Keeping your property safe is the purpose of your heavy-duty locks. It can be a disconcerting security risk to have damaged door knobs and bolts, especially for your entrances. If you want to keep your properties secure, you should be aware of what to do when your lock systems are compromised.
How to repair common door knob problems
Although you can contact a locksmith for most issues with your locks, there may be times when they are unavailable. You should know how to fix simple door knob issues, especially if you need to access your property as soon as possible.
In this article, we will tell you how to repair three common door knob problems.
1. Stuck lock button on doorknobs
Lock buttons are specific to interior door handles, which is why they’re not that much of a security risk. It usually happens because of misaligned parts inside the handle’s locking system. Thankfully, stuck locked buttons is a typical problem that’s easy to solve.
First, you should push and hold the lock button. While holding it firmly, release it quickly to unjam it. If it doesn’t do the trick, you should try depressing the lock button consecutively. You can jiggle the handle vigorously to shake it off from its stuck position.
If simple jiggling doesn’t work, your lock’s latch bolt may have damages from freezing or rust. It’s possible that you only need to replace its internal components. However, if the damage is too severe, you may have to replace the entire unit.
2. Turning door knobs but with locked doors
Doorknobs and door handles use a spring-loaded latch for their locking mechanism. Turning the knob or handle retracts the latch, disjointing it from the door frame. When locked, the doorknob prevents the latch from retracting.
If your doorknob turns when unlocked yet doesn’t open the door, it must be an issue with your latch’s spring. Depending on the damage, there are various ways to fix it. Generally, you need to remove the handle from the door altogether, including its spindle. You can use a flathead screwdriver to twist within the spindle’s gap and the hole it inserts to.
Although you can operate your doorknob this way, you should consult with a locksmith to perform permanent repairs.
3. Stuck open and locked positions for deadbolt locks
Being unable to close your doors can be a major security risk. If your door stays stuck in an open position, it may have a similar issue with its latch. However, its condition depends on the type of lock you have.
First, you should diagnose your lock’s condition. Its internal mechanism may have rust or freezing that keeps it in a resting position. This is common for older locks or exterior entrances. If your lock isn’t the issue, check if your key is damaged. For deadbolt locks, you can try using a thumb turn to force the bolt to rotate.
Besides your lock and key mechanisms, your door could also be the cause of your lock’s issues. A misaligned door can prevent your lock’s mechanism from locking in place. Check if there are damages on your door frame or if your flooring is causing it to close unevenly.
These issues also apply to deadbolt locks stuck in a locked position. Unfortunately, deadbolt locks are more complex systems that will require you to contact a reliable locksmith. Once you identify what your lock’s issues are, you should contact a professional to find the right way to address it.
Conclusion
Like other furniture and appliances, your lock and key mechanisms can experience wear and tear over time. Because of this, you should take proper care of them, whether they’re interior or exterior doors. Make sure that you hire a reliable locksmith to perform major repairs and maintenance on them so that you can extend their shelf life.
If you need repairs, replacements, or regular maintenance, we’re the right company for you! At Allied Lock and Door, we perform door repair services in Cincinnati, Ohio for homeowners with issues in their lock and key mechanisms. Get in touch with us today!