters should be the same, so it is advisable to purchase the locking device from the same company that was installed before). The assembly of structural elements is carried out in the reverse order.

And one more thing: before you start repairing locks, you need to remember the location of all their elements. Otherwise, you will not be able to assemble the mechanism yourself, or, even worse, incorrect assembly will lead to the final breakdown of the mechanism. In this case, it is better not to rely on your memory, but to take a photo of the device.

Sometimes the problem may not be caused by the operation of the mechanism itself, but by auxiliary elements, for example, the response part. So, if the key is easily inserted into the keyhole and turned, causing the bolts to move, then the problem is rooted in the strike plate. It will have to be wasted.

In addition, the locking mechanism on steel entrance doors requires careful maintenance, since it is regularly exposed to negative factors: humid air, temperature changes, frost, etc. It is recommended to lubricate such a device with machine oil from time to time. Vegetable oil is unacceptable for these purposes! Lubrication is carried out using a syringe: machine oil is taken into the syringe and injected under pressure into the cylinder.

A castle that is frozen in winter should never be heated. hot water: moisture will get into the mechanism and this will only worsen the situation. This problem can be solved in another way: you need to set fire to the newspaper and bring it to the lock.

Knowing how to fix it door lock, most home craftsmen prefer to deal with this problem on their own. However, the result is not always positive, which means that it was not possible to repair the mechanism with your own hands. In this case, it is better to seek the help of a qualified technician.

A lock is a simple mechanism that consists of a set of metal rod plates and a number of springs. Bend or disengagement of each of these elements will cause a malfunction of the lock, which can be easily corrected on your own. Our article will tell you how to repair a lock with your own hands.

General structure of a mechanical door lock

The appearance of door locks may change depending on the requirements for their size and design, but its internal structure remains virtually unchanged.

Regardless of the manufacturer, the lock will always be equipped with a deadbolt (bolt) with a mechanism for its movement and a key recognition mechanism; depending on its shape, it can be called a secret, a cylinder or a cylinder. Without these components, the castle will cease to perform its functions. For ease of use, a handle and a latch bolt (tongue) can be built into the mechanism, allowing you to close or open the door and lock it in the closed state.

Why do locks for interior doors break?

Manufacturers can use mild steel, copper and aluminum alloys to make mechanism levers, which are not able to withstand increased loads for a long time. That is why the main reasons for the failure of the lock mechanism are:

1. Problems with the door leaf or door.
2. The lock mechanism is dusty or rusty.
3. Wear or damage to the internal elements of the lock.

Let's consider the influence of each of the negative factors on the door lock.

Problems with the door leaf or trap

Both interior and exterior doors, regardless of what material they are made of, can become deformed over time. Any change in the door geometry causes a displacement of the lock bolts in relation to the strike plate.

The mechanism for moving the crossbars is not designed to overcome the friction that occurs when the bolt and the bar come into contact. The additional load that arises in this case is distributed to all elements of the lock and causes the breakdown of the weakest link in the system - the secret.

Somewhat less often, for this reason, the crossbars and the mechanism for their movement break.

The lock mechanism is dusty or rusty

Operation of a mechanical lock in very dusty rooms and failure to carry out timely maintenance leads to an increase in internal resistance between the moving parts of the mechanism. Ignoring this problem for a long time may cause the lock to jam or break. This factor is especially dangerous for models that have additional locking rods installed.

No less problems for the operation of the lock are caused by rust that appears on the internal elements of the lock. Only regular cleaning and lubrication of the mechanism can significantly extend the life of the lock and avoid unexpected breakdowns.

Wear or damage to the internal elements of the lock

Even with timely maintenance, the internal elements of the lock experience significant stress and may break. After replacing a failed part, there is a high probability that the lock will serve for many more years.

Mortise lock for door. Repair and maintenance

Let us consider in detail the most common design among all types of locks, used in both wooden and metal doors.

The mortise lock is highly reliable due to the simplicity of the mechanism. The most complex component in its design is the cylinder mechanism, which is easily changed. It is replaced when the key becomes jammed, the mechanism is periodically blocked, keys are lost, etc.

