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We know that a sticky lock, jammed door handle or a keyhole you fear will snap your key are not merely frustrating; they can leave your property open to burglary, damage and cause you to suffer personal injury if an intruder were to try and force their way in!

Good working locks are the solution to securing our homes and businesses.

When a lock is faulty, it usually requires seeing to it as soon as possible. Don’t wait until you are locked out and do something as soon as you notice that your lock is a bit off.

Some lock problems are critical and require the services of a properly trained locksmith, but some can be repaired following the simple advice below.

Here are seven common lock problems and what you do if you encounter them at your own home…

1. Key Won’t Turn in Lock

Ever got home to find your key won’t turn in the lock?

Unless you have turned up at the wrong house, you will usually find this problem when you can insert your key but won’t be able to turn it inside the cylinder.

The accumulation of dirt and grime inside the lock mechanism, worn-out teeth on the key, or improper alignment of internal parts are some of the contributing factors.

The simplest solution is usually to apply some graphite lubricant into the keyhole via a pencil lead or lock lubricant.

As much as you would like to use a bit of brute strength, forcing the key will only worsen the situation or even break the key itself.

If lubrication does not help the situation, professional adjustment or replacement of the lock cylinder is required, particularly if pins inside are damaged or worn.

2. Broken Key Stuck in Lock – How to Fix This Lock Problem

A very common problem is a broken key lodged in a lock cylinder (particularly those manufactured before 2011 or without anti-snap standards).

This will most often occur when excessive force is applied to a worn or bent key, or when the key breaks due to metal fatigue.

The initial step should not be to attempt to force the remaining portion of the key any deeper into the lock.

Use needle-nose pliers instead and attempt to clamp any protruding piece of broken key.

If none of the pieces extend beyond the front of the lock, a broken key extractor tool can be employed.

These tools, available in hardware stores, will pick up on the broken piece of key and remove it straight.

More sophisticated extraction equipment and methods for getting deeply stuck pieces of keys out without damaging the lock mechanism itself are possessed by professional locksmiths.

3. Sticking or Jamming Lock – A Common Lock Problem

Is your door key sticking in the lock and difficult to remove?

Sticky or jamming locks are yet another category of common lock problems that come up unexpectedly.

The problems are generally developed due to season change, resulting in door frame adjustment, dirt accumulation within the locking system, or internally worn-out parts that do not slide smoothly anymore.

Prevention of the majority of sticking problems can be accomplished with routine maintenance, such as frequent keyhole and lock face cleaning, door frame alignment check, and hinge lubrication.

In case locks always begin to stick, correct lubricant on moving parts and strike plate re-alignment will restore the lock to its original state.

Ongoing sticking typically means wear and tear that needs expert servicing.

4. Broken Door Handle – A Lock Issue That Affects Security

Door handles that have become loose or wobbly usually come with lock issues and can affect security in addition to functionality.

The issue is most often caused by normal wear and tear, especially in high-use areas where handles are used quite a lot.

The mechanism screws that keep the handle in place loosen with time, causing play within the whole assembly.

A tightening of these screws with the appropriate tools will normally correct slight wobbling, but care should be exercised not to strip screw threads.

If tightening will not correct the problem, internal parts may be worn beyond simple adjustment, and handle replacement or professional service might then be necessary.

5. Lock Cylinder Damage – Serious Lock Problem Requiring Attention

Lock cylinders that refuse to turn at all are a more serious issue, most typically an indication of internal component failure or gross contamination.

In contrast to situations where keys will not turn in lock assemblies, these are cases of complete cylinder seizure that will accept no movement whatsoever.

This can be caused by foreign material lodged in the cylinder, corrosion of internal springs and pins, or complete component failure.

Even where penetrating lubricants will restore partial function, cylinder replacement may be necessary for reliable and safe operation.

6. Weather Damage – Outdoor Lock Problems and How to Prevent Them

Weathering is a further primary cause of lock failure, particularly on weather-exposed locks that are subjected to the force of water, temperature fluctuation, and seasonal detritus.

Rain, snow, and dampness can corrode metallic components or make them expand, while leaves and other plant material can block keyways and freeze mechanisms.

Regular inspection and maintenance of outdoor locks and weather-resistant lubrication will minimise environmental deterioration.

Locks showing signs of severe weather deterioration, such as outright corrosion or consistent jamming after cleaning, should be replaced in the name of security function.

7. Outdated Lock Technology

Outdated lock technology is a real problem when hardware begins to wear away with time.

The majority of older locks no longer have the level of security it needs to be able to resist modern break-in techniques, and just wearing away over the years can render them useless.

The question then becomes when to transition to high-security locks that offer better protection against picking, drilling, and other traditional attack techniques.

High-security locks with professional features such as restricted key systems, hardened strike plates, and pick-resistant pin configurations provide more security compared to bog-standard home locks.

Need Help? Call Our Trusted London Locksmith

If you are based in London and experiencing any of these lock problems, get in touch with us NOW. From Mayfair to Marylebone, St. Giles, St James’s or Covent Garden, we can cover most Central London areas in about 30 minutes. Locally based in the centre of Mayfair, London W1, we are probably only minutes away from your property and can offer a friendly and economical service.

Call us at any time, day or night: 07309909989

We are Police approved and are specialists in gates, grills, safes, vaults, keyless entry systems, and we are familiar with all makes of locking systems, such as Assa, Chubb, Banham, and Evva.

So if you have been burgled, lost your keys, broken your key in the lock or have another property safety issue, such as a problem with your burglar alarm, make us your go-to emergency service provider.

Still stuck after trying everything?

Stop struggling and call our emergency locksmiths in Mayfair. We’re available day or night, and we’ve seen it all: snapped keys, jammed locks, broken handles, and more.

We’ll get you back inside safely, securely, and without delay. We can also help you with a lock change on the spot.

Call our locksmith emergency service now. Help is just minutes away.

The post Seven Common Lock Problems and How to Resolve Them appeared first on Mayfair Locksmith London.