An effective lock system is the backbone of any home security. Locks provide a great sense of security and mental peace. Almost every property owner experiences door lock problems once in a while. The way you handle these door lock issues decides the degree of your home security, as locks are the most vulnerable part of any household. Unfortunately, lock security is widely ignored and not taken seriously until some serious issue erupts.
There are some issues with door locks that you simply cannot overlook. We have mentioned some of these problems below: if left unattended, door lock issues can quickly escalate into something more serious. Door lock issues might leave your security exposed and susceptible to assault in some instances.
Before we start, you should consider the following: Do not take these problems lightly and pay attention to the fixes that have been mentioned to avoid any serious damage to your property.
Table of Contents
1. Key has broken inside the lock
This is one of the most common and annoying lock problems that a property owner faces frequently. The most frustrating part is that it happens out of the blue – either the lock gets stuck or the key breaks while in the lock. If such a situation arises, you should not forcefully try to lock or unlock the door with the broken key inside the lock. If you do this, the broken piece will further get stuck in the lock damaging it further.
If you have a needle-nosed plier, you can try that to retrieve the broken key. Try to pull it out straight but do not forcefully pull it out as things can get worse. If none of the methods work for you, it is time that you call an expert. Professional locksmiths will have the tool to remove the lock’s broken key.
2. Lock has seized up and is difficult to open
When you can insert the key but cannot turn it in, it means that the lock has seized up. Seizing up locks is one of the most common problems faced by property owners. The only thing you need to be cautious about here is that you must not force the key as it can break and get stuck inside the lock, damaging its locking system.
This will only make things worse for you. There are silicone spray and other such lubricants in the market that you can try on your lock. If nothing works, you will have to call a professional locksmith to look after the matter.
3. Locks have become slow
Slow locks are another common lock problem that you can face at your home. This common problem may occur due to the accumulation of dirt and dust in the locking mechanism. These dirt particles clog the lock making it slow. You can try cleaning the lock with a cotton swab. Try lubricating the lock if cleaning up with the swab does not work.
You should ensure that you DO NOT use oil or greases as they can cause more clogging. Use silicone or graphite sprays to lubricate your lock. If these do not work, it is time to seek professional help. Call a locksmith.
4. Unable to insert the key
You may be unable to put your key inside the door lock for a variety of reasons. Firstly, double-check that it is the correct key! While this appears to be a simple answer, it is not always the case. You should consider organizing your keys to prevent any such mishaps. If the key has been cut recently, there are chances that it has not been cut correctly, and that is why the key is unable to insert into the lock.
In such cases, you should always contact an expert and reputable locksmith. If this is the case, notify the lock company immediately and get a free replacement key.
5. Unable to latch the door
There can be cases where you are unable to latch your door often because the latch bolt of the door is not aligned properly with the strike plate to close it instantly. You can try adjusting the latch to align properly with the strike plate on the doorjamb. If not, you will have to get a complete repositioning of the door. In any case, you will have to call a professional locksmith who will provide you with the best solution to your problems.
6. Lock mechanism is malfunctioning
The lock may not always function properly. There are various mechanical issues that might occur, and a skilled locksmith can usually detect the most prevalent ones right quickly. Some abnormalities, however, are more difficult to spot. In some cases, the locksmith might remove the lock to see if he can figure out what is the problem and fix it for you. Repairing a lock can sometimes be more expensive than buying a new one.
If that is the case, you should consider replacing the old damaged lock with the new one. If you have smart locks like the smart Kwikset locks, you should learn how to factory reset Kwikset Smart Lock to avoid any problems.
It is easy to ignore the significance of your locks. They work flawlessly every day until they stop functioning one day. Even though the most typical lock issues are simple, they may spoil your day. If your lock fails to lock, you may be late for work, or you may risk leaving your home unlocked. You also do not want to arrive home after a hard day to discover that you have been locked out. Or your home security has been breached by some outsider.
Door lock problems can be inconvenient, but they do not have to be if they are dealt with quickly and effectively. Some of the door lock problems can be resolved easily, 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.
Also read: 5 Way in Which To Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal
