4 Things You Can Try Before Calling a Locksmith

If your lock isn't functioning as it should, it may need repair or even replacement. There are several things you can do before calling locksmith.

Dust and dirt can build up inside a lock, making it difficult to turn. Applying a graphite spay, or silicone lubricant inside the keyhole can aid in.

Loose Door Knob or Handle

Door knobs and handles may become loose with time, particularly when they are used regularly. If this occurs the door handle or knob moves or pulls away from the door whenever someone attempts to open it. This issue is usually resolved by tightening screws. This is an easy project that anyone with minimal tools or experience can complete.

The age and wear of a doorknob can cause it to become loose. As time passes opening and closing the door could slowly loosen the tiny screws that secure the mechanism. This is why it's important to have your doors inspected and serviced regularly to minimize the chance of components becoming loose.

A lot of modern doors have knobs that slip over a spindle that is cylindrical, which is mounted to the door as part of the latch assembly. These types of knobs have hidden screws that are hidden behind the faceplate to fix them to the spindle. It is necessary to remove the ring from the knob in order to expose the screws. Carefully pry the ring loose using a flathead screwdriver making sure not to damage the backing plate. Once the ring is removed, you can easily tighten all of the exposed screws using the standard screwdriver (not an electric tool such as a drill).

Certain older doors have knobs that are attached to the spindle using an entrapment mechanism, which keeps the knob in place without the requirement for visible screws. If this is the case with your Door Specialists then look for a small hole on the knob's surface and find a spring-activated pin that sticks out. The pin is connected to a lever located on the inside of your door. You'll need a screwdriver to depress the lever, door specialists which will reveal the screwscrew.

If your door has set screws instead of detent pins you will need to use an Allen key to loosen them, and then remove the knob from the spindle. Once the knob is removed it is easy to loosen and tighten the set screw using a screwdriver or Allen wrench.

Dirty Keyway

Oil is needed to keep the parts of a lock running smoothly. However, it may dry out or be mixed with dirt. When this happens, the key as well as the lock mechanism can become stuck and are difficult to get rid of. You can loosen them by spraying lubricant over the lock or by applying graphite. If you don't have any other options, WD-40 is a good option. However, it can trap dirt and leave a residue in the lock.

If the key is stuck in the lock, try wiggling the key into and out. This will open the lock enough to allow you to be able to pull the key out with a little effort. It can also help remove the dirt from the lock. If you cannot get a grip on the key using pliers with needle noses, use them to hold it in place and then wiggle. Do not use too much pressure, as it could cause the key to break or bend.

If the lock is brand new and the key still won't be able to go in or out easily, it could have rough spots at its tip that require filing off. Put the key in an incense burner to cover it with soot, and then put it in the edge of a file to smooth the sharp edges. If you don't have the hacksaw, a rotary tool can be used. Contact a locksmith if your key is too hard to take off or turn. A professional can ensure that all the parts are properly aligned, Sash windows lubricated and aligned and ready to accept a correct key.

Poorly Cut Key

It is generally simple and quick to get your key duplicated by locksmiths. However there are a few ways that the duplicates could be cut incorrectly. This means that they might not work or fit in the lock. This can be caused by a few things like the original key being worn down, Door Specialists or perhaps if it has been used to attempt to pick your lock, and the locksmith being able to accurately cut the new key.

This issue can be swiftly solved by shaking the key inside the lock while trying to turn it. This will often cause the pins to rise over the cut lines of the key, which will allow it to be turned. You can also apply a powdered graphite or graphite spray to coat the key, and insert it into the lock, this will act as a lubricant and help unjam the lock tumblers that have become clogged.

It is possible that you gave the wrong key to a locksmith, and they copied it. It is easy to mix up keys due to being very similar. If you think you might have done this put your key next to the original that you copied.

You can also make a key copy yourself using small files and a lighter or cigarette lighter along with clear packing tape and tracer material (like old credit cards). They will be able check that they're cutting the correct blank. You can also create a copy of a key using a small file and a lighter (or a lighter) or a lighter, a clear packing tape, and a material that you can trace the key on.

If your key isn't able to unlock your door repair, then it's time to call the experts at Lincoln Lock & Safe. We can fix your key or replace the lock cylinder quickly to allow you access to your home. We offer competitive rates and are available 24 hours a day. Give us a ring.