4 Things You Can Try Before Calling a Locksmith

If your lock isn't working as it should, it might require repair or replacement. There are a few things you could do prior to calling a locksmith professional.

Dirt and dust can build up in a lock and make it difficult to turn. It is possible to make it easier to turn the lock by putting an lubricant made of graphite or silicone into the keyhole.

Locked Door Knob or Handle

Door fitters knobs and handles can become loose in time, particularly when they are used regularly. If this occurs, the knob or handle moves or is pulled away from the door whenever someone attempts to open it. This issue is usually solved by tightening screws. This is a project that anyone can tackle, even with minimal experience or tools.

There are many reasons why a doorknob or handle might come loose, but they all have one thing in common: wear and aging. Over time, the tiny screws that keep the mechanism in place can become looser as you open and close the door. It is essential to keep your doors in check and serviced regularly in order to minimize the risk.

Most modern doors come with knobs that slide over a cylindrical spindle attached to the door. This is part of the latch assembly. The knobs are attached to the spindle with hidden screws which are located behind the faceplate. If your door has this kind of knob you'll need to take off the ring in order to reveal the screws that are hidden behind it. With a flathead, pry the ring away with careful. Be careful not to damage the backing. Once the ring has been removed it is possible to tighten the exposed screws with the regular screwdriver.

Certain older doors have knobs attached to the spindle using a detent system. This helps keep the knob in position without the need for visible screwdrivers. If this is the case for your door, you'll need to look for an insignificant hole on the faceplate of the knob and find a spring-activated pin that extends out of the hole. The pin is connected to a lever on the inside of your door. You'll need a screwdriver to depress the lever and expose the setscrew.

If your door has set screws instead of detent pins, you'll need an Allen key to loosen them and remove the knob from the spindle. When the knob is off you can easily loosen and tighten the screwscrew using a screwdriver or allen wrench.

Dirty Keyway

Oil is essential to keep the components of a lock running smoothly. However, the oil can dry out or get mixed with dirt. The key and Windows lock mechanism could become stuck together and make it difficult to remove. Spraying the lock with graphite powder or lubricant can help to loosen them. If you don't have other options, WD-40 is a good option. However, it can attract dirt, and leave a residue in the lock.

If the key is still stuck in the lock, try wiggling the key in and out. This will let the lock loosen enough to allow you to be able to pull the key out with some effort. It could help in removing dirt from the lock. If you're unable to grasp the key using pliers with needle-noses, hold the end of the key, and wiggle it. Don't use too much force, since you could break or bend the key.

If the lock is brand new and the key still won't enter or exit easily, it could have rough spots on its tips that require filing off. The key should be dragged over an open flame to darken it with soot and put it in the edge of a file to smooth the sharp edges. If you don't own a hacksaw, Door fitters a rotary tool will work. Contact a locksmith if the key is too stiff to remove or turn. A professional can ensure that all parts are properly aligned, lubricated, and ready to accept a proper key.

Poorly Cut Key

When you go to a locksmith to get your key copied it is usually done quickly and easily, however there are a few ways that duplicates can be cut incorrectly and will not fit or function in the lock. This could be due to a number of things like the fact that the original key is worn out or worse when it was used to open the lock. It could also be due to the locksmith wasn't able to cut the key accurately.

A quick fix to this problem is to move the key inside of the lock, shake it while trying to turn it. This can cause the pins to rise up over the cut lines of the key, allowing it to turn. You can also make use of powdered graphite, Door fitters or a graphite spray to coat the key and then insert it into the lock. This will act as a lubricant that helps unjam the lock tumblers that are blocked.

Another reason your key may not be working could be that you have actually taken the wrong key to the locksmith and they simply copied what they saw. It is easy to confuse keys because they are identical. If you suspect that you might have done this, lay your key next to the one that you copied.

The best way to resolve this issue is to return the key to your local locksmith and they will be able to verify that they are cutting the correct blank and then they will cut you a replacement that will match. Alternatively, you can also copy a key yourself using an incredibly small file with a lighter or lighter with a clear packing tape, and an item to trace your key on (like old credit cards) ideally you want an Pippin or Dremel file but by improvising most small files will work.

If your key won't unlock your door, it's time to contact the experts at Lincoln Lock & Safe. We'll be able to quickly repair your key, or replace the lock cylinder so that you can gain full access to your home again. We offer affordable prices, and we are available all hours of the day, so give us a call.