Door Lock Problems You Should Address

As a property owner, you should expect to deal with door lock problems at one point. However, how you treat these problems determines how the door lock issues will impact your security. To help you determine when to call an expert, we discuss lock problems you should pay attention to. Read on below.

Loose Door Locks, Knobs, and Handles

A door lock has several moving parts and components that hold it together. Each part is critical and plays a role in ensuring the knob works well. If the components fall apart, the lock malfunctions.

But what can cause door knobs to fall apart? Over time, the parts of a knob loosen up, especially if the door serves as an exterior door that is a main entry and exit point in the home. While loose locks may not seem threatening, they may be deceiving as you may eventually face a lockout issue as a result of loose locks. While getting locked out of your home or other premises is not as significant a threat as a break-in, such situations may be inconvenient.

Furthermore, loose door parts make you a target for burglary. If you spot loose knobs, locks, or handles, you should contact your locksmith, so they can help you handle it as soon as possible.

Broken Keys in Keyholes

Keys tend to wear over time, which may lead them to break in the lock. A broken key in the keyhole also leads to lockouts, which can be devastating. Extracting a broken key from a lock requires unique tools, patience, and relevant skills.

You may be tempted to try to solve this problem on your own. However, you may not have the resources to handle the task, and may even damage the lock if you are not a locksmith. Therefore, you should contact a locksmith service provider to help you.

Misaligned Door Locks and Strike Plates

Misaligned locks signal that the locking mechanisms are out of place in ways that interfere with the door's functionality. In most cases, the locking bolt and latch do not align with the lock's strike plate. Misalignment may happen if the lock was improperly installed, warped because of extreme weather changes, or due to aggressive swinging of the door.

Misaligned doorknobs are easy to spot, which means that your property may be vulnerable to burglars and other people who know how to identify the problem. This problem is easy to fix, and your locksmith will only need to realign the strike plates and latch.

Turned Lock Cylinder

The lock should turn clockwise and anticlockwise to achieve the lock and unlock functions. However, in some cases, the lock cylinder turns completely, which leaves you with a problem that needs immediate attention.

Usually, a turning lock system is a result of loose or damaged setscrews. Therefore, to fix the problem, you will need to replace or tighten the setscrews.

Jammed Locks and Latches

Doors may jam for multiple reasons. For example, a debris buildup may clog the internal mechanisms. Doors may also jam as a result of broken latches and lock bolts. If you overlook a jammed door, you can cause further damage to your doorframe. A jammed door may also cause issues such as broken keys in locks.

To deal with the issue of door locks, you have to contact a professional. A locksmith can determine what exactly caused the jammed latch or lock and fix it.

You should invest in proper door lock maintenance to ensure your locks function properly. Here at Atlasta Lock and Safe Company, we offer customer-focused locksmith services to ensure you are always safe. Call us today to book an appointment.