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Top common lock problems that you can solve with the help of a locksmith

Most people around the world encounter several lock problems that cause them great tension as it can significantly affect their home’s safety. If you ever become worried about the safety of your home due to a lock problem, you must remain calm and immediately contact a locksmith to resolve the issue. However, below are the top common lock problems that you can solve with the help of a locksmith Farnley.

1.       The key broke inside the lock.

When people try to unlock the door lock in a hurry, they might encounter a common problem. The common problem is that the key gets stuck or broken inside the lock. However, some people try to fix this problem themself, but in most cases, they are unable to fix the problem. So what should you do to solve this problem? You might think of replacing the lock with a new one. Indeed, this might be an option. But it is not an ideal option. The best option to fix this issue is to call a professional locksmith Farnley. A professional locksmith knows how to fix this problem in an effective way.

The professional locksmith will conduct a professional key extraction and give you the ideal solution to fix a broken critical problem. The solution might be a new key cut or a lock replacement. The best solution will mainly depend on the lock condition. So you must follow the suggestion of a  locksmith.

It is advisable to take your time to carefully lock or unlock the lock to prevent the problem of broken keys inside the lock. This will ensure that your lock and property are completely secured.

2.       Cannot insert the key

Many homeowners might worry if they try to insert a key and it doesn’t work. This issue might also happen in a hurry. Most people insert the wrong keys in the lock and think it is not inserted in the lock. The first and foremost thing you must do is double-check the key. If it is the right one or not. You can simply save yourself from trouble by double-checking a key. It will also save the time you might waste by inserting the wrong key.

If you are sure that you are using the right key, and it is still not inserted, then it can be another reason for this lock problem. There is a high chance that the key is obstructed. It means there might be another key on the other side of the lock, preventing key insertion on the opposite side.

You must call a locksmith if you do not think this might be the reason. Locksmiths come with the ability to fix all locks problems. They will conduct a short test to determine the exact reason and effectively fix the issue.

3.       Slow door locks

Several people also face a common issue: when they try to open or close a lock, they notice it is slowly working as usual. This problem is most common when door locks get old. Sometimes this problem occurs with a new lock. The reason behind this problem is that grime or dirt accumulated in the lock. However, there is a good chance you can fix this issue yourself, so you don’t need a locksmith to fix it.

Yes, you can solve this problem by yourself with a simple and easy effort. You can insert a piece of cotton slowly and in a controlled way so that cotton can collect dirt and extract it from the lock. The problem gets solved by this solution in most cases. You might have to lubricate the lock if this solution does not work. You must try to avoid the use of oil to lubricate the lock. You must always use granite spray or silicone to lubricate the door or standard lock.

We recommend contacting a professional locksmith if you do not know the technique of lubrication of locks. A locksmith knows the right way of lubrication and the exact solution to fix the slow locks problems.

4.       The key does not unlock the lock.

Most of you may encounter a common lock problem while unlocking or locking a lock. The problem is when you insert a key inside a door lock. The lock will not lock or unlock. This could also happen due to a hurry in locking or unlocking the lock. The main reason behind this lock problem is forcing a key to open or close a lock. Forcing can drastically damage the lock or break the key inside the lock. This issue is a significant issue among all issues in this list.

You should avoid forcing a key to unlock or lock a lock. However, it is advisable to lubricate the lock with silicone or granite spray to fix this problem. Lubricating a lock can help you to unlock or lock the lock in an efficient way. But this solution might only work in a few cases.

If this solution does not work in your case, you have to call a locksmith Farnley to get an effective solution to seized lock problem. A professional locksmith comes with the ability to fix the seized lock in no time. They also come with the right tool and relevant skills to deal with the seized locks problems. Remember to avoid extra effort rather than lubricating to prevent the significant problem in the seized locks issue.

5.       UPVC door locks might be challenging to open or close

UPVC doors are among the most affordable doors in the market. They are made from unplasticized polymer chloride, also known as UPVC. This is a hardened plastic type that does not have other things inserted while being manufactured.

If your house has UPVC doors, you might face a common problem: your door locks are not working correctly. The lock might get open or closed in an open condition or when a door is open. But it might not unlock or lock when the door is closed.

This problem might occur due to slipping or dropping out of position. Indeed, these types of doors are adjustable, but slip position can be the reason for this problem. Most people find this problem difficult to resolve, but an expert locksmith can do so quickly and effectively. There can be another reason behind this problem. If you notice that the locking mechanism has a problem while the door opens, you might need to replace a part of the lock. A well-trained locksmith knows the exact solution to the problem in a lock mechanism. They might find the screw that holds the barrel of the lock and tighten it with a driver in an effective way.

6.       Damaged mechanism

In addition to uPVC doors, other doors may also experience damaged mechanism issues. You might think about what the lock mechanism actually is. It is the process of working on a lock. The cylinder, also known as the lock body, is a part of the door lock into which the key is inserted. When the cylinder is locked, it engages a series of spring-loaded pins that prevent the cylinder from turning. As you insert a key into the lock, the uneven edge of the lock body pulls the pins forward to suit the key’s height inside the lock body.

