Although our daily security depends on door locks, we usually overlook them until crisis strikes. Whether you’re dealing with a key lock that sticks or you’re locked out, these issues are highly disruptive to your daily tasks.
The good news is that a little maintenance and knowledge will help you avoid many typical door lock problems.
This guide will go over some of the most occurring door lock issues, their causes, and good maintenance strategies on how to prevent them so that your house stays safe and your locks remain in good operating order.
The Key Won’t Turn
They sometimes fail to turn due to dirt buildup in the lock or a misaligned door. It can also happen due to a worn key. That’s why maintaining your locks and keeping them clean is crucial to avoid these issues.
Applying graphite or silicone-based lubricant will help the internal components move smoothly. Steer clear of oil-based lubricants like WD-40 as they draw dust and debris, therefore exacerbating this issue over time.
If your key still sticks, consider looking at the alignment of the door. A misaligned door strains the lock and makes it difficult to rotate the key.
To guarantee that the door aligns with the frame, tighten any loose hinges or change the strike plate. This often fixes the misalignment issue.
Broken Keys
One of the most frustrating things is discovering that your key has broken off in the lock, especially when you’re returning home late at night.
Keys usually break due to metal fatigue or the use of incorrect keys. If you are forcing a worn-out or damaged key into the lock or turning it too forcefully, it is more likely to break.
Examine keys for wear and tear often to prevent them from breaking. Your keys should be replaced if they appear to be particularly worn, bent, or cracked.
In addition, always use the right key for every lock and never force in a key that doesn’t fit the lock.
Should a key break off in the lock, don’t panic. Attempts at removing the broken piece by yourself can drive it more into the lock, which will make matters worse.
Remove the damaged key using a broken key extractor tool to ensure that the lock is undamaged.
If removing it yourself proves too difficult, it’s advisable to contact a qualified locksmith who can securely remove the broken key and evaluate whether the lock requires any more repairs.
Misaligned Latches and Bolts
If you have to jiggle, push, or pull your door to unlock it, the latches or bolts can possibly be misaligned.
This is usually caused by temperature variations, humidity, or ordinary wear and tear that cause the door or frame to move over time. A latch that doesn’t match the strike plate keeps the door from shutting off and locking.
Start by correcting the strike plate’s alignment with the door frame. You can do so by releasing the screws and gently raising or lowering the frame as needed.
If this doesn’t fix the problem, consider removing the striking plate completely and filling any old screw holes with wood filler before reattaching it. Next, reposition the strike plate once again.
Changing the door hinges is another great fix. With this step, you can realign the door and guarantee proper latch engagement with the strike plate.
Overall, frequent maintenance of the door hardware helps you avoid alignment problems in the future.
Loose Door Handles and Locks
Over time, frequent usage causes door locks and knobs to become loose.
A shaky door handle poses security concerns as they’ll eventually fail to lock your door, making it easy for anyone to force it open. The cause of this issue is worn-out hardware, loose screws, or internally shifting components.
The good news is that this is a common lock problem and is easily solved by checking your door locks and handles often, tightening any loose screws.
Contemplate replacing stripped or ineffective screws with longer or slightly thicker ones for a more secure hold.
If this doesn’t fix the problem, the lock itself can be the root cause. Internal parts like springs and pins wear out over time, making the locks looser.
The best fix in this case is to replace the lock. Purchasing premium locks and hardware helps you avoid this problem and offers long-lasting security.
Frozen Locks
Frozen locks are a common seasonal issue in cold areas. Low temperatures causes moisture inside the lock to freeze, therefore making inserting a key or turning it impossible.
Frozen locks can potentially compromise the lock’s internal mechanism if they’re not swiftly de-iced.
Make sure to frequently lubricate the locks in order to repel moisture and lower the risk of freezing. A graphite-based lubricant works well with frozen locks.
Refrain from thawing a frozen lock with hot water as this rapidly refreezes the metal. Instead, before putting the key into the lock, gently warm it with a lighter or apply a lock de-icer spray.
Install a lock cover or use an all-weather lock meant especially to resist high temperatures in order to avoid this problem.
You should also do regular maintenance in the colder months to ensure that your locks operate well regardless of the weather conditions.
You Are Locked Out
Getting locked out of your home happens due to multiple reasons, like losing your keys or breaking them inside the lock.
For that reason, always have a spare key handy, either placed in a safe, covert spot or with a trustworthy neighbour, to prevent being locked out.
Consider switching to a smart lock, which provides keyless access via a keypad, smartphone app, or biometric scanner, for more security and convenience.
Smart locks provide selective access to family members or guests into your house, therefore lowering the possibility of getting locked out.
Should you find yourself in such a situation, fight the urge to pry the door open since this damages the lock and door frame. Instead, contact a locksmith to quickly and safely unlock your door.
Conclusion
Door lock problems can be easily avoided with these preventive measures.
Frequent maintenance, including lubricating locks, tightening screws, and guaranteeing correct alignment helps your locks last longer and operate as they should.
Not only will you save time and money by keeping your door locks in shape, but you will also guarantee that your house stays safe.
