Common Lock Problems
I’m sure the locks on your doors at home are at the back of your mind most days, but I’m sure that the safety of your family, coworkers and possessions are. The last thing you want this winter is a door that won’t lock or a door that won’t open! Take a look below at the most common lock problems there are and how to solve them.
Key Snapped In Lock
This is one of the most frustrating things to happen when you’re already late leaving on the school run or late to work. Just for those few seconds when locking or unlocking your door, take your time. Pull the key out straight without twisting or bending it so that you can not only help to prevent the key from breaking but also to make sure that the lock is being secured properly and keeping your property safe. In the event of the dreaded broken key in lock scenario, don’t try and get this out yourself, pushing hard objects into the lock to fish out the key can cause damage to the lock itself. Call your local emergency locksmiths Access Locks on 01332 842 852 who will aim to help within 1 hour.
Lock Seizures / Key Won’t Turn
Don’t force the key! Forcing it could break the key off in the lock. It’s possible that there’s a problem with the Lock Cylinder itself. Grime, dust or Ice from cold weather may be causing problems with the cylinder or you might simply be using the back door key instead of the front? Either way, don’t force the key. You could consider a controlled insertion of a cotton swab into the lock to attract the dirt and remove the grease. Once the dirt has been removed, you will need to lubricate the lock. Never use oil! Oil and grease can actually clog up the lock and cause further problems. Always use a graphite or silicone spray to lubricate your locks. If this doesn’t work, contact your local emergency locksmith Access Locks.
There are instances that the door latch doesn’t catch due to the strike plate or door being misaligned. This means that the door latch is not aligned with the strike plate and unable to lock or unlock correctly. Our team at Access Locks will be happy to help with this issue.
Key Won’t Insert
The first thing to check is you definitely have the right key, it happens to the best of us and these simple things can slip out minds from time to time. Once you’re sure you have the correct tools, have a quick look to see if there is anything blocking the barrel. Remember in icy weather conditions there could be ice in the lock which could be stopping the key.
Could it be a newly cut key, there’s always a chance that the key may have been poorly cut, which is why it’s important to always use a reputable key cutter.
If you’re still scratching your head after checking all the above, contact your local locksmith Access Locks who will be happy to assist.
Slow Door Locks
Dirt or grime can accumulate in your locks over time which can cause a stiff, slow lock turn. This could potentially lead to your key snapping in the lock as mentioned in the above paragraph. Carefully Inserting a cotton swab into the lock to attract the dirt and grime and try to remove as much as you can. Apply some silicone spray or graphite spray (Not Oil, this can clog up the lock) to the lock cylinder and your lock should turn a lot easier.
If you’re still in doubt, call the professionals here at Access Locks ho will be happy to help no matter what to issue. Contact our office on 01332 842 852