Residential Lock Repair: Common Issues & Fixes

Locks serve as the primary defense system for your property. If any malfunction happens, it can compromise your safety and peace of mind. It's best to contact the experts right away, regardless of whether your door is jammed loose or not functioning. The faster you address the problem, the quicker the diagnosis will be. This blog provides ideas on how to deal with these troubles and identify the symptoms of the issues before starting to search for residential lock repair near me.

Why Is Lock Maintenance Required for Residential Property?

Residential property owners often overlook maintenance until a serious problem arises. Daily use, exposure, forced entry, or tampering can cause the locks to endure wear and tear. Poor lock maintenance can lead to four difficult situations that residential lock repair professionals can resolve.

• Difficulty locking and unlocking doors

• Vulnerable security 

• Lock function failure or simply breakdown

• Lockout situations

Regular inspections and timely repairs can prevent minor issues from becoming major headaches.  If you already find the symptoms of a troubled door locking system, at this point, it is the right time to search for ‘front door lock repair near me’ and locate the nearest locksmith service provider who can troubleshoot your problems.

7 Common Residential Lock Troubles and Their Solutions

1. Key that Won’t Turn in the Lock

The common symptom of this problem is that you have inserted the key, but it doesn't turn or gets stuck halfway. The most common cause of these difficulties is dirt and debris present in the lock cylinder. Worn and damaged keys, misalignment of internal pins and frozen locks in the cold weather are often the cause of keys that do not turn in the lock.

To resolve this issue, first try a spare key. If the original key can’t operate the lock, it may be worn. You can warm the key with a lighter and try it again. Alternatively, you can spray graphite lubricant into the keyhole. If you are still experiencing difficulties after applying all these methods, call the door and lock repair professionals at Murray Avenue Locksmith to check the pin and identify and repair any potential cylinder damage.

2. Loose Door Handle or Lock

A loose door handle or lock can be easily identified if the handle wobbles or feels loose when you try to turn it. Sometimes, a door handle with this problem won’t latch properly.  The possible cause of this trouble is that the screws inside the handle and faceplate have come loose, and the lock mechanism is worn out.

You can try to tighten all the visible screws on the handle and strike plate. If tightening the screws doesn’t work, the mechanism may be worn or require replacements. You have to call the professional locksmith service providers to resolve this error.

3. Misaligned Door Latch

This is the most common malfunction. The primary symptom is that the door does not close properly, or it requires pushing to lock. Incorrect hinge placements, incorrect foundation or door frame wrap positioning, and the misalignment of the strike plate are all contributing factors.

You can inspect the sagging door to verify whether the hinge screws are in the right places or not. You can also try moving the strike plate slightly to check its alignment. Even after using multiple tactics, the door latch is not going to open; you have to call the Locksmith professionals to troubleshoot this error.

4. Broken Key Inside the Lock

A broken key inside the lock is a serious issue and can be considered an accident.  The first action you can try is simply checking whether the broken part of the key is stuck on. Then try to remove the broken piece by using tweezers or any broken key extractor tool. 

If you are unsuccessful, it’s better to call the locksmith professionals to remove the broken parts from the lock. Calling the professionals will help you to avoid any further damage to the lock. Are you in Pittsburgh? Murray Avenue Locksmith lock change services will arrive at the site, investigate the issue by using proper tools, and provide you with a solution.

5. Lock is Completely Jammed

Jammed locks are sometimes the result of internal damage, broken mechanisms, or freezing temperatures. This is a common problem in residential areas located in cold and freezing climates. Avoid using excessive force to open the jammed lock; it can hamper its hardware. To avoid any external damage, pour some warm water inside the keyhole and wait to open the lock itself.

Sometimes simply warming up the lock can resolve the matter but if the lock is completely jammed and, after heating the lock, the lock is not opened, you must call the professional locksmith service providers of Murray Avenue Locksmith. They will arrive at your location, assess the issue, and provide a solution.

6. Worn-Out Lock Cylinder

Over a long period of time, the internal lock mechanism of a lock cylinder can deteriorate due to regular use. Natural wear and tear can lead to issues such as difficulty inserting or turning the key, or the key becoming stuck and not coming out. These signs indicate that the lock cylinder is no longer functioning and may be nearing the end of its service life. A worn-out lock cylinder is not only inconvenient but also causes a serious security threat. 

Criminals often target weak and outdated locks, as they require less effort to bypass. We often strongly recommend replacing the cylinder or upgrading to modern high-security locks. Regular inspection by professional locksmith service providers can also help you to identify the potential weakness early and prevent the security breaches before they happen. 

7.Easy Try-On Fixes For Residential Locks

Here are some simple try-on techniques; however, attempting these methods on your own is not always safe, as there is a risk of sudden hardware damage. You can try these straightforward steps before calling the locksmith professionals for a better understanding of the root cause of it.

Try Lubrication	If your key is stuck and the lock is dirty and dry, try to use some oil-free lubrication.
Tighten The Screws	Look for any loose screws in the lock's handle; if you find anything there, kindly tighten the screws.
Wiggle Gently	You can gently wiggle the lock to remove the stuck key.
Hinge Adjustment	Weather and climate can affect your door hinges, so you can tighten them to improve alignment.
Use Tweezer	To remove the broken particles of the key, you can gently use tweezers.

Even after using these basic troubleshooting methods, if you are still facing the issues regarding locks, it’s the right time to call the professionals of Murray Avenue Locksmith.

In Conclusion

Residential lock problems can range from simple inconvenience to serious security threats. There are certain minor issues like stuck keys and loose handles. Typically, seeking assistance from professional locksmiths will resolve these issues. Regular maintenance and timely repairs will extend your locks' life and ensure your home's safety. If you are facing any problems regarding the lock, you can reach out to us any time through (412) 422-2004. We always value your peace of mind and property protection.

FAQs

What to do when your lock is not working?

Our suggestion is to not try to force entry or apply any external efforts. You can try some of the basic steps, like cleaning the locks or applying an oil-free lubricant. Even after applying these steps, if your lock is still not working, there is no other alternative than calling a professional locksmith.

Why is my door lock so brittle and hard to open?

Dirt and debris often accumulate in the keyhole. This can occur if you leave your property for an extended period or fail to clean your door lock regularly. This type of issue can lead to problems like lock stiffness even if you are living in a high-traffic area or live under adverse weather, this condition can impact your lock and key mechanism.

How to open a stuck lock?

Are you currently experiencing freezing conditions? Then the only solution is warming up your keys. Once the key is a little warm, dry it off with a paper towel. Then try inserting the key into the lock and slowly try to turn it. Otherwise, you can also try to warm up the key with a hot blow dryer.

Why is my door not locking in the frame?

The common cause of this problem is misalignment of the door. This misalignment can occur if the hinges do not fit properly in the frame. The best solution is to call the professionals at Murray Avenue Locksmith; attempting to fix the issue on your own may damage the door.

How do you fix a lock that won't open?

First, inspect the lock and clean it and the keys. If you find any signs of debris or damage on the lock, reach out to the professional locksmith service providers; they are going to come to your place to inspect the errors and tell you the solutions to resolve the matters. Avoid using external force, as it can damage the lock, which may require you to change it.