How To Fix Common Lock Problems

Looking for common lock problems and how to fix them? This is the information you've been looking for. It is vital to ensure safety in your home by making sure locks work properly. The foundation of home security is the lock. If they are not working properly, it can cause inconvenience and even be dangerous. If not maintained, locks can become less secure over time.

Some simple lock issues can be handled by homeowners, but others require professional locksmiths. To get the job done correctly the first time, contact trusted and experienced local locksmiths in Plymouth, Mobile Locksmiths Domestic & Auto.

Stiff Or Slow Working Locks

This is a common lock problem that we'll show you how to fix. Slow-working locks can be very frustrating. You may have grime or dirt accumulated in your lock if you are having trouble unlocking your door after the key has been inserted. This is a safety issue as it means that no one will be left outside struggling with the lock and their keys at night.

When the key is inserted, a properly functioning lock will operate quickly and smoothly. There is a problem if the lock does not work in this manner. A slow-working lock needs to be cleaned. Every day, dirt and grime can build up on the exterior of the lock. This dirt can slowly get into the lock's interior, causing damage to the internal components. You can clean locks with a cotton swab.

Silicone or graphite spray may also be used to keep the keyhole lubricated. This will allow the key to slide into the latch more easily. Grease or oil is not recommended. These substances can block the lock.

Faulty, Old Or Damaged Lock Mechanisms

This is another common lock problem. You may notice a decrease in function if a lock is old. After excessive usage, locks can become unresponsive. Sometimes locks can be complex systems that require professional repair. A professional locksmith like Mobile Locksmiths Domestic & Auto can help homeowners if they want to maintain the lock or have it repaired or upgrade their security by having replaced with a more secure model.

Mobile Locksmiths Domestic & Auto are qualified to diagnose the problem and fix it if necessary. If the lock is damaged beyond repair, we will recommend a secure replacement system and ensure that the new system is properly installed.

Key That Doesn’t Lock The Door

If the key isn't locking the door or unlocking it, first make sure you are using the right key as similar looking keys can easily get mixed up. If the key is working correctly, it's necessary to troubleshoot to determine which component is malfunctioning.

Open the door and insert the key. Next, try to move the lock. The key may not be moving the lock if it isn't working. It could be that the key has been bent or damaged. The friction in the keyhole could prevent the key from moving properly. To resolve this common lock problem, try lubricating your keyhole.

Close the door to see if the key locks the door. If the door does not lock, it could be because the deadbolt is not correctly striking the plate. A professional locksmith like Mobile Locksmiths Domestic & Auto should be called if the deadbolt isn't striking the plate correctly or if the key or mechanism are damaged.

Broken Key Inside The Keyhole

A key could become damaged inside a keyhole. Old keys, or a poorly functioning lock that doesn't lock and unlock smoothly could cause this. Sometimes, a person might use excessive force to force the lock to open or lock. This could lead to the key being snapped off in the keyhole. A door that is misaligned can also cause this problem. Someone may forcefully break the key if the lock doesn't work smoothly.

Removing a broken key without causing damage to the lock requires specialist tools and experience. You can replace the whole lock of course yourself, but if you want to save time and money, we recommend you contact Mobile Locksmiths Domestic & Auto who can quickly remove the broken key.

This is a common lock problem that should not be ignored. A door lock left in this condition for too long could pose a danger to you and your family's safety.

Uneven Door Latches

The problem could be with the door latch. The door will not lock properly if the latch does not catch the strike plate correctly. Doors can swing open if this happens. This can be annoying and dangerous as the door cannot be properly secured, but here's a few different factors that can cause uneven latches and create this common lock problem:

• Doors that aren't installed correctly - Door installation problems can lead to ongoing lock problems.
• Heat - The heat can cause damage to homes in hot climates. Wood can shrink from heat over time. Naturally occurring moisture in wood evaporates.
• Damp - Homes in damp areas can also have latch and door problems. Wood can swell from dampness, which can affect the performance of locks and the alignment of plates and latches.
• Door damage can also affect the performance of locks. It is possible for the latch and plate to be damaged if the door was subjected to a lot of force or was damaged by weather.
• Professionals should be called in to repair any problems with the locks. This could pose a threat to the safety and security in your home.

Lock Parts/ Or Loose Doors

Many interconnected parts make up a home's locks and doors. Any one of these parts can become loose and affect the operation of the whole lock as well as the security of the door. This is a common lock problem and the entire system can be affected by even the smallest part of a lock.

There are many ways that lock or door parts can become loose:

• Overuse - Parts can become damaged if the lock or door is left in place for too long.
• Forcing the door open - This could have a significant impact on the operation of the lock and other components.
• Weather - Extreme weather events such as a tornado or extreme heat can have an impact on the components.
• Earthquake - An earthquake could cause problems with the locks in the future.

This problem is sometimes solved by tightening the parts that are loose. A screwdriver can be used to tighten up the strike plate, for example. If the lock's components are difficult to access, contact Mobile Locksmiths Domestic & Auto to get the job done quickly and professionally.

Door And Window Lock Maintenance

Like every other area of your home, door locks require regular maintenance in order to function properly. These are some tips to ensure that your locks stay in good condition so you can avoid any common lock problems later.

• Hang doors correctly. If the doors are not properly hung, locks might not line up with the jam.
• Check strike plates - Exterior doors should be inspected for strikes plates regularly to make sure that all screws are tightened and the door is properly catching.
• Check latches, deadbolts and test them - To ensure that they work properly, it is a good idea to periodically check latches or deadbolts.
• Maintain door locks clean - Homeowners should make sure that they clean the locks when doing their regular outside clean-up. This will help to reduce grime buildup, which can cause damage to locks.
• Rapidly repair damaged doors - It is crucial that damaged doors and locks are replaced quickly after a storm or forceful entry. Unsecured doors and locks should never be allowed to remain open for more than a night.

Call Mobile Locksmith Domestic & Auto Ltd on 0800 6124629 for a free quote to get a fast and professional service from your local friendly locksmiths.

Check out our other Blog articles: Rekey or fit new looks on doors?, 5 Reasons To Call A Local Locksmith, What can a locksmith do for me? and 5 reasons why you should change locks in a new property.

Best Plymouth locksmith services. Locked out and looking for the best locksmith in Plymouth that can help you get back in and back on with your life? Mobile Locksmith Domestic & Auto Ltd are trusted local locksmiths based in Plymouth covering Devon and East Cornwall.

Established in 2010, we are a local family business that provides a wide range of services with no call-out charges, including house locksmith, auto locksmith (car, van & bike), office locksmith, replacement locks, key cutting, emergency lockout, car key replacement, window and door repairs, fast 24/7 emergency locksmith service, padlocks, safe opening, locks and UPVC repairs.

Mobile Locksmith Domestic & Auto Ltd are specialist Plymouth auto locksmiths that can help you get back into your locked car or van fast. We also offer car key replacements and spare car keys. Give us a call on FREEPHONE: 0800 6124629 PLYMOUTH: 01752 345662 or MOBILE: 07912560219 now for a free quote and and we can be with you in as little as 20 minutes.

We are not a call centre and don't charge any call-out fees. You will speak directly to the same friendly and professional locksmith in Plymouth that will attend your call-out. You can call us any time for a fast response from your trusted local locksmiths.

Common lock problems and how to fix them. Call professional local locksmiths Mobile Locksmith Domestic & Auto Ltd on 0800 6124629 for a free quote and a fast friendly service.