How to Repair a Door That Has a Busted Lock? 

When your door isn’t shutting or locking properly, it can be a huge inconvenience. But if you’re able to repair a door that has a busted lock, it can make your life a lot easier. Whether it’s the lock itself, or a component within it, you can easily fix most lock problems with a little effort and some basic tools. 

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Clean the Lock: A jammed lock can be due to a buildup of debris in the keyhole. A good way to address this issue is to spray the lock with compressed air and then lubricate it with a dry lubricant. You can find a variety of different lubricants, including WD-40, to help clear up the mess and keep your locks operating smoothly. 

Remove the Broken Key: If you can’t get the lock to work by pushing it through a keyhole, you may have a broken key stuck inside. This is not a problem that can be fixed simply by putting the key back in the lock; it will cause further damage to the internal components of the lock. 

If the lock is a rim cylinder, you can fix this problem by removing the back set and re-installing it with the strike plate adjusted to line up with the front set. This should also align the deadbolt with the strike plate and allow the bolt to retract and extend as it is intended. 

Misalignment: If you notice that the deadbolt and strike plate are misaligned, it’s a sign of wear and tear and could be an indicator of a more serious problem. This can be a security risk, and it is something that will need to be addressed by a professional locksmith if you want to ensure your home’s safety. 

You can fix a door that’s misaligned by moving the strike plate to the side or even cutting the hole on the strike and frame to widen it if needed. It’s important to keep in mind that subtle movements can leave your set screws too close together and bind the latching system, so you may need to take a few test runs before you achieve the perfect alignment. 

Apply a Dry Lubricant: Once the dust and grime are cleared up, you can then apply a dry lubricant like graphite or WD-40 to help the parts slide more smoothly. This will be helpful in preventing the lock from jamming in the future, so it’s worth the effort! 

A Sticky Lock: This is another common issue that can cause your lock to jam when you try to turn it. It can be caused by a build-up of dust and dirt in the keyhole, so you’ll need to clean the whole lock mechanism. You can then spray it with compressed air and lubricate it with dry oil, like WD-40 or graphite. 

Use a Compressed Air Tool: You can also use a pressurized air tool to blow away any dust and grime from the keyhole. You can find these in most hardware stores, or you can rent one at a garage or auto shop.