The main concern of a homeowner is being able to keep your loved ones and valuables secure, but often homeowners forget to keep maintenance on door locks until something goes wrong.
To best avoid a possible lockout, or door locks issues that are costly to repair and may mess up your day, then keep updated on the proper maintenance of your door locks.
Here are some frequent door lock problems that can lead to an inconvenience and ultimately cause expensive lock replacement.
The key is stuck or broken inside the lock
Your key may be stuck because of a misaligned door latch or that some parts of the lock are not properly lubricated. If indeed the key is stuck, forcing it to turn can break the key while inside the locks.
We know that your time is valuable and are in a hurry to get on with your day. However, if you see that the key is stuck on the lock, please do not force it to open or close; or you may end up with a bigger problem.
Call our 24 hour locksmith professionals at the Second City Locksmith to help remove the key without any future damage and repair the locks.
Slow door locks
Stiffened or slow door locks may happen as a result of the buildup of dirt or filth in your locks. If you detect that the knob of your lock is slow or it is difficult to insert the key into the lock, try resolving it yourself by inserting a cotton swab into the lock to remove the dirt.
If the lock is not lubricated enough, try using a graphite or silicon spray on it. Never use oil or grease because they can clog during the colder seasons.
Misaligned door latch
If the door latch does not hold the strike plate, it will be difficult shutting or locking your door properly. This kind of problem can come up from time to time, and it can be caused by improper installing or screwed hinges, damp weather conditions, or heat defect.
A solution can be figuring out the misalignment, using the right tools to adjust the strike plates and tightening the door hinges to the right balance. If you believe the misalignment is not repairable or don’t have the tools for a more self-resolving approach, give us a call at Second City Locksmith.
The key turns but doesn’t lock
Little insects or broken parts could also be a reason for the key to twist in the lock without pushing the knobs. If this is the issue then it is a mechanical problem and should be fixed by someone professional who knows how a door mechanism works.
In addition to that, if the key does not turn as you insert it into the locks, you may need to lubricate the keyhole with spraying graphite.
Faulty door mechanism
Most of the door lock problems are mechanical, through time and wear, they become faulty. Old locks can be tricky due to extreme constant use, and lack of maintenance on the locks can cause them to be defective.
As a result, mechanical problems of locks require professional help since it is not possible for a “do-it-yourself” approach if you don’t know the mechanism of the locks.
At Second City Locksmith, we are experienced in which method and approach for fixing door lock problems. Our helpful local locksmith will make sure that the locks are back into perfect shape before leaving your premises.