Common Door Lock Problems and Quick Fixes

06/09/2015 Back To Blog

A lock is the most important thing that should be installed in the main door as it ensures the safety and security of a residence. Security door locks are complex mechanisms with tiny moving parts and, as such, can break down over time. Obviously, a broken lock should not be left without repairing it properly as it hampers the security to a large extent. You, as a homeowner, need to understand what could go wrong with a door lock, and how to address it immediately.

Stuck Key Issues

Unmindful insertion of random keys is the main cause of stuck keys at home. This happens when people are intoxicated, in a hurry, or too sleepy to check. Although it appears only to some people, this common mistake causes serious hassles, especially when a person is at home alone. If encountering a stuck key issue, and there are no other ways to get into the house, the quickest solution is to apply a lubricant. If this is not a feasible option, ask for a few drops of virgin olive oil from neighbors or friends. Apply lubricant or oil into the cylinder and pull it out slowly.

Lock Doesn’t Latch Properly

When the door locks don’t latch properly, it means the strike plate and latch are misaligned. To loosen the screws, tighten the hinge screws and adjust the strike plate. Then, shift it slightly. If possible, file the slot in the strike plate to receive the latch. Shifting the position of the strike plate involves mortising the jamb. In addition, also replace the strike plate with an adjustable one to solve misalignment.

Fixing Loose Locks

A loose or faulty lock is perhaps the most serious security issues one could ever encounter with his or her door. A faulty lock is characterized by knobs that unlock easily using any pointed object like small knives and hairpins. Old age is the factor that is mainly causing this issue. The easiest way to have this fixed is to consider lock replacement with a new set of keys.

At the end of the day, maintaining locks, doors, and door knobs is not just about protecting your property, but personal safety as well. If diagnosing and solving malfunctions is a daunting task for you, don't jeopardize your safety and call us right away. Our company is dedicated to providing quality locksmith services for commercial, residential, and automotive clients.