3 Tips For Fixing Broken Door Locks in a Home

The front door of your home is the most likely place to be targeted by someone trying to gain access into your home. A broken front door means that a homeowner has severely diminished the security of their property. Regardless of the type of lock problem you encounter, you have to diagnose the issue and find a lasting solution. A locksmith is a reliable and trustworthy professional who can deal with a lock problem and fix it immediately. Here are a few tips for fixing broken door locks in a home with the help of a locksmith.

Broken Bolts -- A deadbolt is a vital piece of metal in your lock mechanism. A deadbolt can become faulty after enduring force of a certain magnitude, depending on the rating of the lock. For instance, excessive force can cause the deadbolt to bend. Besides, a kicking attack on the lock can cause the locking and unlocking mechanism to dislodge. Furthermore, years of use and misuse can make latch bolts -- found in handles and doorknobs -- to malfunction. Notably, a broken latch bolt can interfere with the closing action of a door. However, a locksmith can assess the nature of damage to the lock and determine if you need to replace the faulty components or change the whole lock. It is also not advised to bend bolts back to their original position because such an adjustment can weaken the lock.

Misalignment – At times, there can be a misalignment between the door lock and the strike plate or door jam. Lock misalignments can be repaired quickly with proper tools and expertise. To establish whether your lock is not in alignment, you need to open and unlock the door, then try to lock it again. A misaligned door makes some noise in the process. Notably, a misaligned lock has reduced usability when the door is closed, but a broken lock is non-functional. However, a locksmith can widen or move the strike plate to accommodate the bolt. You need to protect your front door from the elements to reduce misalignments in the future.

Lubrication -- Proper lubrication might be what your broken lock needs as opposed to buying a new one. Experienced locksmiths can recommend certain spray lubricants to restore the functionality of your device. For example, internal components of a lock can get hung up because of rust. It is recommended that when your lock starts working after lubrication, you should still get down to the cause of the jamming. Note that a dry spray can work better where an oil-based lubricant has failed.

Contact a locksmith near you in order to learn more about how these professionals can help you.


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