Door Problems to Watch Out for

Door Problem = Security Issue

A door lock is a mechanical accessory and just like any other mechanical equipment – it can have issues.

Homes or businesses experiences these issues. How these issues are responded to can impact the security level of the homes or business. Below are some of the most common door problems to watch out for. These door issues must be addressed immediately in order to protect the security of your property.

Loose Door Knobs or Handles.

Generally after much continued use, door knobs and door handles can become loose. This usually happens to main entrance door knobs and door handles. Whilst seemingly minor and simple this can easily become a major security risk.

Nearly 60 percent of home break ins are carried out through forced entry. If the locks of your doors are loose it becomes way easier for burglars to enter into your home. Loose door knobs or handles can either be on the inside or the outside of the door. The main reason of this problem are usually the screws becoming undone over time, or simply worn down. An expert lock repair technician can help fix this by analyzing the set screw, fastener, and spindle of the handle.

Loose Door Knobs or Handles

Door Lock Misalignment.

This issue has something to do with the important parts of the lock not lining up in a way that allows it to properly function. This is usually something along the lines of the locking bolt or latch not lining up flush with the door’s strike plate – which accommodates an extended bolt or latch. This is a common problem associated with the faulty installation of a door, or door frame warping due to weather changes. This must be addressed the soonest. The longer it is left unfixed, the worse it gets – and it can even cause serious damage to the lock bolt of your door, leading to high repair costs – not to mention a major security risk.

Door Lock Misalignment

Keys Broken in Lock.

This is a really frustrating issue that needs to be handled by professional locksmiths. This occurs usually when people are quickly attempting to to turn a key in a latch or force it in, and find that the head of the key snaps off from the blade which is still inserted into the key slot. Then, the main issue becomes successfully extracting the key’s blade from the lock slot without damaging the lock mechanism. Amateur attempts to remove it usually take forever, and even if they are somewhat successful – which they usually aren’t – they are likely to cause lock damage. Instead, when dealing with this problem, contact a licensed  Melbourne locksmiths to assist you with this issue.

Keys Broken in Lock

Lock and Latch Jamming.

This issue is usually caused by a buildup of crud inside the internal mechanism of the lock – and even if this sounds like an easy to fix issue, it needs to be handled as soon as possible – not to mention the fact that jammed locks and latches could possibly be a result of an attempted break in. This can usually be fixed by applying lubricant that’s safe for the lock mechanism into the keyway gently, and seeing if this removes the obstructing material. If this doesn’t work, contact a licensed lock repair expert, as it’s likely that the latch or bolt will need to be replaced.

Lock & Latch Jamming

Spinning Lock Cylinder.

If the cylinder of the lock fully turns when you insert the key, it usually is due to a loose or broken set screw. It simply needs to be reached and tightened up, but this is sometimes difficult depending on what type of lock complexity you are dealing with. For the easiest fix, contact a licensed lock repair expert right away – it will simply save you the time and stress you might expend while looking for a way to access the set screw.

Spinning Lock Cylinder