3 Common Lock Issues and Their Solutions
You have just come from the grocery store and have the bags in your hands. You stand by your door and stick the key in, but nothing happens when you turn it. You try to turn it again and still nothing happens. Your lock has just jammed, and this can be caused by a myriad of issues. In such a case, knowing a few tricks to release the jam can save you time, money and peace of mind. The following are a few common issues that affect proper functioning of locks and how to overcome them.
Seized Up Locks -- If your key fails to turn, it may be a case of the lock's mechanism being seized up by dirt and grime. When this happens, the key's grip on the mechanism is compromised; consequently, the unlocking sequence fails. You can address this issue by inserting a cotton ear bud into the locks mechanism and swabbing it around to attract dirt and grime. Follow up the swabbing with lubrication, but you want to avoid using oil. Instead, opt for a graphite or silicone spray that is specifically meant for locks. Once you have sprayed the lubricant in, take your key and wiggle it inside the lock. This should make the key turn with ease.
Frozen Locks -- A frozen lock is a phenomenon that many do not understand. Most believe that locks can jam for several reasons, but the cold is not one. However, during winter, locks are susceptible to jamming as their mechanisms freeze, making it difficult to turn the key. If you are inside your house, place the key on a bowl of hot water or behind your refrigerator. Leave it there for a minute of two. When the key feels hot enough, insert it into the lock and wiggle it. The heat should be enough to thaw the frozen parts inside. It should turn smoothly after a few wiggles. However, if you are outside, simply rub the key between your palms for approximately three minutes, and then try turning it again.
New Keys -- In most cases, a locksmith will simply make another copy for you when you lose your keys. However, new keys usually have rough edges, which might cause them to be stuck in the lock. If this is the case, place the key above a candle to cover it with soot. When it is completely covered, carefully insert it into the lock slowly all the way, and then pull it out. You will see areas where the soot has been removed. File these areas away smoothly. The filed key should now turn easily inside the lock.
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