Common Lock operating issues

Many locks eventually become inoperable due to lack of maintenance or foresight in recognising a potential locking problem which gradually becomes worse eventually rendering the lock totally inoperable thus locking us out or being unable to lock the door. 

The two greatest enemies of locks are paint and oil.  Paint is usually slapped over a lock by a careless painter seizing the locking mechanism.  Oil is usually introduced into a lock by an amateur in the mistaken belief that this would cure the lock problem.  A lock should be perfectly clean and that the only lubricant that one should use is graphite or a specialised silicone based lock lubricant. 

At Craigmore Locksmiths we offer a wide variety of heavy duty locks and door hardware as well as other security solutions to maintain the security of a residence or office and ensuring the protection of the contents.

Although some simple lock issues can be fixed by a minor adjustment,  locks involving more serious problems and high quality door knobs or lock sets are better handled by an experienced locksmith who carries the necessary equipment  and parts to professionally carry out the lock repair or replacement.  

The Following are some common lock problem issues affecting both residential and commercial premises.

1. The door latch will not engage or lock when then door is shut:  If a door latch does not operate smoothly, the latch bolt on the door may not be lined up properly with the strike plate on the door jamb.  The bolt could be positioned above, below or to one side of the strike plate.  Repairs range from making minor latch adjustments to repositioning the whole door.
2. The cylinder key will not turn:  Providing you are using the correct lock key, the door could be misaligned, the lock could be frozen or stuck with dirt particles or there could be an internal mechanical failure.  In these cases it would be wise to initially try lubricating the lock with graphite and then try operating the lock numerous times.
3. The whole cylinder within the lock rotates:  A number of contributing factors could be responsible, namely a broken or disengaged internal tail piece, screws securing the lock face plate have become loose.  Rectifying them problems would entail disassembly of the lock and tightening of the screws.
4. Deadbolt will not operate:  Ensure that the deadbolt throw bolt is travelling smoothly through the strike plate cavity without any obstruction.  If this is operating correctly then the problem could lie with the internal mechanism  which could  be in need of repair or replacement.
5. Cylinder key broken off within the lock:  Provided there exists a portion of the key extended out beyond the lock face, use needle nose pliers to take hold of the portion of the protruding key and pull the key straight out.  It the key is broken within the key hole, engaging  a profession locksmith with the necessary extractor tools would be the best alternative in removing the broken key and avoiding potential damage to the lock. 

Choosing a locksmith can be irritating and time-consuming. You want the best service without having to spend hours researching options – especially in an emergency situation, Craigmore Locks are available to attend to any lock or security problem within your home or commercial premises.  For trustworthy prompt and professional lock repair, installation or upgrade we are only a phone call away.

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