Having problems with your door locks? You’re bound to experience problems with your lock at some point. In fact, all homeowners have had to deal with faulty locks. Ultimately, the manner in which you handle problems with your locks will determine their impact of your home security. Most people leave it until it is too late to call in a Lock-up Toronto locksmith. If you don’t address, door lock problems as soon as they arise, they tend to grow into more complicated problems. Here are some of the lock problems you should never ignore.
1. Loose Door Locks
Door locks come with several moving parts. Every single part is integral to the proper functioning of the lock. If any of the parts come apart or stop functioning, then the lock will stop working as it should. With time and usage, door lock parts tend to loosen up. This is particularly true for exterior doors which are used as the main access points. While a loose lock may not sound alarming, it is something to worry about. Loose locks are one of the primary reasons for lockouts whereby the key no longer functions as it should. Loose locks also make it easier for burglars to break into your home.
2. Misaligned Door Locks
Misaligned locks or misaligned strike plates are usually the result of the key parts of the locking mechanism not being aligned as they should. This often means that the locking bolt or latch is not aligned with the strike plate of the lock. This problem is usually the result of poorly installed locks or doors. It can also be caused by a warping door frame as a result of climate changes. It’s easy to spot this problem since it becomes difficult to operate the door. The day may not close or lock the way it should. This essentially leaves your home exposed to intruders.
3. Broken Key in Lock
This is probably one of the most devastating door lock problems. This is because you can’t use the lock until you’ve extracted the broken key. If the door was locked when the key broke, you can’t access your home or get out until the issue is resolved. In some cases, a key breaking in lock can also damage the lock so removing the broken key may not resolve your problem entirely. You have to replace the key as well.
4. Jammed Locks
A lock can jam up for a myriad of reasons. The buildup of debris in the internal mechanism of the lock is one of the most common reasons. It can also be a result of a broken latch or bolt. You should never ignore a jammed lock as it could also be a sign of an attempted break-in.
5. Turning Lock Cylinder
This is one of the easiest lock problems to diagnose, but it’s not necessarily easy to solve. If you turn your key and the entire lock turns, then you have a problem on your hands. This problem is usually caused by a loose or damaged set screw. This problem can be resolved by accessing and tightening the set screw.
