There are several conditions that can cause door locks to malfunction or break, including general wear and tear, accidents, and forced entry. If you own a home or business, you have undoubtedly experienced issues with your locks at one time or another. Some of these issues may appear minor and are easy to ignore, especially in the short term. Unfortunately, many property owners wait until it’s too late to address a minor issue allowing it to become more severe and ultimately putting their residential home or commercial building security at risk and increased expense to rectify. The experts at First Lock & Security Technologies have provided a list of five of the most common issues people have with their door locks that require prompt, professional locksmith repairs. Some of the most common door lock issues include loose door locks and knobs or handles, misaligned door locks, broken keys, jammed locks and latches, and problems with the lock cylinder.
Loose Door Locks, Knobs or Handles
Neglecting a loose door lock leaves your property vulnerable to theft. Your locking mechanism comprises several components that work seamlessly to hold the lock in place and keep it operating correctly. Each one of these individual parts is vital to the operation and integrity of the lock. If one or more of these components becomes loose or breaks, the entire locking system will not work correctly. The longer you continue to ignore the problem, the easier it will be for a burglar to gain access and the more it will cost to repair.
Misaligned Door Locks
If your lock strike plate is misaligned, the locking mechanism will not line up correctly with the strike plate; ultimately affecting the function of the lock. The strike plate is the piece of metal attached to the door jamb that allows the bolt extends into. One of the most common reasons for a misaligned strike is improper installation, settling of the building and changing weather conditions. Although it is possible to fix a misaligned lock yourself, it is a job best left to the experts at First Lock & Security Technologies. Your professional locksmith will examine your lock to insure that the mechanisms inside have not been compromised. A compromised lock will affect your ability to secure your property and keep your loved ones and belongings safe. Understanding the proper function of the latch is critical to the proper repair and long term functionality of the lock.
Broken Key in Door Lock
A jammed or inoperable key in the lock is highly frustrating, and the removal of the broken key is tedious and time-consuming. It can damage the lock’s internal mechanism if you attempt to remove the key yourself without the proper tools. Your experienced First Lock & Security Technologies technician has the necessary tools and training to extract the key without damaging the lock and leaving your property at risk for a potential break-in.
Jammed Locks & Latches
Your door locks can become jammed for several different reasons. One of the most common is dirt and debris that has built up inside the lock. Damaged and broken bolts or latches can also cause the lock to jam.
Turning Lock Cylinder
When you place your key into the lock cylinder, you should be able to turn the key and unlock the door quickly. If you put your key into the lock and the whole lock cylinder turns, you probably have a damaged screw set or a loosened screw, leaving your property vulnerable and open to a security breach. A spinning lock cylinder can also result in a lockout situation, leaving you stranded outside your own front door.
Home & Business 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
To learn more about professional locksmith services include rekeying, troubleshooting, lock replacement, repairs, and new installations, contact the experts at First Lock & Security Technologies today.
