If you are like many homeowners, you may be in need of help with a problematic window lock repair. In fact, broken locks can be a very frustrating and even dangerous situation to deal with. Because they are part of the glass of a window, a burglar has an even easier time breaking through them since they are more easily breakable. This is especially true for double-hung and picture windows that have no locks at all. The result is that homeowners are often forced to spend hours trying to unscramble their locks in order to gain entry into the home. It can be a very frustrating and even dangerous situation for those who are not trained in the proper ways to get the job done.
Luckily, there are a few simple steps that you can take in order to repair a window lock in no time at all. The first thing that you want to do is make sure that the window lock is not functioning properly. This is especially true if there is no key for the door. Many times this can be determined by simply looking inside of the house to see if the door or window has been tampered with in any way. If the door is not working correctly, there are a few different things that you can try in order to get the problem fixed.
One of the most common methods of window lock repair involves replacing the deadbolt with a new one. This can be achieved by picking out the strike plate - which is located directly underneath the deadbolt - and filing or polishing it so that it matches the deadbolt. Many times it is possible to replace the entire deadbolt without changing the strike plate, but this is usually only a good idea if the window lock repair is a small fix that doesn't require much effort on your part. If you are going to go this route, it is important to remember that deadbolts do not always function properly, so it may be more effective to just replace the lock instead.
Many people find that they need to replace the entire deadbolt, and this is a common choice when it comes to window lock repair. In most cases, the lock will need to be pulled back completely in order for the new one to fit; however, in some cases it may be possible to fit the new one using an existing hole. This is a very good option because it is less likely to cause damage to the window or door frame when you are carrying out the replacement. The other option that is often used is to cut off the existing deadbolt. This can be achieved by either removing it from the wall, taking it apart, or by using a reciprocating saw that has a series of cutting blades.
When choosing the new replacement, you will want to select something that closely matches the style and color of the original. If there was an additional lock added to the property when the original was constructed, it is likely that the new lock will be manufactured to match. The same is true for the window and door; if there was a screen added to the screen door, the replacement is more likely to be the same as well. If the door does not open and close smoothly, it is always wise to take it to a locksmith so that they can figure out what is going on with the lock.
In most cases, you will be able to tell what type of problem is occurring with your lock by looking in the keyhole. A professional locksmith will be able to identify the problem much more easily than you can, and they will have much better tools for the job as well. Sometimes the only way to tell is by taking the lock to a repair shop. They will be able to look at it and either replace it with a new one, or to refinish it. Either option is perfectly acceptable depending upon where you live. Whether you choose to do it yourself or go to a professional, you will find that window lock repair is a do-it-yourself task that anyone can take on.
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