Door locks were not designed to last indefinitely. If a lock isn’t operating properly or isn’t doing the vital duty it was meant to do, it has to be repaired or replaced. When it comes to lock repair, you have two options: go to the hardware shop and get the equipment and supplies you need to try to fix it yourself or call a professional locksmith. If you are skilful enough and have at least managed to install a handle or two, lock repairs can be an easy DIY project for you.
Faulty Lock Bolt
If the key or knob turns yet the lock does not open, the lock parts may be malfunctioning mechanically. It might be due to manipulation, age, wear, or injury. In any event, a mechanical problem necessitates the lock’s repair or replacement.
You may simply purchase a replacement for a normal home lock at a hardware shop and install it yourself. It is advisable to have a locksmith unlock and fix a high-security lock or a business lock. If you need to replace a lock which you’ll most likely need to do in this case, you should go to a door accessories hardware store and get all of the accessories from bolts and latches of a different kind you’ll need to finish your repair.
Jammed Door Lock
When you can insert the key into the lock but can’t get the lock to spin, this is likely the most typical lock problem to fix. Locks jam for a variety of causes. The accumulation of debris that jams the internal mechanics is a typical cause of a door lock jamming. The door lock will also be jammed if the latch or lock bolt is damaged. The roots of these door lock issues vary, but the ultimate result is typically the same. They all result in a hammered door lock that isn’t functioning properly. This aggravating problem can typically be avoided with a little preventative maintenance, but it’s difficult to fix once it’s become stuck. Forcing the key to turn in the lock may result in more lock mechanism damage or the key breaking off. A buildup of dirt and dust has most likely blocked the lock. You can try a few things to remedy the problem. To begin, blow compressed air into the keyhole to clean away the trash. Then, using a spray straw, lubricate within the keyhole with penetrating oil. Use caution while using any oil or lubricant because they might pick up dust and filth, worsening the condition.
Frozen Door Lock
Your front door lock endures a lot more abuse than you would think. Door locks are frequently exposed to the outdoors and adverse weather conditions, and because the keyhole remains open, dirt and debris can readily build. Furthermore, most of us keep our house keys on a keychain in our pockets, backpacks, or purses, and with time, your keys might transmit dirt to the locking mechanism, and that buildup of trash and filth within the lock may include moisture that freezes during winter, causing your lock to fail and stop working.
Common incidences of a failed door lock are when exterior locks freeze, inside locks, get clogged, and minor internal components can wear out or malfunction over time. Before you go out and buy a new lock at the door accessories hardware store, try these easy fixes: squeeze some graphite from a tube or dust it onto a key and insert it into the keyhole, then run the lock a few times to work the graphite into the mechanism. Alcohol and other lubricants in lock de-icers help dissolve sticky, filthy deposits. Last but not least, dismantle the lock to determine if something has jammed or broken, you might be able to straighten it out or replace the item without having to buy a new lock.
Picked Lock or Break-In
If your house has been broken into, the criminals are likely to have tampered with the locks to obtain admission. It’s possible that your locks will be harmed as a result of this. Many homeowners are left with the impression that their locks are useless and insecure after a break-in. After a break-in, have a professional locksmith inspect your locks and home security. They have the ability to repair and replace existing locks. After this unfortunate event, you’ll undoubtedly think about upgrading to higher-security locks. A locksmith can recommend higher-quality locks and other security measures for your property.
Key Stuck in a Lock
This is one of the most common things that may happen to a door lock, so if your key becomes stuck in your door lock when it’s locked, you’ll need to figure out how to get it out, how long it’ll take to fix, and how much it’ll cost to cure the stuck key problem. When a multi-point locking system on a door or composite door is used incorrectly, the cylinder cam becomes locked behind the latch release mechanism and cannot be removed without professional assistance. A key can become stuck and jammed in a lock for a variety of causes, including lock failure, an improperly cut, worn, or damaged key, faulty lock operation, or the unintentional use of the wrong key. While unpleasant, removing a stuck key is typically not difficult as long as nothing is broken inside the lock. A loose portion of the lock assembly, a sharp burr or ridge on a new key, or a bend in an old key might all be the issue. Forcing a key into a lock might cause it to break off, so take a big breath and try one of these simple repairs. You can usually unstick the key fairly fast if you have some spray lubrication in the car or garage. Other ways may work if you don’t have access to lubrication, depending on whether you’re attempting to unlock the door to your car or to your residence.
Door lock issues can be inconvenient, but they don’t have to be if they’re dealt with quickly and effectively. Some of these door lock issues may be resolved by the typical homeowner, but if you want assistance, do not hesitate to contact a professional locksmith. Failure to do so might result in greater lock damage rather than the problem being handled quickly.
