How to Fix Jammed Door Lock

A properly functioning lock is your first line of defense against unauthorized access in your home or business. However, these locks can get damaged due to old age, broken keys, rust, misalignment, dust buildup, and many other causes. All of these door lock issues can lead to a door lock jam. Door lock issues should never be ignored because they often lead to a door lock jam and end up costing you a lot of money down the road. The good thing is that you can fix a jammed door lock.

Diagnose the Door Lock Jam

The first step towards fixing a jammed door lock is diagnosing the problem to understand what's causing your door lock to jam. The common door problems that cause a door lock to jam include misaligned strike plates, broken key in the lock, weather stripping, frozen door lock, and many more. You’ll need to examine all parts of your door lock closely to figure out where the problem is. If you’re not a skillful locksmith, it can be difficult to diagnose the cause of the problem. It’s advisable to call a reliable locksmith to diagnose the door lock jam. At Tampa Locksmith, we can effectively examine your door lock so that you know what to fix.

Fix Key Problems

Your key may stop working when it develops ridges or due to inadequate lubrication. If your key won’t turn inside the keyhole, try lubricating the key or have a locksmith check the key to see where the problem is. Your key may also fail to turn properly because the interior locking mechanism is faulty. Call a locksmith and let them inspect the interior locking mechanism. If the key is broken inside the lock causing your door lock to jam, use a key extractor to pull it out of the keyhole. Ensure you spray a lubricant on the keyhole to make it easy to remove the broken key.

Lubricate Your Lock’s Spring Mechanism

A faulty spring mechanism can lead to a jammed door lock. When the spring mechanism won’t turn as it should, there could be a problem with the spindle, lubrication, or setscrew. Ensure you call a reliable locksmith to inspect the lock's spring mechanism and make repairs.

Tighten or Replace the Hinges

Loose hinges can lead to the improper positioning of the latching, thereby causing the door lock to jam. Your hinges can start to loosen due to old age or inadequate maintenance.

The Final Word

A jammed door lock can compromise your home’s security and cause a lot of inconveniences. If your door lock is jammed, be sure to call a reliable locksmith to diagnose the issue and make repairs. The longer you put off door lock repairs, the more you’re likely to spend more money on fixing further damages down the road. At Tampa Locksmith, we have a team of experienced locksmiths in Largo who can fix your jammed door lock efficiently. Contact us today for help with all of your door lock needs.