The Most Common Door Lock Problems
We all use doorknobs, locks, and handles on a daily basis because we want our possessions to be safe and secure. And sometimes, they may not work as to how we want them to, whether it’s due to the door’s age or because of wear and tear. We all have encountered some of the most common door lock problems from time to time. If you want to familiarize yourself with them, here are a few good examples.
The Door Latch Is Misaligned
Oftentimes, there are instances where the door latch doesn’t catch the strike plate properly, preventing the door from closing correctly. This problem typically happens because the latch and the strike plate are both out of proper alignment. It can be fixed by tightening the hinge screws and adjusting the strike plate. If you can’t, have a professional locksmith repair it.
The Key Is Broken or Stuck
There are moments when you insert your key into your door lock, but it won’t budge when you turn it. Either that or it breaks in half, leaving the rest of the key stuck inside. It may be due to the key being too old or some internal faults in the door lock.
If your key ever gets stuck, you can use a pair of pliers to pull it out carefully. You can also apply some Teflon-based lubricants to the internal mechanism to make the removal process more manageable.
The Doorknob Is Loose
Over time, the doorknob gets loose from the door and becomes wobbly. It could be because the door plate has a missing or broken screw. You only need to replace the screw and tighten the doorknob again to fix this.
The method of tightening the doorknob will depend on the type of lock that you have. However, if that didn’t help, you may have to buy and install a new knob.
The Deadbolt Is Jammed
A jammed deadbolt is often caused by excess oil or dust in the lock’s internal mechanisms. You can apply some lubricant to the bolt mechanism to make it operate smoothly. However, do not use graphite-based or petroleum-based lubricants like WD-40 on your locks.
Graphite-based lubricants can gunk up your locks over time. Meanwhile, petroleum-based ones like WD-40 can leave behind an oily residue that attracts dust, dirt, and other contaminants.
Maintaining and servicing your door locks from time to time doesn’t have to be complicated. If you need commercial, residential, or automotive locksmithing services that you can trust, contact Oliphant Lock & Safe. Talk to one of our representatives to learn more about our locksmith discount rates.
