5 Solutions For Your Broken Lock
Posted On by Ralph
The solution you are looking for your broken lock is not finding a replacement lock. You may need to replace your lock if it has been damaged too badly. However, you can look into some possible solutions to the problem. You have many options to resolve the problem with your broken lock, whether it is a deadbolt or door handle lock. What can you do to fix your broken lock?
1. Address the Bolt
Whether it is busted latch bolt or deadbolt broken, there can be certain issues that arise around these lengths of metal that result in a broken lock. A deadbolt is limited in its ability to withstand force. A deadbolt can only withstand a certain amount of force. This can also happen to latch bolts that are located in doorknobs. These mechanisms are spring loaded and can jam due to misuse.
Although latch bolts do not provide security for a building, the way the bolt is damaged might affect the ability to close the door. You must take steps to repair a broken deadbolt because of their important role in security. These bolts should retract and be extended as intended. Clear away any debris or material that may be stuck to the strike plate. If the bolt is damaged beyond repair, it may be possible to replace the damaged parts instead of replacing the entire lock.
Be aware that bending bolts back to the correct shape can result in severe damage. It is much better to replace a broken lock than to reduce the security of your installation by making ill-advised attempts at fixing it. Check if the bolt doesn’t turn correctly when the door is opened to determine if it is the bolt or the alignment of the jamb. Make sure that the keyway is not responsible for the broken lock.
Key Takeaways:
- Bolts that have bent out of shape should not be bent back, or they will be weakened.
- Broken deadbolts and latch bolts can have devastating effects on your security.
2. Fix the Alignment
There are times when it might seem as though you have a lock broken, but there is really only an issue with how the lock is interacting with the door jam or strike plate. This is a common way to fix locks that have been damaged in this manner. However, it can take some time and you will need the right tools. But even if this is why you think you have a “broken lock”, you can reach out to the right a local locksmith. Although it’s not a service for a broken lock, this is a common problem that locksmiths can handle.
It is easy to identify that this is what you need to fix your broken key. Simply open the door, unlock the lock and then relock your key. Close the door, and then do the same. You will find that the lock doesn’t work differently in different states if it is damaged. If the lock is not aligned correctly, it will cause a decrease in usability when the door is closed. This issue can be caused by the strike plate or door jam.
You can adjust the opening or move the lock if the bolt isn’t entering the strike correctly. You should be careful when moving the strike plate. Too subtle a movement can cause the holes for the set screws to become too large and not secure the strike. Consider cutting the strike and frame to move the strike slightly. Your door may change in size due to weather. Due to moisture changes, the jam or door is expanding or contracting. Once you have fixed the problem with your broken lock, make sure that your door is properly protected from the elements. This will prevent the misalignment issue from returning.
Key Takeaways:
- A misaligned lock can appear to be broken.
- Adjust the position of the strike plate, or make the strike gap wider so that the bolt fits inside the housing.
- Correct the problem that’s causing the lock to be misaligned.
3. Fixing Connections
When a door lock appears to be broken and falling off the door, this supposed broken lock might be fixed by going back over the lock installation process. Sometimes, a lock may become loose or sagging due to the torque from daily use. This is the easiest way to fix broken locks. Take it apart and then reinstall. If the lock is not completely damaged, re-installation will be ineffective.
If the lock is truly damaged and is falling out of its door, there will be a replacement. There is a chance that the set screw housing has failed. Although it is unlikely that the screws will break, there is no way to know. The good thing about this broken lock is that it is easy to identify the problem once the lock is removed from the door. You can fix the lock without removing the door. Then, troubleshoot the assembly to determine why it is not connecting.
Key Takeaways:
- If your lock has fallen off the door or become loose, there is likely something wrong with the connections.
- The torque of regular use can cause connections to become looser but not to break.
- Before you can reinstall the lock, it is necessary to replace any broken connections.
4. Address the Keyway
A broken lock that has a keyway issue can be one of the most difficult to diagnose. Two reasons are responsible for this. It is hard to see the inside of the keyhole due to its size and darkness. Next, this is one the most difficult parts of any broken lock. There are many possible issues (some which may require a lot of security knowledge to resolve).
It is important to check if your key can fit in the lock. You can ensure that the keyway is clear if you are able to insert a previously used key. Not only are broken keys in the lock something you should be concerned about. There are many things and substances that can go into the keyway. You can try to get it out if you have the right tools. You might find a broken lock that is not repairable depending on the contents.
Why is your lock not working? Chances are the lock’s internals or the key is worn down. If you don’t have a spare key or internals, the lock will not work. If you have a spare key, replacing a worn key is easy. But if it doesn’t work, then there are likely other problems. The pins can be rekeyed or repinned if there is an issue. You may have a broken tailpiece or the key keeps turning in the keyway. You should be able to fix the lock yourself as long as it is not too serious. Your local mobile locksmith can help with more complex problems.
Key Takeaways:
- Due to the complexity of a keyway it can be very difficult to diagnose the specific issue you are having.
- To check that the keyway is clear, insert your key and move it to the shoulder.
- Clear any obstructions from the keyway.
- If you find nothing blocking your keyway it is most likely that the lock or key internals are damaged and need to be replaced.
5. Lubrication
A great solution for your broken lock could be the easy application of the proper lubricant. It’s amazing how you can make a seemingly broken lock into a functional device in just a few sprays. It is possible to get anything working, from stubborn bolts to difficult keyways. Once the lock is working, it’s time to look at what was causing the problem. It could be rust. This should be removed and the lock polished to reduce the chance of it returning.
There is a lot of debate over which type of lubrication works best for locks. This boils down to how you have used oil-based and dry lubricants. A dry lubricant such as graphite uses dissolvable solvents to deliver fine grains friction-reducing graphite. Some claim that oil-based oils can attract dirt and grime or build up over time. If your lock jams after applying an oil-based lubricant to it, you can try cleaning it and switching to dry spray.
Many of the above solutions can be made easier by lubrication. It’s more than a simple solution. It can help you with any issue (with the possible exception of alignment). You should be aware graphite spraylube can stain items so make sure to avoid overspray. There is a possibility that you can fix the problem with a little spray or finesse.
Key Takeaways:
- Lubricant can be used to get a lock stuck in place to move again.
- There are two options for lubrication: oil-based or dry.
- To make your processes work smoothly, lubrication can be combined with other solutions.
Conclusion
When your front door lock is broken, you are dealing with severely diminished security on the most likely part of a structure to be targeted by a criminal. Even if your back door lock is broken, it can still reduce the effectiveness of your safety. A deadbolt breaking is the most serious problem. This is where all your security comes from. Whatever the issue, it’s important to determine the reason behind the broken lock and find the right solution. If you require assistance with any of these steps, be sure to contact a locksmith.
Category: Residential, Safety & Security