As a homeowner it is bound to happen at some point that you will face problems with your door locks. There are common reasons why these problems may arise. Most happen because of poor maintenance and others occur unexpectedly. Either way a door lock that doesn’t work properly can be quite a problem as it compromises the security of your property and can be very inconvenience if you find yourself locked out.
Here are the main reasons behind door lock failure and the best ways to deal with.
Key Won’t Turn in Lock
The key might not turn in the lock because of door or frame misalignment, dirt inside the lock,or a worn out key. In order to over come these issues use a graphite or silicone based lubricant to clean out any dirt or debris inside the lock mechanism. Check the Key for worn out signs and if the key is damaged get a new one. Now for the most important fix, inspect the lock for misaligned with the strike plate adjust the strike plate position if it more complex issue then call a locksmith to help you fix it.
Key Broken Off in Lock
The key broke off inside the lock and preventing it from functioning. Use a broken key extractor tool to remove the key fragment and if you don’t have one you can carefully use pliers to pull out the broken piece if it is possible. Again if everything fails get professional help and call a locksmith.
Lock Cylinder Turns but Doesn’t Lock/Unlock
The lock cylinder turns but the door doesn’t lock or unlock. It usually happens because of broken component inside the lock in most of the time it is the tailpiece also known as the cam which is an internal part that connects the key cylinder to the locking mechanism itself. This issue should be handled by an expert locksmith ho will disassemble the lock, Inspect it for any broken parts and replace them. If the repair process fails he can replace the entire lock.
Stiff Lock
The lock feels stiff and sometimes getting stuck. It happens mainly because the lack of lubrication. Clean the lock with a gentle cleaner and lubricate with a graphite or silicone based lubricant. If lubricating the lock doesn’t work consider replacing it with a new one.
Loose Doorknob or Deadbolt
If your doorknob or deadbolt feels loose it can be because of loose screws and can lead to difficulties in locking or unlocking the door. Tightening all loose screws on both will immediately fix the problem.
Latch Doesn’t Engage
Sometimes if the latch doesn’t engage properly the strike plate it because of lock misalignment but mostly the problem is with the latch mechanism itself. To get it fixed adjust the position of the strike plate so that the latch can engage properly and check the latch mechanism for any damage. If the latch is damaged hire a locksmith to replace it.
