Door Locks Repair Near Me
If your door locks are damaged, a locksmith is your best bet. They are licensed professionals who are able to fix all kinds of lock issues.
They can also give you advice on security improvements to improve the security of your business or home. They can also assist you in changing or rekeying your locks.
Locks that are misaligned
Locks that aren't aligned properly are more than just an inconvenience they're also an security risk that allows burglars to get around the lock during a break-in. Some lock problems are too difficult to fix without professional help but other issues can be repaired at home by a locksmith who has the right tools and knowledge.
Misalignment is one of the most frequent issues with door lock systems. It occurs when the latch and locking bolt don't align with the strike plate. This could be due to improper installation, weather changes, or an aggressive swing of the door. If it is not corrected it could cause the locking mechanism to wear out prematurely.
To correct an unaligned locking mechanism you first need to loosen the screws that hold the mechanism. When it's loose enough to be moved then you can reposition the deadbolt and strike plate. You can then reposition both the deadbolt plate and strike plate to align them. It's also crucial to tighten the screws properly after reassembling the lock.
It's also an excellent idea to check the keyway for dirt, debris, or other objects that could hinder the key's insertion and turning. If you spot any, clean them up and lubricate your lock with silicone-based lubricant or powdered graphite. If the issue persists you should contact a locksmith, as they have the tools and experience necessary to resolve even the most difficult lock problems.
Broken Key
Although we do our best to keep our keys in good condition, they are vulnerable to break because of regular use or regular wear and tear. This is why you need to make a spare key when you notice that your key has become bent or broken inside the lock. Removing a damaged key by yourself could damage the pins and mechanisms inside the lock, making it less effective and increasing the chance of break ins. You should hire a locksmith who is experienced to complete the job safely and correctly.
The first thing to do is spraying dry lubricant into the lock hole and around the broken key piece to help it slide out more easily. A dry lubricant is preferable over a lubricant based on oil because it won't leave behind a sticky residue that may accumulate dirt and grime over time.
Then, you should determine how much of the broken key protrudes from the lock cylinder. If enough of it is visible, you might be able to use needle-nose pliers grasp and remove it. If not, try using a flat-head screwdriver if it is small enough to fit into the lock and then lever it loose. You can also use a silicone bar, which is available at many hardware stores by melting one end and inserting it into the lock.
Finally, you could use a saw to remove the key part. This procedure requires extreme care and precision as you'll need to align the saw's teeth with the broken key fragment to hook it. This is a last resort option since the saw blade could cause further damage to the lock.
Jammed Locks
There's no doubt that jammed locks can be a hassle. It can happen at the most difficult times and can be extremely frustrating. However, fortunately, it's usually fixable. As long as you have the appropriate tools and know how to troubleshoot, you are likely to be able get your door lock back in working order.
Begin by looking over the mechanism of the lock for obvious signs of damage. If there's no obvious damage, try moving or jiggling the keys inside the lock to determine if you can move it to either side. If that doesn't work, try blowing compressed air into the keyhole to clear out any debris or dirt that could have been accumulating. It's recommended to clean your locks regularly using a cleaner and brush to ensure that they are in tip-top shape.
Another reason that can cause jammed locks is the lack of lubrication. Use a graphite or silicone thread lubricant in order to reduce friction in the lock and allow you to insert your key. Be cautious not to use regular WD-40, which can attract dirt and create a blockage in the lock mechanism.
The best way to prevent locks from jamming is by performing regular maintenance and thorough cleaning. If, however, your lock is stuck or not responding after these steps, you need to call in the experts. An experienced locksmith can identify the issue and suggest the best solution. They can also assist in selecting high-quality hardware which is more resistant to corrosion and other damage. They can also install your new locks efficiently and precisely which reduces the chance of any future issues.
Dusty Locks
If your lock doesn't turn smoothly when you insert the key, it could be due to dirt that has built up in the lock over time. It is easy to fix this issue with the use of a small amount of lubricant. Spray the lock with powdered graphite or dry Teflon (such as WD-40) the lubricant and then turn the key a few times to spread the lubrication around the lock. You can also use compressed-air to remove any gunk that has accumulated inside the lock.
If the cylinder appears to be misaligned to cause issues with key turning and insertion, you will need to remove the faceplate from the lock and adjust it by loosening the set screws that keep the cylinder in place. The cylinder should be moved so that it is properly aligned with the door's keyhole. If you're not confident doing this yourself you can call a locksmith help.
It's also possible that your lock has suffered damage that cannot be repaired, such as the result of a burglary. In this instance you'll need to replace the lock with a professional locksmith. They can install a new lock to increase your home's security. This upgrade will help you to regain your security after the trauma of a burglary. A good security system can keep intruders out of your home and putting you and your family in danger. A professional locksmith is also capable of providing other security services like alarm system installation and security camera installations. They can even install smart locks to ensure your home is secure even when you're away from it.
Frozen Door Locks
Door locks that are frozen can be a major issue, particularly if you're stuck in the cold outside trying to enter your home or vehicle. There are a few options you can try to fix the problem without calling a professional locksmith. The first step is to heat the lock. This can be done by using a cigarette lighter, or even your body heat (wear gloves). You can also make use of a hair dryer, but be cautious not to burn your fingers! You may also try to defrost it by gently and slowly moving the key in and out of the lock.
Applying a lubricant containing alcohol like Vaseline and rubbing alcohol, is another way to unfreeze the lock. This can keep the lock from freezing again by preventing moisture accumulation inside of the locking mechanism. It is also possible to use an anti-icing solution. They usually have a nozzle that directs the spray straight into the lock, which will melt some of the ice quickly.
If you don't have any of these items available, you can try placing the key in hot water or using a cigarette lighter to warm the lock. Avoid pouring hot water into the lock, as this can damage the door frame or cause thermal shock, which can cause burns or damage to electronics like sensors and the lock cylinder. Avoid breaking the ice with a sharp object. This could be dangerous and could cause damage to the lock. Instead, try warming broken car door lock or lock with a cigarette lighter or other source of heat, then move it around to thaw it. Repeat this process as needed. Regularly lubricating your hair can reduce the risk of them freezing up in the future.