Locks are integral to providing home or business security. Therefore, any issue with your lock should be taken care of immediately so as to preserve peace and protect its contents. If it seems faulty, it’s crucial to get it repaired as quickly as possible before security becomes an issue.
Make sure that the key you are using matches the lock and is undamaged; otherwise, you should contact a locksmith immediately.
The key won’t go into the lock.
Many times people encounter keys that won’t fully insert into a lock, which could indicate serious lock problems that require professional intervention to fix.
There are a few easy things you can try before calling in a locksmith, however. First, add some lubricant to the lock; this should loosen its pins and allow easier key insertion. WD-40 or graphite powder spray is excellent in this regard.
Also, use a hairdryer to heat the lock and loosen it, followed by blowing it out with strong gusts of air to clear any dust that has built up inside. All of these steps should help you easily reinsert your key without difficulty; if they do not or further issues arise, contact a locksmith for advice.
Lock is jammed
Once we take for granted how effective locks are, it can be frustrating when they don’t function as planned. When this occurs, it can become an enormous hassle and leave your property vulnerable. Luckily, most lock problems are relatively easy to resolve, but knowing the cause and solution is key to identifying and fixing them quickly.
If your key enters but won’t turn, there is likely an obstruction in its mechanism that needs to be cleared away. It would be wiser to contact a locksmith, as forcing it could cause more harm and even break your lock!
Alternately, try coating your key in powdered graphite or graphite spray and inserting it into the lock; this should act as a lubricant to unclog any tumblers that have become clogged up with debris over time. As an alternative solution, have a locksmith install a high-quality, police-approved key safe so you no longer have to answer the door on a daily basis.
Lock is frozen.
Frozen locks are an inconvenience in subzero winter temperatures, but they’re easily fixed with some common sense and standard tools you already have around your house. Coating keys with hand sanitizer or petroleum jelly before inserting them into the lock can generate heat to melt the ice away more effectively than using a lighter or matches; just take care not to burn yourself or damage the metal key itself!
Another effective way of unfreezing a lock is by spraying it with an aerosol de-icer or silicon lubricant, as this will remove moisture-containing debris that causes locks to malfunction in cold weather. Furthermore, applying dry lubricant regularly will help ensure it won’t freeze up again in the future.
Lock is Broken
Broken locks leave your property exposed, so repairing them immediately should always be prioritised. Failing to do so could give intruders access to enter and cause significant damage—potentially even the theft of property from within your own home or business!
Professional locksmiths will be able to assess the damage and determine whether it needs repair or replacement. Doing it yourself may cause further damage and weaken the lock itself.
Recently, I was called out to Milngavie, where the customer was having difficulty opening their backdoor. Their handle was spinning but no latch was catching; upon inspection, I discovered that their square spindle, which operates the latch, had become loose—this was likely due to those installing their handles using too short of a spindle when originally installing their handles. I removed both sets of handles, replaced the old spindle with one cut precisely to length, and opened their door with ease!
