The grinding of metal when turning the key in the larva of the castle often indicates a critical wear of brass pins or drying of the factory lubricant in the secrecy mechanism. If you hear a ringing clang or a thud, it may indicate a shift in the rigs relative to the response bar or a deformation of the door box itself. Ignoring these acoustic signals leads to jamming of the mechanism, after which operation of the door becomes impossible without drilling or knocking out the shut-off device.
Extraneous noise when interacting with a keyhole is the first indicator that the internal mechanics require your intervention. Depending on the nature of the sound, whether it is a whistle, friction or a blow, it is possible to pinpoint the node that has failed. Timely diagnosis avoids expensive replacement of the entire locking unit, limiting the adjustment or maintenance of individual elements.
Diagnostics of the nature of sound signals
The initial assessment of the condition of the lock begins with a careful listening to the sounds emitted by the mechanism during operation. Dry friction, resembling a creak, most often occurs due to the lack of lubricant between the moving parts of the larva. When metal elements rub against each other without oil film, there is accelerated wear of surfaces, which ultimately changes the geometry of the key or the interior of the lock.
If when turning the key, a characteristic metal ringing or a blow is heard, this indicates a mechanical discrepancy in the position of the rigs and holes in the return bar. rigelie They can touch the edges of the holes if the door sagged or if the lock itself was installed in violation of technology. This sound is often accompanied by a tight stroke of the key and the need to make efforts to close or open the door.
In some cases, intermittent cracking can be heard, which indicates a break in the internal springs or pins inside the cylinder mechanism. Crackling when turning the key is a critical signal requiring immediate replacement of the larvaSince further operation may result in the key remaining inside or the mechanism jamming in the closed position. It is important to distinguish between sounds coming from the lock itself and sounds transmitted through the doorway from hinges or fittings.
- 🔊 Scream is a sign of drying lubricant or getting dust into the larva.
- 🔨 Click or knock - indicates a skewed door or improper installation of the lock.
- ⚙️ Crack signals the breakdown of the internal components of the secrecy mechanism.
The main causes of noise
There are several fundamental reasons why the castle starts to make unpleasant sounds. The first and most common cause is wear-and-wear details. Over time, even high-quality materials lose their properties, face, and the gaps between the parts increase, which generates backlashes and vibrations, perceived by ear as noise.
The second important reason is foreign-borneness Or dirt in the keyhole. Dust, mixed with the remains of the old lubricant, forms an abrasive paste, which not only creates noise, but also works as sandpaper for parts. Also a frequent problem is the use of low-quality duplicate keys, which have microscopic burrs that scratch the insides of the mechanism.
The third group of causes is related to external factors, such as: temperature and humidity. The metal has the property of expanding and contracting, which can temporarily disrupt the mechanism, causing jamming and associated noise. During winter, the condensate inside the castle can freeze, creating an icy plug that crunches when trying to turn the key.
The influence of weather on the operation of the castle
In the cold season, the moisture that gets inside the mechanism freezes and blocks the movement of pins. Trying to turn the key in a frozen lock can lead to its breakage. It is recommended to use non-freezing lubricants or warm the castle with warm air.
Required tools and materials
For high-quality noise elimination, you will need a minimum set of tools that are found in every home. The main instrument is lubricationBut it is important to choose the right type. Graphite lubricants are ideal for suvald locks, as they do not freeze or thicken. For cylinder mechanisms, it is better to use Teflon (PTFE) sprays or silicone lubricants that do not stick to dust.
You'll need it, too. cleaning-stuffA WD-40 aerosol or a special contact cleaner to remove old dirt and residues of waste oil before applying the new formulation. Don’t forget to prepare the rags without the pile to wipe out the excess liquid draining from the keyhole. In some cases, a cross screwdriver may be required to dismantle the decorative linings or the lock itself.
| Materials | Type of castle | Efficiency | Price. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graphite lubrication | suvald | Tall. | Low. |
| Teflon spray | cylinder | Very high. | Medium |
| Machine oil. | Any (not recommended) | Low (thickening) | Low. |
| Silicone lubricant | cylinder | Medium | Medium |
Never use vegetable oil to lubricate locks. It eventually oxidizes, turns into a sticky mass and firmly blocks the mechanism.
