It is inevitable that the door locks on your home or business will eventually wear out and need replacing. It can be difficult to tell when locks are failing, but there are several signs to watch for so your buildings stay safe and secure. First Lock & Security Technologies knows how important the security of your home or commercial premises is, so we have compiled a list of tell-tale signs your locks are failing so that you can spot this problem before it becomes a security issue.
Misaligned Lock
Misaligned locks are one of the most common causes of lock failure. If the lock does not catch and hold the door shut when you close, there is likely an alignment problem or the latch is possibly broken. If you try to close the door and it bangs on the strike plate located on the door jamb, this is another sign that the latch is going bad. This can pose a significant problem for a commercial facility where sensitive materials or expensive inventory is stored as well as the safety and security of loved ones in your residential property. If misalignment is not addressed, your locks alignment problem will only get worse.
Why is My Lock So Hard to Open or Close?
Difficulty opening or closing locks makes them inefficient and decreases the buildings safety and security. In a workplace, this can also take away from productivity. Whether in a home or business, hard to open locks indicate they are failing. It is likely that the lock has been exposed to wear and tear for too long and needs to be replaced.
Where Do I Hear a Clicking Noise in My Lock?
Clicking noises from your locks can be another indication they may be failing. Some locks will make clicking sounds from time to time but if the sound becomes too frequent or loud, it could mean that you are dealing with a misaligned or broken door lock that needs to be replaced sooner rather than later.
A Key Has Broken Off in Lock
A key can break off in a lock due to the key being worn down over time or the lock could be the cause because it was not adequately lubricated or has jammed. No matter the circumstances, it should be addressed immediately as the broken key can cause damage to the lock and can even stop you from opening or closing the door, which puts the occupants at risk. If you cannot easily extract the remaining piece of key sticking out, it’s best to call a professional locksmith to avoid further damage.
Rust on Metal Parts of Locks
Rust is an obvious sign locks are failing. Bolts, latches and other metal parts on a lock will gradually wear as they get exposed to elements such as rain, dust, and wind which makes them stiff and difficult to use. If your lock’s metal components are showing signs of rust and corrosion, it is time to replace them.
Why Does My Door Lock or Handle Feel Loose?
Loose door lock parts can pose an increased security risk. Door locks tend to loosen up over time and over extended periods of use. This problem may present itself in several ways. For example, perhaps the screws for the locking mechanism and strike plate have come undone or the outer metal of the lock has worn done creating a gap. Regardless, this can mean the exterior doors, where people frequently enter and leave, are at a high risk of failing. While loose door locks may not seem like a big deal, they make it easier for break-ins and forced entries to occur and should be addressed by a professional locksmith.
Professional Locksmith Services in San Mateo, Belmont, San Carlos, Redwood City, Woodside, Portola Valley, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, Stanford, Mountain View, Los Altos Hills, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Santa Clara, Campbell, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, San Jose, Milpitas & Los Altos, California
First Lock & Security Technologies offers lock installations on new construction as well as lock repairs, replacements and upgrades on existing homes and commercial buildings. Call us to schedule a consultation today or stop by our showroom conveniently located at 905 North San Antonio Road in Los Altos, CA during opening hours.
