5 door lock problems that you should always watch out for if you want to keep your property secure.
The locks on your doors are one of the most important security features of your property. We have become accustomed to
high-tech security such as alarms, motion sensors and remote monitoring via our
mobile devices. However, the most basic of all forms of security remains essential. Of course,
door locks do not last forever and these door lock problems can become a regular problem if they remain unchecked. It's important that you do not ignore these problems and, instead, call a professional to solve the issue without delay.
Loose locks, knobs, and handles
When you take a look at your doorknob or handle and the lock, you might not realize just how many moving parts are hidden beneath the surface. Every piece needs to work just right in order for the lock to be effective. If these components do not line up, it can cause damage to the
lock and possibly even result in the failure of the lock itself. Even if you do manage to lock your door, you might not be able to unlock it again! The good news is that the cause of loose locks, knobs, and handles is usually minor. This means that a
professional locksmith can fix the problem without you having to
replace the lock. A certified expert can solve almost any door lock problems.
Misalignment
When a door lock is no longer properly aligned, it can make locking and unlock difficult or even impossible. In most cases, the latch is not lining up with the strike plate which is secured to the door jamb. So, instead of the latch entering the appropriate slot to
lock the door, it gets blocked because it does not properly align. There are a number of possible causes of this problem. The most common is the warping of the
door due to the weather. In some cases, this problem can be solved by
making some adjustments to the door hinges or screws. In other cases, the strike plate might need to be adjusted so that the parts all line up properly.
Key breaks off inside the lock
This sounds really scary and it can give anyone that sinking feeling when it happens. If your key breaks inside the lock, it is a good idea to avoid trying to fix the problem yourself. By fiddling with the
broken key, you can force it even further inside and make it more
difficult to be extracted. The right tools and experience are needed to perform a professional key extraction. This is a job best left to the professionals. They will start by removing the broken key before examining the lock. You should then test the
door lock with a spare key to determine that the lock has not been damaged. If everything works well, you can simply have a
new key cut. If not, you might need to have the
lock replaced.
Jammed latches and locks
Locks can become jammed for a number of reasons. One of which is the build-up of dirt and debris inside the lock. In addition, if the latch is broken, the door can become jammed. When a lock is jammed, there might be no way of knowing the reason why until it is professionally inspected. A jammed door can result in a
broken key if you try to force it. It could even be a sign that there was an attempted break-in. You can try applying a
lubricant and see if this clears any
debris that could be causing the problem. Do not force the key if you notice that it's still not working. Remember, there could be a completely different problem that you're unaware of. In this case, call a locksmith and have them diagnose and repair the problem or replace the lock.
Lock cylinder continuously turning
If you try to unlock the door and it turns but the door does not unlock, this could be due to a
damaged screw or a
loose set screw. This lock poses quite a risk because it is no longer reliable. If the door is unlocked, you might not be able to lock it again which is never good for security reasons. The lock might need to be disassembled and repairs could be
complex depending on the type of lock. Which is why it's best to leave this job to the experts. It is also the reason why so many people choose to replace rather than repair locks with this type of problem.
Faulty locks are not only an inconvenience but they are also a real security risk. If you have any lock problems or locksmith emergencies, call Capital Locksmith at
(613) 457-5135. We are available 24/7 for all your emergency locksmith needs.
