3 Door Lock Problems That Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Though lock related problems  could arise due to frequency of use, the management technique will directly impact your security!

Regrettably, many people tend to procrastinate calling a friendly locksmith until the situation becomes critical.

Read on as we will reveal the three-door lock problems you should consider as an emergency, along with effective solutions to fix them all.

Key Breakage In A Lock

As keys age, they become brittle, especially when used with older locks that may have rusted in humid atmospheres. This combination can lead to unfortunate consequences. The rusty lock may get stuck, requiring you to apply extra force to turn the key.

When this is the case, there's a significant risk of the key breaking. The door may become jammed if the key gets stuck inside the lock. If you find yourself away from home when this happens, it can undoubtedly put you in a challenging situation.

How To Get a Key Out

To fix a stuck lock caused by a broken key, the initial action is to try extracting the trapped part of the key from the lock.

To safely remove a key that is partially visible outside the lock, use pliers with caution. Pull the key straight ward to avoid further breakage, which could leave a smaller, more challenging-to-remove piece inside the lock.

However, if the broken piece remains trapped inside the lock, simply seek assistance from a professional locksmith. We have the necessary expertise and tools to safely and effectively address the issue.

Loose Door Locks, Door Knobs, and Door Handles

Door locks consist of multiple components that work together to ensure smooth functionality.

But when certain parts become loose, the lock's effectiveness is compromised. Spotting such issues is relatively easy, as you may notice problems while using the lock. The interior and exterior sections of the lock can both be influenced by loose door lock problems.

Often, screws holding the lock may wear down over time, posing a security risk.

How To Fix The Issue

If your door lock's connecting screws have come undone, tightening them is a simple solution. Use the appropriate screwdriver to tighten the screws back in place.

In some cases, the connecting screws or parts might be broken or worn out, requiring replacement. Detach the lock, determine the broken elements, and swap them.

After obtaining the required parts, proceed to reinstall the lock.

Misaligned Locks

Misaligned locks happen when the lock's bolt or latch no longer fits snugly into the strike plate on the door frame. This misalignment can occur due to reasons such as wear and tear, the settling of the house, or temperature changes.

This issue creates a vulnerability in your door's security. The bolt may not fully extend into the strike plate, making it easier for intruders to attempt to force the door open.

How To Fix The Issue

Check the alignment between the deadbolt and strike plate. If there is any misalignment, tighten the screws on the hinges and strike plate.

You might have to make slight adjustments to the position of the strike plate for proper alignment.

If the problem persists, seek the assistance of a locksmith to expertly adjust and realign the deadbolt.

Conclusion

Addressing door lock problems promptly is necessary to avoid unnecessary burdens. While some issues can be handled by homeowners, seeking assistance from a professional locksmith is the right thing to do.

For all your lock replacement needs, reach out to Top St. Louis Locksmith. Our expert locksmiths will resolve the problem as soon as possible.