When is it Time to Find a Locksmith Near You?

Every so often, you may encounter problems with your door locks. This is to be expected, given that locks are made up of moving components. Most of us don’t pay too much attention to our locks. Every day we lock and unlock our doors multiple times, but one day something invariably doesn’t go as planned. Unfortunately, when you experience lock problems, it’s usually at the worst possible time.

You may be leaving for work, going away for the weekend, or coming home late at night. Whatever the circumstances, lock problems are no laughing matter. There are several types of door repair options which you can fix on your own, but others will require the professional services of a locksmith in London. Here are five classic door repair problems that you may encounter over time:

Your Front Door Won’t Latch Properly

This is a frequent problem for people who install their own latches. It’s an alignment issue where the strike plate on the door frame isn’t matched up properly with the latch bolt on the door. Often, what seems like a relatively easy lock installation can go horribly wrong. To make matters worse, you may not be able to reinstall the lock, owing to the type of doorframe you have. At times like this, you will certainly want to look for a door repair specialist.

There Is a Broken Key in Your Door Lock

A key broken off in a door lock is more than a nuisance. You may have inserted a key, turned it slightly and half of it broke off inside your lock. You will find it difficult to remove the broken metal from the door lock with your fingernails. Don’t try to force what’s left of the key into the lock – remove it immediately. There are three types of tools that you can use to try and extract the broken key. These include flathead screwdrivers – preferably the ones used for watch repair, jigsaw blades (extra fine and thin), or needle nose pliers, if appropriate. These tools are similar to the tools that a professional locksmith in London use when they remove key fragments from locks. If you’ve tried these measures and they don’t work, it’s time to make that call.

Door Locks Move Slowly

Sometimes, grime, grease, or dirt gets trapped in the locking mechanism and prevents it from opening and closing easily. Many folks think that the best way to assist in this type of situation is by spraying lubricating oil or applying a thick layer of grease into the lock. Desist from such thoughts – they only contribute to the problem. There is likely an offending substance in the lock that is preventing it from opening and closing as it should.

Try and use a cotton bud or cotton wool to clean around the locking mechanism. You may be able to remove the source of the problem without calling a locksmith in London. The best sprays to use are silicon sprays. If you don’t know how to lubricate locks, or what spray to use, maybe it’s time to find a local locksmith near you to help you fix your lock.

The Lock Simply Won’t Work

This issue is bound to annoy you greatly. Despite your best efforts, you may not be able to get the lock to turn in either direction. At this point, it could simply be a mechanical failure and you will require an emergency locksmith in London. Fortunately, these professionals are available 24/7, and they can help you with domestic and commercial locks. If a lock change is required, these locksmiths know precisely how to remove old locks and install new locks quickly and efficiently. This includes five lever mortice locks, anti-snap locks, and UPVC door locks.

The Key Doesn’t Go into the Lock

This is another frustrating problem. First of all, be sure that you are trying to insert the right key – many keys look similar, with only slight variations between them. If you have tried all the keys, and none of them fit, it’s time to check the key for imperfections, kinks, or broken teeth. Another thing you’ll want to do is to look at the lock itself. Is there a piece of gum in the lock, perhaps grime or something else blocking your key from going into the lock? When all else fails, you will want to find a locksmith near you. These professionals respond promptly to callouts, and they carry all the necessary equipment to fix any door lock problem.