Door locks were invented probably at ancient Egypt approximately 5000 years ago and have evolved greatly over the years, nowadays they keep our properties and valuables secure and protecting our privacy.
But even the best lock in the world can develop issues over time and may put our safety at risk.
Here are common door lock problems and the best way to fix them:
Stuck or Jammed Locks
Stuck lock is a common issue that can happen because of 5 main reasons dirt, debris buildup, misaligned door latches, damaged keys or damaged internal lock parts.
To avoid a situation when your lock get stuck you may try cleaning it with a soft cleaner and lubricating it with graphite spray or silicone based spray.
Broken Key Inside the Lock
It can get very frustrating when your key breaks inside the lock, but with the right tools like needle-nose pliers or a key extractor you might be able to remove the broken piece out and salvage your lock, it’s often very tricky process that require great delicacy work and minimum handyman skills and lock understanding in order to avoid causing even more damages.
Loose Door Locks, Latches and Handles
Misaligned latches, loose door locks and handles make your dour hard to almost impossible to lock and can weaken your security while making it easier for thieves to break in.
You can try tightening the screws on the lock or handle and aligned the latch by placing it properly but if the lockset is damaged it is best to call a professional and replace it.
Difficulty Turning the Key
If your key feels stiff when you turn in inside the lock or if you have to move it in a specific way to unlock your door, it happens because of a worn key, misaligned components or a faulty lock cylinder, but the solution is quite simple as you can have your lock rekeyed or replace either way will fix the issue.
By recognizing these common lock issues before the become a disaster when your lock completely out of use and knowing how to deal with each one will definitely help you avoid getting locked out.