Step-by-step instructions for lubricating the lock
The lubrication process begins with a thorough cleaning of the mechanism from old dirt. Insert the purifier spray tube deep into the keyhole and make a few short injections. After that, several times turn the key mechanism to "stir up" old deposits, and blow the well again. Allow the solvent to dry completely within 5-10 minutes.
In the next step, make the selected lubrication. If you use a spray, direct the jet at different angles, turning the key so that the composition hits all the moving parts. If liquid lubrication is used, apply a couple of drops to the key and insert it into the well, distributing the substance over the inner walls. The main rule is not to overdo it, excess lubricant will flow out and soil the door.
The final stage is the development. Smoothly, without jerks, open and close the lock 10-15 times. This will help to evenly distribute the lubricant and remove the residue of noise. If the sound remains after the procedure, perhaps the problem lies deeper, and it is necessary to disassemble or replace the larva.
☑️ Lubrication checklist
⚠️ Attention: When using pressure aerosols, protect your eyes and airways. Do the work in a well-ventilated room and use protective gloves, as chemicals can cause skin irritation.
Larva replacement and adjustment of mechanism
If the lubricant did not help and the sound of the door opening key was preserved, most likely, it failed itself. larvae (cylinder) Replacing this element is a simple procedure, but requires care. First, you need to unscrew the screw located on the end of the door, which fixes the larva. Then, turning the key to the position "open", remove the cylinder from the lock case.
When installing a new larva, it is important to make sure that its dimensions fully match the old one. The length of the cylinder should be such that it protrudes symmetrically on both sides of the door or in accordance with the design of your door. After installation, fix the locking screw and check the operation of the key on both sides. The key should be turned smoothly, without jamming and unnecessary sounds.
If the noise comes from the interaction of the rigs with the response bar, it may be necessary to lock-setting Or the counterbar. Weaken the fasteners and try to slightly shift the bar up or down, achieving a perfect match of holes. Sometimes it helps to undermine the edges of the holes with a file if the rigs touch the metal during the course.
- 🔑 Remove the size of the old larva before buying a new one.
- 🔧 Use a magnetic screwdriver to work in hard-to-reach places.
- 🚪 Check the ease of the rigs before the final tightening of the screws.
⚠️ Attention: Never use excessive force when installing a larva. If the cylinder is not inserted, check its orientation and the position of the swivel cam. The forced installation can break the internal mechanisms.
Prevention and care of key mechanisms
To the sound of opening the door with the key always remained quiet and pleasant, it is necessary to regularly carry out preventive maintenance. It is recommended to lubricate the locks at least once a yearIn conditions of high dust or humidity - every six months. Regular care extends the service life of the mechanism several times.
It is also important to monitor the status of the keys. If the key appeared burrs, deep scratches or it began to bend, it is better to replace it. Perfectly smooth key - the guarantee of a long life of your castle. Store spare keys in a dry place so that they do not form corrosion, which then transferred inside the mechanism.
Pay attention to the condition of the door and the box. If the door sways, this creates a constant stress in the lock mechanism, which leads to accelerated wear and noise. Timely adjustment of hinges and elimination of skewed doors is also part of the care of the lock system.
Regular lubrication and the use of quality keys are two main factors that prevent the appearance of creaking and breakage of the lock.
Why does the key turn creaking even after lubrication?
If after a high-quality lubrication creaks are preserved, perhaps the brass pins themselves within the larvae were worn or the geometry of the key was broken. In this case, the lubricant will not eliminate mechanical friction of worn parts, and a replacement of the larva will be required.
Can graphite be used for cylinder locks?
It is not recommended to use graphite in cylinder (English) locks. Graphite dust can stick together and clog narrow channels between the pins, which will lead to a jamming. For cylinders, liquid Teflon or silicone compositions are better suited.
How often should the lock be changed?
The service life of the larva depends on the intensity of operation and the quality of the product. On average, a quality larva lasts 5-7 years. If there is a backlash key, difficulty with turning or constant noise, the replacement should be made immediately, without waiting for a breakage.
What to do if the key is broken in the lock?
Don't try to push the wreckage deeper. Try to carefully remove it with tweezers or a thin hook. If the wreckage is stuck deep, it is better to call the locksmith, so as not to damage the mechanism completely.