How do I Remove & Repair Old House Door Locks?
Old locks and hardware add a level of detail to antique doors. While their simple, heavy construction can last for generations, from time to time maintenance and minor repairs may be required to keep them in working order. Typically cleaning and oiling is all that is needed. Performing your own maintenance and basic repairs can save money. The internal workings are fragile and contain small parts that vary from lock to lock and should be left to the professionals for best results. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Aerosol lubricant
- Mineral spirits
- Rag
- Screw driver
- Chisel
- Steel wool
- Shallow pan
- Replacement spring
Instructions
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1
Check the lock for proper operation. Turn the knob both ways and check to see that the striker withdraws when the knob is turned and returns to its extended position when released. Turn the key both ways to see if the bolt extends and withdraws. If the lock and knob are working, complete the job by spraying the mechanism with aerosol lubricant and cleaning the surfaces of the lock with a soft rag dampened with odorless mineral spirits.
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2
Remove the knob from a lock that does not function smoothly by unscrewing the set screw from the square spindle of the knob, close to the face of the door. Set the inside knob aside and withdraw the spindle from the lock by pulling out on the outside knob.
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3
Remove the screws from the plate on the inside of the door and the edge of the door by hand with a screwdriver. Scrub the paint from the screw head if needed with quad zero steel wool. Grasp the plate on the inside of the door with your fingers along its edges. Do the same for the plate on the outside and separate them by pulling out.
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4
Set the plates to soak in a shallow pan with an inch or two of odorless mineral spirits in the bottom. Place the screws on a piece of adhesive tape and fold the tape back upon itself for safekeeping. Replace worn screws with screws as close as possible in terms of length, thread and head type. Take the original with you for comparison when shopping.
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5
Pry the lock gently from the edge of the door with the end of a wood chisel and pull it out. Set the lock in the bottom of the pan with the lock plates. Allow the parts to soak overnight.
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6
Rub old paint and oily grime from the plates and surface of the lock mechanism with a small wire brush and quad zero steel wool. Wipe the mineral spirits from the lock with a clean rag. Spray the lock mechanism with aerosol lubricant and test the key. If it still does not function properly, the internal repair is best left to a locksmith.
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7
Insert the knob spindle and twist the knob to check the mechanism. Replace a cartridge spring if the lock is so equipped. Look for a square plate surrounding the square spindle hole with four small screws, one at each corner. Mark the plate and the edge of the mechanism for alignment. Remove the screws with a screwdriver and lift the corners of the plate with the tip of the chisel, lifting the spring out with it. New springs are available from hardware stores or by special order from a locksmith.
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8
Set the new spring onto the back of the square plate, centered on the short square peg. Position it the same as the old spring. Set the spring and plate into the opening in the lock. Replace the screws and tighten them.
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Slip the lock into the edge of the door. Realign the lock plates and reinstall the screws and tighten them. Reinsert the lock spindle through the hole in the plate and slip the inside knob onto the spindle. Replace and tighten the screw to hold the knob in place.
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References
- Photo Credit old lock in old door image by Allen Penton from Fotolia.com
