Locksmith DIY: Simple Fixes for Everyday Lock Problems

• Your Key Won’t Go in the Lock or Won’t Turn:

Perhaps you’ve just gotten home after a long day of work and all you can think about is getting inside, kicking off your shoes, and relaxing. The problem is that your key won’t go into the lock. It sounds crazy because it’s not like the lock or key has changed, so what’s the issue?

Sometimes it comes down to human error. The first step is to double, even triple-check that you’re using the right key for that particular door. If you’ve got multiple keys on your holder it’s an easy mistake to make. Now take a look to ensure there’s no debris or anything stuck inside the keyhole. It could be that the lock needs lubricating with a specific product so it’s also wise to have it on hand just in case.

If you’re able to get the key in the lock but it’s not turning, then you could be dealing with a door lock, latch, or even the alignment of the door that is no longer working as it should. The fix will need to be realigning whatever the guilty item is.

• The Lock Sticks Each Time You Lock/Unlock the Door:

In terms of common issues with locks, a sticky lock is probably one of the most typical. The stickiness can be constant or occasional. The problem is that it will only get worse over time and can eventually become unusable resulting in you being unable to get into your house.

The fix for a sticky lock tends to be cleaning it. There could be dirt, debris or even oil built up inside the lock. All of these issues will create resistance and a sticky feeling when you go to turn your key. If there is enough resistance it may even result in your key breaking.

• Your Key Breaks in the Lock

This is perhaps one of the most frustrating issues to deal with. You put the key in the lock, give it a turn and the key itself breaks. You’re left holding half while the other half is now stuck in the locking mechanism. There’s no doubt your stomach instantly drops as you start to panic about how you’re going to get into the house.

The problem is that you need to get that portion of the broken key out of the lock, so needle nose pliers will be your best option. Be gentle as you try to remove the piece as you don’t want to damage the lock. Unfortunately, if it’s broken too deep in the lock, or you’re unable to get a sturdy grip, the only solution will be to remove the lock cylinder from the door itself and push it out. If you don’t have the right tool to push it out, you can bring the cylinder to a locksmith who can do it for you or call Quickly Locksmiths to come and help you at your home.

• The Locking Mechanism Is Loose and Wiggles Around:

Here’s an issue that is not only a nuisance but can be a safety and security problem. If you have a door locking mechanism that is loose and wiggles then you are essentially inviting a burglar into the home. Just think how easy it would be for them to break off the lock and get in. This is a problem that should be fixed immediately by tightening up the mechanism.

If the screws don’t seem to be tightening they could be stripped or even broken. This can happen over time due to wear and tear. The solution to this problem is to remove the screws and replace them. This will allow you to tighten it properly and ensure the security of your home.

• You’ve Lost Your Keys:

Who hasn’t lost a key at least once in your life? And yes, it seems to happen at the most inconvenient times, that’s just the way it goes. In this case, you’ll need to re-key your home unless you want to replace all the locks. Re-keying is usually faster and more cost-effective, so it tends to be the better solution.

• Lock Has Been Broken Off Due to a Break-In:

Being the victim of a break-in is a situation no one wants to think about, but unfortunately, it can happen. The hope is that you weren’t home when it occurred and that you’re dealing with minimal damage and loss. If you now have a broken lock as a result, it needs to be replaced immediately. There is no fixing a broken lock, so you don’t want to even try. Instead, invest in a whole new lock and perhaps upgrade to something of higher quality that offers better security.

Installing a new lock on the door is relatively straightforward but can be time-consuming for those who aren’t exactly handy or who don’t have the right tools. The key is that the lock is attached securely so that it’s not loose and that it operates smoothly when locking/unlocking.