Forbes India 15th Anniversary Special

Common lock problems that call for a professional locksmith

If you insert the key and try to turn it only to find that you are met with excessive resistance, do not force it

BRAND CONNECT
Published: Aug 18, 2020 10:42:00 AM IST
Updated: Aug 19, 2020 05:03:51 PM IST

There is one thing that cannot be avoided when you own a property and this is basic maintenance.
From the moment you buy a residential or commercial property, you will need to invest in its upkeep.
Over time, you will be faced with a number of hurdles and one of these could very easily be a Problem with one or more of your locks. Here are some of the most common lock problems that require professional attention.

Cannot insert the key

If you are trying to insert the key into the lock and it simply will not go in, you should double-check
your key and make sure that it is the right one. We have all tried using the wrong key on a lock at least a handful of times and you can save yourself a lot of trouble by simply double-checking first. If you are sure that you are using the correct key, the lock could be obstructed. For instance, if there is a key already in the lock (on the other side where you are unable to see), this will prevent you from being able to insert your key. If neither of these common causes is the case, call your trusted locksmith for Help.

Broken keys

If a key breaks inside the lock, the best thing you can do is call an expert right away. If you try to
extract the key yourself, you could end up pushing it further inside the lock and this can cause even
more damage. When the locksmith arrives, they will perform a professional key extraction and provide you with the necessary solutions. You might need a new key cut or you could need the lock to be rekeyed or replaced. The best course of action will depend on the current condition of the lock and whether or not you stand to benefit substantially from a lock replacement.

Key not turning

If you insert the key and try to turn it only to find that you are met with excessive resistance, do not
force it! If you do, you could end up breaking the key, damaging the lock or both. Sometimes the
mechanism can seize which could simply require some lubricant. In other cases, you might need a new lock. Let your professional locksmith take a closer look at the condition of the lock before they make any recommendations.

Lock not turning

If you slide the key into the lock and turn it only to note that the locking mechanism is not engaging, it could be due to poor alignment. Your local locksmith can assess the problem and determine the cause within a matter of minutes. Once the cause is determined, your locksmith can recommend the best Solution.

Faulty or damaged mechanism

Sometimes the lock has become so worn that parts of the mechanism no longer work as they should.
Your locksmith might need to remove the lock in order to thoroughly inspect it and determine the cause of the problem. Once the fault is located, the locksmith can discuss your options and explain in greater detail the benefits of each of them.

These are the most common lock-related problems that you could face at any time. While it might be
tempting to try some DIY locksmith hacks you saw online, it is important to note that these can
possibly make the problem even worse. No matter how minor the problem might seem, call a trained
and certified locksmith to solve these and any other locksmith problems.

Disclaimer: The views, suggestions and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Forbes India journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.