Locks that are in good working order are our first line of defence against burglars and intruders, and when they develop a problem, it’s in our best interests to get them fixed as soon as possible.
While some minor lock problems may be fixed without the help of a professional locksmith, many more serious issues can only be solved with their expertise.
Below are 4 of the most frustrating lock problems you may experience from time to time, along with guidance as to how to fix them with lock repairs in Waterlooville:
1. The key snaps off in the lock
Often leaving you stuck either outside of your home or office, or inside it, it’s important to stay calm should the key snap off in the lock, and avoid trying to operate the lock with the part of the key that’s remaining. If you were to do so, you risk the broken key being forced further into the mechanism than it should be, and this may make it harder for a locksmith to extract, and what’s even worse, may damage the lock, too.
If there is enough key for you to be able to remove it with a pair of pliers, then you can try to do so, but if it remains firmly stuck in the lock, you really should step back and find the number of a local locksmith. With their expertise and all the right tools, they’ll get you out of a fix in no time.
2. The lock is hard to open
This problem is a very common one, and in some instances, it may be solved by simply applying some lubricant or graphite spray into the lock. It’s quite possible that dust and dirt have accumulated in the lock and made it difficult to turn; just remember never to use a lubricant such as WD-40 (which is oil-based) as it could cause the same problem to occur further down the line.
If you’ve lubricated the lock and it’s still very stiff and tricky to open, you’ll need to ask a local locksmith to come out and fix it for you.
3. uPVC door is hard to lock or open
Usually indicating an issue with alignment, if a uPVC door is able to be locked and unlocked easily when it’s open, but not when closed, you will almost certainly need an expert locksmith’s help.
Although they are designed to be adjustable, uPVC doors do have a tendency to drop out of their position, and unless you really know what you’re doing, you won’t be able to fix the problem yourself. Similarly, if the lock on your uPVC door isn’t functioning as it should when open, it may well be faulty, and new parts may be required; a local locksmith specialising in such repairs will likely have the relevant parts in their van or back at their workshop.
4. You can’t turn the key in the lock
There are a number of different things that can cause this problem, but it’s important to remember that forcing the key to turn when in the lock, could cause it to snap off. As such, you should try the simple solution of lock lubrication (as mentioned in point 2) before calling out a locksmith. If this DIY fix doesn’t work on your double glazing door locks, it could indicate that the door and the lock have moved out of alignment, or that the lock cylinder has some sort of problem. Whichever of these 2 problems are the cause, you will need to have them diagnosed and repaired by a professional locksmith.
Calling out a locksmith may not be necessary for some lock problems, but if applying an appropriate lubricant to the lock doesn’t work, it’s best to leave it well alone and wait for the local locksmith to arrive.
