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As reliable as they may be, door locks are not entirely maintenance free. But since the average homeowner knows next to nothing about these devices, they don't pay attention until there's a problem. Most of these issues do not require a visit from a licensed locksmith. A little information and a smidgen of elbow grease are all you need to handle the following lock repair problems on your own. Sticking and Seizing Even if you kept your keys completely clean (and most of us do not), wear and tear can cause grit and grime to build up inside your door locks. Over time, these accumulations can cause a breakdown of basic functioning because of sticking or seizing. To deal with this common problem, you must test the mechanism with two simple steps. First, you must make sure the key slides easily into the lock. If it does not, it means there's something obstructing its passage. If the key does slide all the way in, the second step is to try to turn the mechanism. If the turning is difficult, jiggling the key may dislodge the dirt and debris that is preventing movement. Either way, lack of lubrication is the likely culprit. Although there are many all-purpose household lubricants such as WD-40, they can actually cause more buildup inside the mechanism. As such, most experts recommend using graphite powder. Widely available at hardware stores and home improvement centers, this dry lubricant is inserted directly into the keyhole for door lock repair. It can also be used on bolts and latches. Not Locking When you get a new set of keys made, there's a chance they won't work as intended. The most common reason for this is that they have rough edges that must be filed off. As a result, they may fit inside the keyhole but be unable to turn the mechanism. The problem is easy enough to fix with a trip to your local locksmith. If he was the one who made the set for you, he should address the issue free of charge. There are, however, some instances where a key that will not turn is a sign of a larger problem. Because security mechanisms have many moving parts, something could be wrong with any one of them. As a result, the mechanism may have to be disassembled and repaired by a licensed locksmith. In this instance, it may be cheaper to have the door lock replaced. Deadbolt Issues If the deadbolt does not catch, there must be a problem with the striker, which is the flat metal plate on the door frame into which the deadbolt slides. Loose screws that have allowed the striker to shift slightly usually cause the issue. Removing the plate, repositioning it, and screwing it back into place should allow the deadbolt to function smoothly again. These simple door lock repair tips can help you handle minor issues on your own. When considering lock repair, Roseville residents visit Economy Lock & Key. Learn more at http://www.keylockster.com/.
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