Checking the functionality of any locks and repairing them:

1. Open the door.
2. Check the operation of the lock for any play or jamming.
3. Compare the operation of the lock when open and closed door, if the mechanism works worse when closed (sticks, does not close, moves more tightly), check the locking bars for friction with the bolt, change the geometry of the locking bars to eliminate friction.
4. Remove the lock.
5. Open the protective cover of the mechanism.
6. Take a photo of the mechanism located inside.
7. Clean the mechanism from dust, rust, and old grease.
8. If necessary, wash the lock with kerosene.
9. Check the integrity of the springs and the condition of the crossbar movement mechanism.
10. Check the operation of the secret without a lock, replace it if necessary.
11. Assemble the lock according to the photo.
12. Install the lock on the seat.
13. On open door check the operation of the lock mechanism.
14. Check the operation of the lock mechanism with the door closed.

In order to avoid the lock breaking down at the most unexpected moment, at the first sign of a malfunction it is necessary to carry out its maintenance. In its process, it is possible to identify problem nodes and eliminate the reason why the lock has become “worse to work.” In addition, regular maintenance carried out on a home door every few years can significantly extend the life of the lock.

During the inspection, special attention must be paid to the condition of the mechanism springs, if necessary, return them to engagement with the seats, and if they break, replace them. Check each lock mechanism individually, identify places of increased friction and units that do not perform their functions, restore the operation of the mechanism (put rods in place, replace plastic bushings, straighten bent ones, replace worn ones).

To perform maintenance or repair on a mortise lock, you must remove the mechanism from the door.

1. Using a hexagon, unscrew the screw that secures the outer door handle to the square.

2. Unscrew the bolt securing the cylinder mechanism

3. Pull the secret onto yourself. At the moment when resistance appears, turn the key to keyhole in order for the secret tongue to disengage with the body and the lock mechanism.

4. Unscrew and remove the bolts securing the lock handles.

5. Remove the handles themselves and the square.

6. Unscrew the screws securing the mortise lock body and remove it.

7. Clean the lock seat from dust and shavings.

8. Check the integrity of the handle mechanism, clean it from dust and lubricate it. Special attention In this case, you need to pay attention to the return mechanism springs and limiters.

9. Clean off dirt and check the operation of the lock cylinder (secret).

10. If the key in it is broken, remove its fragments using tweezers.

11. Lubricate the slave cylinder.

12. Unscrew the bolts securing the protective lock body and remove the top cover.

13. Clean the inside of the lock from dust and rust.

14. Check the condition of the springs and steel rods.

15. Lubricate the moving parts.

16. Assemble the mechanism for moving the bolt and latch, check its operation.

17. Install the lock onto the seat in the reverse order indicated.

18. Check the operation of the lock with the door open and then closed.

19. If necessary, adjust the gaps in the striker plate.

Handle-lock for interior doors. Repair and maintenance

Due to the optimal ratio of cost and reliability, the handle-lock (handle-knob) ranks first in popularity among locks for interior doors. The unique yet simple handle-lock design is easy to repair. Most often, the return springs and latch mechanism break down; repair of the lock handle in most cases is limited to returning disengaged springs and rods to their seat.

To perform repairs or maintenance, you will need to remove the knobs (covers on the handles), for which:

1. Find a special hole on the body of the decorative trim.

2. By turning the handle, we move the spring hook directly under the slot.

3. Using a special key or a clock screwdriver, press the spring lock and at the same time pull the handle off the mechanism. From the side of the latch, remove the decorative trim by simply prying it off with a screwdriver. Unscrew the screws connecting the inner and outer parts of the lock

4. We take out the inner and then the outer part of the lock.

5. Unscrew the two screws that hold the latch in place and remove it.

After dismantling all parts of the lock is completed, we check the integrity of the mechanical elements, clean the mechanism from dust and dirt, and lubricate the working parts of the mechanism.

Particular attention must be paid to cleaning and lubricating the latch mechanism.

Integrity of the return and locking mechanism of the handle.

After checking and repairing, the handle is installed in its seat. The lock's operation is being checked.

Regular maintenance of the door lock, its lubrication and periodic performance checks will be the best preventive measure that will allow you to timely prevent failure of the locking mechanism, which will save you time and money and will allow you to avoid emergency opening of the door by breaking the lock.

Sometimes the door lock breaks after prolonged use. What to do in this case - call a locksmith and buy a new lock? Don't rush to do this. Using the simple recommendations that we will provide you, you can repair the door lock yourself, if you have the necessary tools, without much difficulty.

