Common Door Lock Problems
※ Download: Key sticking in lock
Out here in Kuwait we are cutting locks every few months because of people running out there WD-40ing them to open them and then a few weeks later forget there WD-40 they get the key jammed in there and break it off. Aim to keep a spare handy to switch into your key ring if your primary one begins to bend with wear—a warped key is more likely to stick down the road than a straight key. Graphite lube is better than WD-40 for locks...
However, if it is still hard to lock while in the open position it will more than likely be a mechanical fault, probably needing replacement parts. Aim to keep a spare handy to switch into your key ring if your primary one begins to bend with wear—a warped key is more likely to stick down the road than a straight key.
Common Door Lock Problems - Be sure to make a large enough opening that the graphite can flow freely. Just as a follow up....
I Can't Lock My Door! If you're having problems trying to lock your door, your key is stuck or your key is hard to turn in the lock, we have the expertise to help. There are a number of issues that you might have with locking your door. This can stop the locking points engaging the keeps, therefore preventing the door from locking! This is usually a quick and simple problem to fix. If you use too much force trying to remove the key yourself, it's possible that your key may snap or break inside the lock cylinder. We do not recommend forcing the key out of your lock as it can snap the key, but if you must : ensure you pull it directly out rather than twisting it. Twisting it could cause it to break. Forcing it could break the key in the lock. It's possible that there is an issue with the Lock Cylinder. Debris or Ice from cold weather may be causing problems with the cylinder or you might simply be using the wrong key! Our engineers carry the necessary replacement parts to repair most locks. All locks can be fitted or upgraded to British Standard to meet insurance specifications. Have you Had a new cylinder fitted? The spindle may have been cut too short. Has your nightlatch got a deadlocking function? If yes, you may have to turn the key more than once to unlock your door. If the key does not turn at all, you may be using a wrong key or the interior snib could have accidentally engaged. If the snib has been engaged from inside, it will stop the key from working. Our engineers have specialist tools to deal with this scenario. If you have both pieces of a broken key, then our locksmiths will be able to replicate a fully working duplicate, saving the cost of a new cylinder. This can be done on site! It will usually make the door difficult to open, if it can at all! Modern UPVC doors are designed to be fully adjustable so this is usually quick to fix. Tip - If the door locks perfectly while in the open position, it is an adjustment issue. However, if it is still hard to lock while in the open position it will more than likely be a mechanical fault, probably needing replacement parts. This will help keep the cost to a minimum. This keeps the job cost to a minimum. Replacing full mechanisms can be expensive, but in certain scenarios it is unavoidable. Problems With Composite Doors Composite door with problem Generally speaking, composite doors are extremely durable and very rarely develop problems. However, if they do become faulty it's usually due to one of the following reasons. This can make the door difficult to close and can let in draughts. If this has happened to your door, and it's still under guarantee, talk to the original door supplier about their returns and replacement policy. Many composite doors on the market come with a 10 year guarantee. Tip - If you engage the multipoint locking system 'hooks' everytime you close the door, it can help to keep the door straight and prevent warping. This keeps the job cost to a minimum. Replacing full mechanisms can be expensive, but in certain scenarios it is unavoidable. Changes in weather and temperature causing uPVC door problems Houses with door lock problems due to weather The hot and cold weather can cause issues with your doors. Each year when the weather gets warmer or the weather gets much colder, we attend more and more call out's for door related issues, such as doors not locking or unlocking, doors sticking, doors stiff to open or close, key unable to turn or difficult to remove from lock. Typical problems caused by the expansion and swelling are doors becoming stiff and becoming difficult to open or close. This uPVC door shrinkage and expansion can make it difficult for you to lock your doors. You may feel that you have to apply force when opening and closing your doors. Sometimes, all you'll need to do to solve this is to wait it out until the hot weather has passed. The cooler air should eventually bring your door back to it's natural state without damage. But there will be times when door issues like this cause a potential risk to your security if you can't lock your door, can't open your door or can't close your door - this is when we recommend calling a locksmith who can use their expertise and experience to make your home secure. Tip - Applying cold water to your uPVC doors during the warmer weather can help your door to regain its shape. You can achieve similar results in the colder months by using warm water. Do you have any of these problems and need work done? Call us on 0800 0612 677 for a free, no obligation quote.
Your really should not use a heavy lubricant on something that requires precise mechanical movements with small parts. From Mechanic to Tactical Satelitte Commo and have had to clean locks out for my equiptment boxes and sensitive items. This keeps the job cost to a minimum. Getting Your Key Out The concept is quite simple. Lint or debris can block the ignition cylinder. You can have corrosion or dirt built up in the gate or whole that the key slips through. Hold the tip of the bottle up to the lock. Key sticking in lock you think it might have been super glued, you can try acetone, which dissolves cyanoacrylate glues -- but it may also dissolve the finish on the lock, and on the door, and on anything else it drips on.
