Most Common Home Lock Problems and How to Fix Them

Are you not getting sick and tired of being locked out of your huse? Or do you have a lock that looks like it was made to keep you out of the house but is also easy to break if someone tries to get in? There are a few common issues with door locks that terrify homeowners daily. Without door locks, we run the risk of jeopardizing the security of our homes and families as well as our personal belongings. Door locks are one of the most crucial components of our overall safety. It is best to guarantee you pick a top-notch lock that can last you for quite a long time in every case. However, sometimes, mileage can create unavoidable issues with home locks. In this article, a few lock problems have been discussed along with their solutions. Although an expert locksmith in Grand Rapids is the way to go, you can still solve these common problems yourself. Here are some common home lock problems and how to fix them.

1. A Broken Locking Mechanism 

It is the situation when the key properly turns inside the lock, but the door won't open or close. If you've done it previously, you can investigate yourself by utilizing a screwdriver to dismantle the lock. After dismantling it, you can check for problems and fix them by following a repair guide. However, it is ideal to call an expert locksmith who can investigate, lay out the shortcoming and fix it. A professional and reliable locksmith might be able to fix the problem and get the internal lock mechanisms to work again. But sometimes, the damage is too bad to fix, and your locksmith might have to put in a new lock so you can confidently secure your home.

2. Key Breaks in the lock 

This is one of the most annoying problems with locks and typically occurs without warning. If this occurs to you, some things should be done, and some things must be avoided. Don’t try to open the lock with the broken piece of the key. This runs the risk of further inserting the broken key into the locking mechanism; as a result, making it more challenging to retrieve. If there's enough of the broken key visible, you can use tweezers to try to hold the broken key part and pull it straight out. If the key doesn't come out effectively, don't drive it, as you can make things more complicated. At this point, contacting a skilled locksmith for assistance is what you should do. They have the apparatuses and abilities to eliminate the key without damaging anything.

3. The Key Won't Turn 

A badly cut key may be the issue if your key does not turn in the lock. To be certain, test the lock with a different key. If the problem is with the key, try cutting it properly so your lock opens and closes smoothly. If the issue is not with the key, try lubricating the lock with powdered graphite or a silicone-based lubricant. If you are able to turn your key when the door is open but not when it's shut, the issue might be the arrangement of the door or lock. You might also notice that your door doesn't latch properly in these situations.

4. A Door Latch that Is Out of Alignment 

Over time, your door can become warped, especially wooden doors, which frequently expand and contract with the weather. Your lock, strike plate, and latch may become misaligned as a result. When it becomes difficult to turn your key due to friction, you can typically tell this has happened. If this is the case, you may be tempted to ignore the problem because your door continues to lock and unlock. However, if you do so for an excessive amount of time, you run the risk of causing damage to the lock's internal mechanisms. Calling a local locksmith in Grand Rapids to realign your door and lock so that you can turn your key again smoothly is the best way to prevent future issues. However, if you ignore the problem and now have a lock that won't work, you can call an emergency locksmith to install a new lock or fix your current one.

5. Common Wear and Tear 

Just like any other product, our locks can get damaged over time. Many of us may be using locks that were installed decades ago in our homes. Over time, these locks can become stiff and difficult to use. If you're starting to have problems with your lock's mechanisms, it might be time to get a new one. Besides the fact that you buy can your lock from the locksmith store, you can still ask a professional to assist you with the best one. Hiring a professional locksmith can be a great option when it comes to removing your old lock and installing a new one.

Door locks might be little, but they are the greatest defender of the well-being and security of your home and business. Due to normal wear and tear, door locks may become challenging over time. Look out for clues that something might go wrong. From a lock that won't turn smoothly to one that won't turn at all, a professional locksmith in Grand Rapids can identify any problem you may have with your lock. Thanks to their extensive knowledge of the lock industry, the above-mentioned common door lock issues can all be solved by a locksmith.