When it comes to our homes, we do our best to stay aware of potential security flaws. However, when it comes to our doors, it can be easy to miss the signs that something is wrong. Given how doors are designed, wear-and-tear and breakage should come as little surprise. Like many others in the UK, you might one day lock your door and find it simply does not work as intended. Like most other problems in life, they seem to occur at the least opportune time, right?
We usually encounter problems with our locks when we can least afford them. It could be when you are already running late for a flight or your taxi to work is waiting outside. The good news is that when you encounter a problem with your door locks, you can often find a DIY solution. When something more significant occurs, though, it is important to know when to call a locksmith.
Common Problems You Might Have With Your Doors
Some of the most common headaches you might run into of this variety include:
1. Failing Locks
The most worrisome issue that you can have when it comes to locking your doors is that the lock does not work. Nothing causes more worry than seeing you turn the lock and then…the door still open. Not only does it mean you cannot leave your door unguarded, but it likely means you also need to cancel whatever plans you had in mind that day. Safe to say, this is not ideal!
If you find that the lock simply does not work or will not turn properly, then the most likely symptom is that the lock has failed mechanically. When locks fail in this way, you need to hire an emergency locksmith; this is a priority matter. Trust us when we say that trying to get to sleep at night will be much more difficult if you know that your doors are not properly locked.
Hire a 24-hour locksmith, and they can come out ASAP to fix the problem. While other lock issues can be worked around or dealt with at a lower priority, locks that have failed need immediate attention. An emergency locksmith can review the problem and diagnose the issue, including installing new locks into the door for you. Locks can fail on all kinds of doors for all manner of reasons, after all.
When your locks fail, do not try to self-repair or self-install locks; hire an expert for true peace of mind.
2. Tardy Locks
Over time, locks can become quite dirty, resulting in dirt and debris getting trapped within the lock itself. That can lead to the lock sticking or the rate at which the lock closes being too slow to ensure it locks fully. Instead of trying to grease up the lock, it is better to try and clean out the lock to get rid of whatever debris is preventing the lock from closing as it should.
The best bet is to use a cotton bud and clean around the lock itself. Sometimes, you can budge whatever is causing the lock to close slowly. If you worry that you might make the problem worse or that you might use the wrong cleaning instruments, it is a wise choice to call a locksmith in your area. They can use the right cleaning tools and also diagnose if the cause of the problem lies elsewhere.
3. Snapped Keys
One of the most common problems is when your key snaps inside the door lock. A key that breaks inside the lock is no laughing matter; getting that key back out, at least on your own, is not a simple task. Make sure that you remove what is left of the key; do not try to force the whole key into the lock.
Instead, grab a tool like a flathead screwdriver or a pair of needle-nose pliers. These are your best bets if you want to try prying that bit of broken key out of the lock. Most professionals will use a similar tool to try to get the key back out; if this does not work, you might need to call a local locksmith. Sometimes, it is down to the knack as opposed to the tools you are using.
4. Keys Will Not Fit
Another problem that we see people dealing with is that keys no longer seem to fit within the lock. Now, you know you are using the right key, and it fit as early as yesterday/this morning. So, what gives?
Make sure that you try each key, including spares; especially in the darkness, it is easy to mix one key up with another. Once you make sure you have the right key, it is time to look at the key. Has anything bent or snapped? Can you see anything that might cause the key not to turn, such as a broken tooth?
Shine a light on the lock itself, too; there could be something stuck within it, such as debris. Even dirt build-up can become serious enough that the key will no longer fit. If you are unable to see a problem and, after cleaning the lock and key, it still does not fit, you should call a local expert.
5. Latches Failing
Another common issue with a door that will not lock is the latches failing. There are several reasons for this, but the most typical cause is that the door frame is not lined up with the latch bolt. Due to the shape of your door and the frame, you might struggle to fit the latch or re-install the lock. In these circumstances, we recommend calling an expert, as DIY solutions can make the problem worse rather than better.
Hiring The Right Locksmith
If you run into any of the above issues and you cannot find a DIY solution, or you are worried that you will make the problem worse, hire a locksmith. If you need a locksmith, then you will find plenty of choices across the UK that you can hire in confidence. Make sure that any locksmith you hire is fully City & Guilds accredited and DBS checked; otherwise, you run the risk of hiring someone unsuitable. Your home insurance will want to know that the people you hire for the job are of a suitable standard.
Hire one of our locksmiths, and you get the full confidence that the person you hire can do the job to the standard you need. Whenever you run into one of the above problems, call us for expert support and assistance in fixing the problem at hand!