5 Door Lock Problems That Should Not Be Ignored

Door lock problems creep up from time to time, and it is something that every property owner has to deal with. Most homeowners and commercial property owners will tell you that they have encountered door lock problems at one point or another. The manner in which you treat door lock problems that crop up will determine the extent to which these problems ultimately impact your security. Unfortunately, most people don’t call a residential locksmith or commercial locksmith until it’s too late.

There are some door lock problems that you cannot afford to ignore. I say this because door lock problems tend to grow into something more if they are not appropriately addressed. In some cases, door lock problems will leave your security vulnerable and open to attack. Before we begin, allow me to reiterate. Do not ignore any of the door lock problems that will be discussed below.

Failing to pay attention to the status of your door locks can have some very serious consequences. The reader has a special place in my heart, so I want to help you avoid any unnecessary costs. Here are the things you should be on the lookout for:

1. Loose Door Locks, Door Knobs, and Door Handles

Door locks have a lot of moving parts, so it goes without saying that there are several different components holding any given lock body together. Each of these parts is integral to ensuring that the lock works smoothly. If one (or several) of these components start to fall apart, the lock will not work in the right way.

How do door lock parts become loose and fall apart? The answer is rather simple and straightforward. Most door lock parts loosen up with time and after extended periods of use. This is especially true for locks that are used on exterior doors that serve as primary ingress and egress points.

As far as door lock problems go, loose door locks might not sound like the most frightening thing. However, appearances can be deceiving. There are many homeowners and property owners who have had the same thought cross their mind. That is until they were faced with a house lockout or an office lockout because they were incapable of opening a door with a loose lock. I will play the role of devil’s advocate and say that being locked out of your house is definitely not as bad as being the victim of a home break-in.

58.3% of home break-ins are forcible entry, and if your door locks are loose, it becomes much easier for burglars to exploit your door lock problems. Furthermore, having a loose door lock in place can potentially be a fire hazard when it is being used as a fire door lock. Some fire door locks make use of active latch bolts that help keep fires contained. If your fire door locks are loose and worn down, fires will spread much faster.

It is very easy to spot door lock problems that result from loose door locks. You will often notice that something is wrong with your lock while you are using it. Loose door lock problems plague both the interior and exterior sections of the lock. It is often the case that the screws which fasten the various parts of the lock together are coming undone over time, or that they may be worn down and broken.

If this goes unchecked, it will be very easy for someone to dislodge your lock and gain access to your home. Another common reason for loose door locks is that the internal components are not connecting the way they should and this results in a loose door lock, door handle or door knob. Some of the components in question are the set screw, the fastener and also the spindle that connects both halves of your doorknob, door lock or door handle.

How To Fix this Door Lock Problem

Fixing some of these door lock problems can be relatively straightforward and easy affairs if you know what you are looking for and how to approach the situation. However, you should be aware that you will require the expertise of a residential locksmith or a commercial locksmith if the door lock problems are more complicated than they seem:

If the connecting screws in your door lock have come undone, you simply need to tighten them. This solution is generally DIY friendly and only involves using the appropriate screwdriver. If you do not have one, you can always head down to your local hardware store to pick one up. Once you have the appropriate screwdriver, tighten the screws back in place.

In some instances, the connecting screws and parts for your door lock might be broken or worn down, to the point where they have to be replaced and then re-installed. This means that you will have to remove your lock from its corresponding door and identify which parts need to be replaced. Although this solution is still fairly simple to execute, you should not hesitate to contact a locksmith about changing your locks if you feel overwhelmed at any point. Once you have acquired the necessary parts, you can begin fastening your door lock to its corresponding door.

If both of the above solutions were unsuccessful, then it likely means that your door lock problems are a result of something going awry with the internal mechanics of your lock. If this is the case, you can either opt to disassemble the lock and investigate further or contact a residential locksmith or commercial locksmith that offers lock repair services.

Read more at: 5 Door Lock Problems That Should Not Be Ignored

Related Article Here: How to Repair Door Knob Locks & Hardware

If you find this job quite difficult for you to work with, you can consider asking a help from an expert. Redmond Lock and Key is offering locksmith services at very friendly rates!