Your external door locks keep out potential intruders, so when you start experiencing problems with your locks, you should take no chances but to perform the necessary repairs quickly. Even the top-quality door locks on the market are bound to act up at some point, and when they do, you should be able to know what the problem is.

Read on to acquaint yourself with some of the most common problems many Australian homeowners encounter with their exterior door locks. 

Door lock is sticking

Sometimes your keys get stuck when you insert them in the door locks. This often because the cylinder/keyhole is not properly lubricated. To solve this problem, you will need to spray manufacturer-recommended lubricant directly into the keyhole and wait for a couple of minutes before inserting the key again. You should be gentle when turning the key because it can easily get broken inside the lock when too much force is applied. 

Door lock is loose

Your door lock consists of various internal components. As your door lock ages, these parts tend to become loose due to the abuses of normal use. Loose door locks can be easily picked (unlocked with hairpins or other tools other than the right key). This can allow burglars easy entry into your home when you are asleep or not around. Door locks usually become loose because the holes which the screws should are driven into have collapsed. To remedy the issue, the entire hardware will have to be removed and pilot holes drilled to screw the hardware back in place.

Frozen door locks

In freezing winter temperatures, door locks can be difficult to unlock because of the ice buildup that has infiltrated the mechanism. Applying some heat to the locks can help melt the ice, but applying excessive heat could lead to permanent damage, so you should let a pro deal with the problem.

Door lock won't latch

A sagging door is the most likely reason as to why your door lock won't latch at all. To determine if your door is sagging, check the edges of the door. If the top margin of the door has moved closer to the jamb on the side of the door where the strike plate is, then the door has sagged. To adjust the door back in place, try adjusting the screws on the strike plate as they might be loose. If this does not work, you may need to remove and replace the strike plate.

Talk to your local locksmith if you run into problems with your door locks or if you have other questions.

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