5 Common Door Lock Problems
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An experienced Locksmith will tell you that they have seen these 5 lock problems repeatedly, look at our blog below to discover what they are:
Stiff Lock
Stiff locks if left over time become jammed locks and run the risk of residents being locked outside of their home. Often a stiff lock is caused by a build-up of debris inside the lock and leaves no room for the key to turn. If the key is forced, it often leads to the key breaking inside of the lock and snapping, causing the key to have to be manually removed by a locksmith.
How to fix it:
A Locksmith will take apart the lock, clean out any debris and may even use a lubricant to have the lock working as new. If that fails a lock replacement will be required.
Key Stuck in the Lock
As we mentioned above a broken key in the lock can be caused by too much pressure put on the key to turn in a stiff lock. This occurrence is also caused by old keys that have become frail over time. Once the key has broken in the lock it leaves the resident locked out of their home.
How to fix it:
By having a locksmith remove the key fragments from the lock, the resident will then be able to access the home using a spare key. If there isn’t a spare key, the locksmith will attempt to unlock the lock using specialised tools. So that the resident can enter and exit the property, a lock change is therefore necessary.
Spinning Lock
Another common problem Locksmiths often hear from their customers is that their key just keeps spinning in the lock and doesn’t engage. When this happens the lock, itself has either become broken or detached.
How to fix it:
When a lock has broken parts like this they have to be completely changed for a new lock. As a locksmith you are very limited to what you can do in terms of fixing this problem.
Misaligned Door
Doors and the locks can often become stiff to open or jammed altogether. This is a common occurrence during extreme weather temperatures as doors often expand during the hot summer months and contract during the winter. This misaligns the door and the lock causing it to not close properly. It is quite noticeable when a door is misaligned as it does not level out with the frame and causes a draught to creep in.
How To Fix It:
A Locksmith will check the screws, strike plate and completely re-align the door to fix this problem.
Faulty Mechanisms
One of the most challenging lock problems a new Locksmith faces is a faulty mechanism as this requires specialist skills. Faulty mechanisms can be caused by misuse of the door (such as slamming it shut constantly and putting lots of pressure on the mechanism) or due to age as it wears down over time.
How To Fix It:
When the mechanism fails, a skilled locksmith is needed since it calls for specialised equipment and parts. Customers should expect to need a replacement lock mechanism installed.
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Like this blog? Check out Compartments of a Euro Lock and Is it Worth Becoming a Locksmith?