Nowadays, most door locks are mortise; overhead locks are also found, but less frequently. In these locks, the locking mechanisms are of the cylindrical type. The ease of replacement explains their popularity. Therefore, when a lock breaks, there is no need to change the whole thing, but you can only change the cylinder, or as it is also called, the cylinder. As a rule, they are interchangeable in commercially produced door locks. To successfully repair a door lock, purchase a new lock. If you still doubt the correctness of the purchase, then remove the old cylinder and contact the seller so that he can help you make the right choice. To remove it, insert the key and open the door. Remove the trim from the end of the lock and look, there will be a screw under the retractable lock (lever) that you need to unscrew with a screwdriver. Turn the key to a position where the cylinder comes out of the lock freely. When your key is broken or lost, take a drill with an appropriate drill (10 mm) and drill out the internal moving part of the cylinder. Select all the fragments with tweezers and use a screwdriver, inserting it into the slot that is located deep in the cylinder, and turn it to a position where it freely comes out of the lock.

To install a new cylinder in the door lock, you must perform the same procedure, only in reverse order. Insert the key into the keyhole and turn it to such a position that the cylinder fits freely into the lock. Try using the key to see how the lock works, and only then tighten the screw that holds the cylinder in the desired position. Next, screw the trim into place, and you can consider the repair complete.

If the lock cylinder is in order, but the mechanism itself is working poorly, then you will have to remove it from the door, clean and lubricate it:

• Unscrew all the linings and remove the handles, then remove the cylinder and all the screws that hold the lock in the door.
• Next, remove the lock. There are screws on the lock body that must be unscrewed to remove the cover.
• Under the cover there will be the lock mechanism itself. Look carefully and remember how it works, or better yet, take a photo if you have the opportunity.
• Then clean all parts from dust. It is best to clean with a small paint brush.
• Next, lubricate all moving parts of the mechanism with machine oil.
• After that, close the lid, tighten the screws, and insert the cylinder, try how the mechanism works. If his work satisfies you, then the lock can be put back on the door.
• The work is done in reverse order. You need to insert the lock and tighten the screws that secure it. Then insert the cylinder, install the handles and screw on the lining.

Now you know how to fix a door lock. Follow our instructions carefully and you will succeed.

A lock is a simple mechanism that consists of a set of metal rod plates and a number of springs. Bend or disengagement of each of these elements will cause a malfunction of the lock, which can be easily corrected on your own. Our article will tell you how to repair a lock with your own hands.

General structure of a mechanical door lock

The appearance of door locks may change depending on the requirements for their size and design, but its internal structure remains virtually unchanged.

Regardless of the manufacturer, the lock will always be equipped with a deadbolt (bolt) with a mechanism for its movement and a key recognition mechanism; depending on its shape, it can be called a secret, a cylinder or a cylinder. Without these components, the castle will cease to perform its functions. For ease of use, a handle and a latch bolt (tongue) can be built into the mechanism, allowing you to close or open the door and lock it in the closed state.

Why do locks for interior doors break?

Manufacturers can use mild steel, copper and aluminum alloys to make mechanism levers, which are not able to withstand increased loads for a long time. That is why the main reasons for the failure of the lock mechanism are:

1. Problems with the door leaf or door.
2. The lock mechanism is dusty or rusty.
3. Wear or damage to the internal elements of the lock.

Let's consider the influence of each of the negative factors on the door lock.

Problems with the door leaf or trap

Both interior and exterior doors, regardless of what material they are made of, can become deformed over time. Any change in the door geometry causes a displacement of the lock bolts in relation to the strike plate.

The mechanism for moving the crossbars is not designed to overcome the friction that occurs when the bolt and the bar come into contact. The additional load that arises in this case is distributed to all elements of the lock and causes the breakdown of the weakest link in the system - the secret.

Somewhat less often, for this reason, the crossbars and the mechanism for their movement break.

The lock mechanism is dusty or rusty

Operation of a mechanical lock in very dusty rooms and failure to carry out timely maintenance leads to an increase in internal resistance between the moving parts of the mechanism. Ignoring this problem for a long time may cause the lock to jam or break. This factor is especially dangerous for models that have additional locking rods installed.

No less problems for the operation of the lock are caused by rust that appears on the internal elements of the lock. Only regular cleaning and lubrication of the mechanism can significantly extend the life of the lock and avoid unexpected breakdowns.

Wear or damage to the internal elements of the lock

Even with timely maintenance, the internal elements of the lock experience significant stress and may break. After replacing a failed part, there is a high probability that the lock will serve for many more years.

Mortise lock for door. Repair and maintenance

Let us consider in detail the most common design among all types of locks, used in both wooden and metal doors.

