Door Lock Repair & Services Near Me
Door locks help keep your home safe, but over time they can become damaged and stop working as they should. It is essential to get them repaired by a professional to ensure the security integrity of your home.
Our professionals can restore your door back to optimal performance, regardless of whether it is not strong enough, requires an additional push to latch, or leaks oil.
Broken Keys
Broken keys can occur for many reasons. You may have tried opening the lock with too much force or a key could break inside of the lock. Whatever the reason, a locksmith will help you solve the problem quickly. They'll be able to assess the situation and decide which method is best for taking out the damaged piece.
If a piece of the broken key is protruding out of the lock, make use of pliers and pull it. A coping saw blade could also be a viable option however it needs to be put in the lock with its teeth pointed upwards before it can be bent in and out of the lock.
A hair clip may also be used. It is inserted into the lock in the same manner and then removed. A screwdriver can also be used to operate the lock much in the same manner as a key. It is usually found in the home. If none of these methods work, a locksmith may be the only option.
If you find that your key is no longer working it is essential to get a new one created. This will prevent thieves from getting easy access to your home, and will ensure that you have the right security for your office or home. A locksmith can provide you with a new key quickly and efficiently, without additional damage to your existing locks.
Door locks are a crucial component of the security of your home, so it's important that they do their job properly. If you're having problems with your door locks, it is recommended to seek the assistance of an expert right away to prevent any further damage, or possibly creating more issues. To find a trusted, reliable Door Lock Repair & Services near you, check out the top-rated professionals on Thumbtack.
Jammed Locks
When you're trying to open a door an unlocked lock, jamming it can be an incredibly difficult issue. The good thing is that it's typically one that can be fixed with some basic troubleshooting. A jammed lock can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as misalignment, dust and debris accumulation, and damage to internal mechanisms. Before you attempt to disassemble the locking mechanism yourself be sure to assess the extent of the jam. If the lock is totally stuck, you may need to call in professional help.
If the lock is partially blocked, try jiggling the key while it's inside to see if you can get it out. Be cautious not to apply too much force, as excessive pressure could cause damage to the key inside the lock. You can also blow compressed air into the locking mechanism to get rid of any loose dirt and debris. If this doesn't work try using a thin piece of wire or lockpick to gently pry open the lock. If you still can't get the lock to move try applying a dry lubrication. You can buy a special powdered graphite lubricant in most hardware stores, or make use of the dry lubricant that comes from pencils (make sure it's genuine graphite). You can spray a bit of lubricant in the lock, then insert the key and then turn the key in a circular motion to disperse it.
Another reason that can lead to a jammed lock is the weather conditions. Metal can expand or contract under extreme weather conditions, which can cause the lock to jam when it tries to open or close. This is particularly true for locks that are exposed to direct sunlight.
Despite the fact that broken and jammed locks are a frequent issue it is important to be aware of when to seek professional help. If you attempt to open a door without the right tools or expertise you could cause costly damage and compromise the security of your business. Locksmiths can resolve the most difficult lock issues by saving time and money. With the right tools and expertise, they can even prevent these problems in the first instance.
Locks with loose locks
Over time, door locks may become loose and require to be tightened. This could pose a security issue because it allows intruders to gain entry to the home or office. Fortunately, loose door locks and handles are simple to fix. However, it is crucial to do it right so that the internal parts aren't damaged. This is why it is always recommended to leave the repairs to an expert.
If a locksmith is needed to fix a broken lock the first thing they will do is remove any broken pieces that are stuck in the mechanism. This can be a challenge to accomplish, so it is important to have an experienced locksmith in this process. They will then inspect the internal components, making sure they are not damaged. If the cylinder is loose, they will use an adjustable spanner to tighten it so that it stays in the position it is in. The face plate is then put back together, secured with screws, and the lock is tested to ensure that it functions.
Another common problem with door locks is that they aren't aligned properly. This can be caused by many issues, including misaligned hinges or improperly installed latches and deadbolts. This problem can usually be resolved by adjusting or changing the screws that connect the various components.
To accomplish this, you'll need to remove the handle's base or lock, then use a screwdriver with a flat head to take out the screws that go through it. You can then tighten the screws after taking off the screws. The next step is to clean and lubricate the keyway. If you are unable to get the lock to function properly, you may need to replace the cylinder or spindle. This task should be left to professionals as it could cause additional damage to the door lock and lead you to other problems.
Frozen Locks
Locks that have frozen are a frequent problem for both residential and vehicle doors. The reason for frozen locks is moisture that is trapped inside the lock freezing, forming an ice layer around the key cylinder. This prevents the key from contacting the cylinder, which blocks access to the door. Make sure you have de-icing products for these scenarios as they work quickly. You can also try using cooking lubricant sprays such as Pam, or hand sanitizer with alcohol to defrost the lock without causing any damage. If none of these methods work, you may need to take the lock apart to identify the screw that is malfunctioning.
Try to break the ice from a frozen lock by inserting the key and wiggling the lock in and out. Avoid damaging the lock or ice since it could cause damage to the lock's components. If you are unable remove the ice, use heat sources such as hair dryers or a heater to gently warm the lock opening. You can also cover your key with petroleum jelly (Vaseline) and then insert it several times into the lock to spread the fluid.
You should always avoid using a blowtorch or any other kind of direct flame to melt the ice because this could damage the locking mechanism. If you don't have a source of heat, you can soak the key in hot tap water or use ruby alcohol. You can also put a magnet on the lock to draw in any moisture present.
If the ice has been removed and you are able to turn the lock cylinder it is likely that the issue is caused by a misalignment between the strike plate on the door frame and the latch. It is a good lock and key repair near me idea to check your door with a professional locksmith, as they will be able to determine the best solution for you. Lubricating your locks with graphite door lubricant is another simple method to prevent them from freezing. This lubricant works by reducing the amount of moisture. This reduces the chance of freeze-thaw cycles which could lead to ice accumulation and frozen or stuck locks.