DIY Locksmithing: What Every Home-Owner Should Know

If you’re like most people, you take the security of your home very seriously. You may have a deadbolt on your front door, and even a few extra locks on your windows. But how confident are you in your ability to protect your home in a pinch? What would you do if you lost your house key or were locked out? It’s time to learn some DIY locksmithing tricks! We’ll teach you everything you need to know about locksmithing, including how to pick a lock and change a lock. So whether you’re locked out of your house or just want to be prepared for the worst, keep reading!

How to change a lock

There are many reasons why you might want to change a lock. Maybe you’ve moved into a new home and want to make sure that your family is safe, or maybe you simply want to upgrade your locks for added security. Whatever the reason, changing a lock is a relatively easy process that anyone can do with a little time and patience.

First, you’ll need to gather the tools you’ll need to change the lock. These include a screwdriver, a drill, and a new lock. Make sure that you have the correct size drill bit for the new lock, as this will make the process much easier.

Next, remove the old lock from the door. This is usually done by unscrewing the two screws that hold it in place. Once the old lock is removed, you can begin installing the new one.

Start by drilling a hole in the door where the new lock will go. Again, make sure that you have the correct size drill bit so that the new lock fits snugly into the hole. Once the hole is drilled, insert the new lock and screw it into place.

Finally, test the new lock to make sure that it works properly. Open and close the door a few times to ensure that the latch catches and releases correctly. If everything appears to be working properly, then you’re finished! Your new lock is now installed and ready to use.

How to pick a lock

There are a few things you need to know before picking a lock. First, you will need some basic tools. A tension wrench and pick are the two most essential tools for lock picking. You can find these at most hardware stores. Second, it is important to know the different types of locks. Pin tumbler locks are the most common type of lock, and they are what you typically see on doors and cabinets. Wafer tumbler locks are similar to pin tumbler locks, but they have fewer pins and are often used in cheaper products. Lever tumbler locks are not as common, but they work in a similar way to pin tumbler locks. Finally, magnetic keyed locks use magnets instead of pins to secure the locking mechanism.

Now that you know the basics, let’s get started. Insert your tension wrench into the bottom of the keyway and apply slight pressure. This will hold the pins in place as you insert your pick into the top of the keyway and begin to feel for the pins. Once you find a pin, use your pick to lift it until it reaches the shear line. Repeat this process until all of the pins are set and the lock opens.

With a little practice, anyone can learn how to pick a lock. Just remember to be patient and take your time. And don’t forget to have fun!

How to fix a stuck door knob

If your door knob is stuck, there are a few possible causes. The most common cause is simply that the door knob is dirty or dusty and needs to be cleaned. Other causes can include a loose screw, a misaligned door, or a problem with the strike plate. In most cases, you can fix a stuck door knob yourself without having to call a professional.

To clean a sticking doorknob, start by unscrewing the knob and removing it from the door. Then, use a toothbrush or other small brush to clean out any dirt or debris that may be causing the problem. Once the knob is clean, reattach it to the door and screw it back in place. If the problem persists, you may need to adjust the strike plate. To do this, loosen the screws that hold it in place and move it until the door knob functions properly.

If you still can’t fix the problem, it’s likely that there is a more serious issue at play. In this case, it’s best to call a professional for help. They will be able to diagnose the problem and make any necessary repairs.

What to do if you're locked out of your house

If you’re locked out of your house, the first thing you should do is call a locksmith. If you don’t have a locksmith’s number handy, you can try looking it up online or in the phone book. Once you’ve found a locksmith, give them a call and explain your situation. They will likely be able to help you get back into your house.

If you can’t seem to find a locksmith or if you don’t want to wait for one to arrive, there are a few other options you can try. One is to see if you can find a spare key hidden somewhere on the property. Another option is to try and pick the lock yourself, but this should only be attempted if you are confident in your abilities. Finally, if all else fails, you can always try breaking into your house through a window or another point of entry. However, this should only be done as a last resort and you should be prepared to pay for any damage you cause.

Tips for keeping your home safe from burglars

As a homeowner, it’s important to be prepared for any potential security risks. While you may not be able to prevent every possible break-in, there are some simple steps you can take to make your home less vulnerable. One of the most important things you can do is install high-quality locks on your doors and windows. Even if you have the best locks money can buy, it’s important to know how to use them properly. Here are a few tips for keeping your home safe from break-ins:

Always lock your doors, even when you’re home. Many burglaries occur during the day when people are busy and forget to lock up. Don’t give thieves the opportunity to walk right into your home.
Keep your keys in a safe place. Don’t leave them lying around where someone could easily find them. If you lose your keys, be sure to change the locks right away.
Make sure your locks are installed correctly. This may seem like an obvious tip, but many people don’t realize that their locks aren’t properly installed. If your locks aren’t installed correctly, they won’t be as effective at deterring burglars.
Be careful to who you give copies of your keys. If you give your keys to someone you don’t trust, they could easily make copies and use them to break into your home.
Don’t try to DIY your locksmithing. If you’re not a trained locksmith, it’s best to leave the installation and repair of your locks to the professionals. Trying to do it yourself could end up doing more harm than good.

By following these simple tips, you can help keep your home safe from burglars. Remember, the best way to deter burglars is to make it as difficult as possible for them to get into your home in the first place. By taking some simple precautions, you can make it much harder for criminals to target your home.

Home security tips for when you're away on vacation

If you’re going to be away from home for an extended period of time, it’s important to take some extra steps to secure your property. Here are a few tips to help keep your home safe while you’re away:

Make sure all doors and windows are locked. This includes any side or back doors that you may not use often. Burglars will often target these less-secure points of entry.
Install a home security system. This will help deter burglars and can also notify the authorities if there is a break-in.
Leave a light on. If it looks like someone is home, burglars are less likely to target your property. You can use a timer to turn lights on and off while you’re away.
Stop your mail and newspaper delivery. If there’s a pile of mail or newspapers building up outside, it’s a sure sign that no one is home. Arrange to have your mail and deliveries stopped while you’re away.
Don’t post your vacation plans on social media. You may be excited to share your upcoming trip with your friends, but you don’t want to give burglars a heads-up that your home will be empty. Wait until you’re back from vacation to post about your trip.
Keep valuables out of sight. Burglars are more likely to target homes with visible valuables. If you have any expensive items in plain view, consider moving them to a more hidden location.

While it’s important to be aware of the basics of locksmithing, it’s also crucial to have a plan in place for if you find yourself locked out of your home or if you experience a burglary. That’s where our team comes in – we can help you create a custom security plan that fits your needs and gives you peace of mind. Have questions about locksmithing? Contact our experts at Robin Locksmith in Seattle, WA at (206) 589-7780 today for more information.