The mortise lock is highly reliable due to the simplicity of the mechanism. The most complex component in its design is the cylinder mechanism, which is easily changed. It is replaced when the key becomes jammed, the mechanism is periodically blocked, keys are lost, etc.

Checking the functionality of any locks and repairing them:

1. Open the door.
2. Check the operation of the lock for any play or jamming.
3. Compare the operation of the lock with the door open and closed; if the mechanism works worse when closed (it sticks, does not close, moves more tightly), check the locking bars for friction with the bolt, change the geometry of the locking bars to eliminate friction.
4. Remove the lock.
5. Open the protective cover of the mechanism.
6. Take a photo of the mechanism located inside.
7. Clean the mechanism from dust, rust, and old grease.
8. If necessary, wash the lock with kerosene.
9. Check the integrity of the springs and the condition of the crossbar movement mechanism.
10. Check the operation of the secret without a lock, replace it if necessary.
11. Assemble the lock according to the photo.
12. Install the lock on the seat.
13. With the door open, check the operation of the lock mechanism.
14. Check the operation of the lock mechanism with the door closed.

In order to avoid the lock breaking down at the most unexpected moment, at the first sign of a malfunction it is necessary to carry out its maintenance. In its process, it is possible to identify problem nodes and eliminate the reason why the lock has become “worse to work.” In addition, regular maintenance carried out on a home door every few years can significantly extend the life of the lock.

During the inspection, special attention must be paid to the condition of the mechanism springs, if necessary, return them to engagement with the seats, and in case of breakdown, replace them. Check each lock mechanism individually, identify places of increased friction and units that do not perform their functions, restore the operation of the mechanism (put rods in place, replace plastic bushings, straighten bent ones, replace worn ones).

To perform maintenance or repair on a mortise lock, you must remove the mechanism from the door.

1. Using a hexagon, unscrew the screw that secures the outer door handle to the square.

2. Unscrew the bolt securing the cylinder mechanism

3. Pull the secret onto yourself. At the moment when resistance appears, turn the key in the keyhole so that the secret tongue disengages from the body and the lock mechanism.

4. Unscrew and remove the bolts securing the lock handles.

5. Remove the handles themselves and the square.

6. Unscrew the screws securing the mortise lock body and remove it.

7. Clean the lock seat from dust and shavings.

8. Check the integrity of the handle mechanism, clean it from dust and lubricate it. Particular attention should be paid to the return mechanism springs and limiters.

9. Clean off dirt and check the operation of the lock cylinder (secret).

10. If the key in it is broken, remove its fragments using tweezers.

11. Lubricate the slave cylinder.

12. Unscrew the bolts securing the protective lock body and remove the top cover.

13. Clean the inside of the lock from dust and rust.

14. Check the condition of the springs and steel rods.

15. Lubricate the moving parts.

16. Assemble the mechanism for moving the bolt and latch, check its operation.

17. Install the lock onto the seat in the reverse order indicated.

18. Check the operation of the lock with the door open and then closed.

19. If necessary, adjust the gaps in the striker plate.

Handle-lock for interior doors. Repair and maintenance

Due to the optimal ratio of cost and reliability, the handle-lock (handle-knob) ranks first in popularity among locks for interior doors. The unique yet simple handle-lock design is easy to repair. Most often, the return springs and latch mechanism break down; repair of the lock handle in most cases is limited to returning disengaged springs and rods to their seat.

To perform repairs or maintenance, you will need to remove the knobs (covers on the handles), for which:

1. Find a special hole on the body of the decorative trim.

2. By turning the handle, we move the spring hook directly under the slot.

3. Using a special key or a clock screwdriver, press the spring lock and at the same time pull the handle off the mechanism. From the side of the latch, remove the decorative trim by simply prying it off with a screwdriver. Unscrew the screws connecting the inner and outer parts of the lock

4. We take out the inner and then the outer part of the lock.

5. Unscrew the two screws that hold the latch in place and remove it.

After dismantling all parts of the lock is completed, we check the integrity of the mechanical elements, clean the mechanism from dust and dirt, and lubricate the working parts of the mechanism.

Particular attention must be paid to cleaning and lubricating the latch mechanism.

Integrity of the return and locking mechanism of the handle.

After checking and repairing, the handle is installed in its seat. The lock's operation is being checked.

Regular maintenance of the door lock, its lubrication and periodic performance checks will be the best preventive measure that will allow you to timely prevent failure of the locking mechanism, which will save you time and money and will allow you to avoid emergency opening of the door by breaking the lock.

Vlad Taranenko, rmnt.ru