This mechanism might also get damaged or faulty, stopping a lock from opening or closing. Any part of the lock mechanism might get faulty, affecting the overall mechanism of the locks. This problem can only fix with the help of a well-trained or experienced locksmith. You can not fix this problem by yourself.

The locksmith will remove the lock from your door to inspect the lock problem. The inspection might take a few minutes. Your locksmith will discuss the available solution to fix the problem with you after finding a fault in the overall lock mechanism.

7.       Misaligned door latch

A misaligned door latch is a common problem affecting your lock function. Doors, mainly made from wood, can become wrapped or bowed with time.

This problem can cause your lock, strike plates, and latch to be misaligned. You can notice it when you face quiet difficulties unlocking the lock in fraction. Most people ignore this issue because their lock still unlocks and locks. It means that their locks work quite well even after a misaligned door latch.

Ignoring a misaligned door latch problem is dangerous because it can lead to a hazardous problem with your door lock. If you did not take the misaligned door latch problem seriously in the early situation, you are leading the way to damage the inner mechanism of your door lock. If you ignore the issue for so long, your door lock might not work after a few days or months. You must call a locksmith, who can realign your door and lock so you can smoothly turn your key again to prevent further problems.

If you have ignored it for such a long time, your door lock might stop functioning. You might need to call a locksmith again to replace or repair a door lock. This will cost you more because you must pay for realignment and repair or repair of the door lock.

It is recommended to consult a locksmith at the early stage of a misaligned door latch. Calling a professional locksmith in an early situation of a misaligned door latch will not only save money but also save your lock mechanism.

8.       The distorted frame of a door

The distorted frame of a door is another major problem that most homeowners face. Your door can become distorted with time and cause several issues with your lock, latch, and hinge. The door’s distortion can cause problems in smoothly opening and closing a door, which can be a real nuisance while locking the door. This issue can bring a multitude of problems, from broken locks to doors not locking.

Some of these issues require drilling that can damage the overall look of your door. Drilling can also cost you more and cause issues with your damage. The best way to avoid significant problems due to the distorted frame of a door is to fix the door at its early stage. This will prevent damage to other parts of the door. You cannot fix the problem of the distorted frame of a door yourself.

It is recommended to call your preferred locksmith at a stage when you notice a problem in opening and closing a door. Locksmiths come with a wide variety of skills to fix the problem of the distorted frame of a door. They have the ability to find the exact problem a solve it before it becomes a big concern. After the locksmith fixes the problem of the distorted frame of a door, you can smoothly open or close the door.

9.       Frozen locks

Frozen door locks are yet another common problem that most homeowners face during winter, especially in northern areas. The ice stuck upper the lock and inside the lock, which stops the lock from unlocking and locking.

You can defrost the lock by applying low heat with a blow dryer. Remember, sometimes too high heat can damage your door or lock. If blow drying does not help you, you must contact a locksmith to fix the problem. Below are the common steps used by a locksmith to fix this problem-

Clear the ice around the lock cylinder – This step helps you or the locksmith insert a key in the cylinder better. They use the critical tip or another object to chip away ice from the lock cylinder opening.
Heat the key – heating the key might be difficult for regular homeowners. Locksmith heats the keys with deicing chemicals, a heat gun, a blow torch, and more. Some of them also use matchsticks or lighter as an alternative to deicing chemicals, heat guns, and more.
De-ice the keyhole – The lock’s keyhole should be targeted with a de-icing spray as it is the best option. Locksmiths also use a lubricant spray, like WD40, to remove some of the ice from the lock cylinder through the keyhole.

You can also use these steps to fix the issue of frozen locks of doors. But it might be risky to use these steps because they have several risks like the heating key could be dangerous if you do not protect yourself. That is why it is advisable to call a locksmith to fix the frozen lock issue.

10.  Loose door lock

Last but not least, a loose door lock problem or issue is another critical and common lock problem that several homeowners face. This problem is drastically common with lever-style door handle locks because they have a high chance of loosening up with time, creating a significant locking problem. For example today we repaired some loose doors at the Henconner Pharmacy in Farnley.

You can line up the lock on the other side of the door to tighten up the door. You must have someone to hold the door while you work to fix the problem.

After you align the door handle properly, you must tighten the screw until they become flush with the doorknob, replacing any evidence that they are broken.

This step might sound simple or easy, but it is not a cup of tea for a homeowner because they do not have the right skill to align the door handle properly. It could increase the problem when you try to fix it yourself. You must consult a locksmith so that they can fix the issue in the right way.

Most homeowners frequently experience issues with doors or common locks. They might get worried because it can affect their home safety. But it is not a cause for worry because it can be solved with you or a locksmith’s efficient and effective technique. We hope that this article was helpful for you in solving your lock problem. If you still face issues, contact the locksmith Farnley for an effective solution.