Locks are a major part of our homes on which we place our security. Unfortunately, a lock can go bad regardless of whether it’s a new lock or it’s old or worn. Whatever the case may be, spoiled locks are enough to make you worry. It’s often more disheartening when you have to leave the house with nobody to look after it.
When a door lock goes bad, the first thing people do is call for an expert. Sadly, some of these problems are faults that you can correct if you have the right information at your disposal. So this article will discuss five common lock problems and how to fix them. Furthermore, we recommend Locksmith Southampton when the problem gets complicated.
5 common door lock problems and their remedies
Difficulty inserting a key into the lock
This is a common problem and can be quite upsetting. Sometimes, this problem can result from using a wrongly cut key. Also, you may be using the wrong key on the lock – you never can tell when it’ll skip your mind.
First off, test other keys that came with the lock to see if the problem persists. Also, you may need to apply a lubricant on either the key or the lock, or both. If it’s still difficult to insert your key, we recommend you seek the services of a locksmith.
The key stays stuck in the lock.
If you’ve ever encountered this problem, it’s one you’ll pray it never repeats. Locksmiths commonly refer to it as lock seizures. This is commonly caused by dirt, dust, or harder particles in the lock. When this happens, most people tend to force the key. Sometimes, this may work, but if it doesn’t work after a minute or two, you should stop.
Trying harder might result in your key breaking inside the lock – which is even worse. Sometimes, tweaking the key a little bit to the left or right before turning it may work. More so, using a graphite or silicone spray as a lubricant should help. But if none of these works, contact your locksmith.
Key breaks in a lock
Many people consider this the worst of its kind that can happen – we’re not in doubt, though. This usually occurs when you least expect it and with no signs. What matters is how to remove the broken key or fix the lock. If this happens when the door is open, leave it that way until the key is out.
You could be lucky that a big part of the key is visible outside the lock – use needle-nose pliers to remove it. If it isn’t, you’ll need to part with some bucks, as you’ll need a professional locksmith. They’ll have better tools to help remove the broken key without causing further damage to the lock.
The door latch refuses to align
While this may not be a lock problem, it still happens with doors and isn’t a pleasant experience. This usually happens if the metal part where the latch usually fits is damaged. This commonly results from screws that are either too tightly or loosely fixed.
Simply fix this by loosening or tightening the screw (whichever the case may be). If the problem persists, then the only remaining option would be to replace the bolt latch.
Key spinning in the lock
Most times, the reason behind this problem is unknown. It happens for different reasons depending on the lock you’re using. Sometimes, it could be that the internal mechanism of the lock has separated or the lock cylinder is loose.
Most times, you’d need to remove the lock before identifying the main reason behind the spinning lock cylinder. You may not be able to solve this problem yourself, especially if the door is locked. The best way out of the situation is to seek the services of a locksmith.
Conclusion
A malfunctioning door lock shouldn’t be a big problem if you know some simple tricks to apply. Sometimes, the same problem that made you spend some of your precious cash required a simple lubricant.
Sometimes, the problem might be beyond lubricants, or you probably don’t have the required tools to solve it. A wrong or forceful approach might further worsen the situation in such scenarios. To avoid this, consult a locksmith.
