Front Door Won’t Lock

Use this checklist to ensure the safety levels of your front door lock mechanism:

1)  Front door locks with rust or damage

Rusty patches

On a closer look at your front door lock, do you see any signs of rust or damage? Any discolourations or patchy spots? These occur due to the natural process of oxidation, which may eventually lead to rust and cracking of the metal in your front door lock.

Breakage

Any breaks, scratches or dents? Look carefully, as all faults are weak spots and potential hazards for your front door lock mechanism.

Professional locksmith services

For both rusty patches and breaks, it is recommended that you contact a professional locksmith solutions company immediately. They will perform a thorough job of checking your front door lock and offer you professional advice on any repair jobs. If the damage is severe, you may need a replacement lock.

Ask your local emergency locksmith Clapham for the latest front door lock mechanisms, according to the British standard. 

For front door lock issues or a security upgrade, fast, experienced and trustworthy locksmiths in Kensington are just a call away.

2)  A front door misaligned or swollen

A misaligned or swollen front wooden door can lead to your front door lock not working, due to gaps between the door and the door frame. Even the tiniest gap can cause front door lock failure.  

A slightly warped or tilted door can arise from problems in the hinges, the strike plate or the door itself.

So first, figure out the cause of the tilted door via a detailed inspection of your front door and its parts. Some signs may be quite obvious, while others may not be easy to spot for the untrained eye. Therefore, rely on a local locksmith’s professional advice for a more accurate diagnosis and quick resolution.

In any case, here are the various possibilities that may cause your front door to get misaligned:

Door frame

Cracks in the front door frame and a rotting wooden door are common causes of misaligned doors. The entire door frame can be replaced if needed, and your local locksmith Clapham, is the right person to assist you. DIY fixes for door frames are not recommended.

Hinge screws

Loose hinge screws can be easily tightened but rusty screws will need to be replaced. If the hinge screws seem tight enough, the position of the hinges may need adjustment with the help of shims.

It may not be easy to make adjustments using shims, especially if your front door is a heavy one. Request your local lock repair service to help you position your front door, professionally.

Door swelling

For minor door swelling cases, blowing a fan or dehumidifier directly onto the wooden door, for an hour or so, could reduce the swelling. A major swollen wooden door, however, will require a good and even sanding down, along with a fresh layer of sealant or paint on the entire door.

3) Front door lock keys that get stuck and are hard to turn

Has your front door lock key been giving you some trouble lately? That could be an indication of a front door lock that needs inspection, cleaning or lubrication.

The other reason could, of course, be the state of your front door lock key.

Impaired key

Is your front door lock key bent or damaged? If so, avoid jamming it into the front door lock to make it work.

This may cause harm to the lock’s cam, a metal piece attached to a small lock cylinder that rotates when the key is turned. Instead, get a new set of keys from your emergency locksmith Clapham, within hours.

Also, never try to open your front door lock with the wrong key, in case you lose the original. You may spoil the internal mechanism of your door lock, and that too, beyond repair.

Sticky key

If your front door lock key is somewhat difficult to turn or not as smooth as it used to be, a dry graphite powder or a silicone spray may be all that is needed.

Prior to using the lubricant, it is advisable to clean the key slot with compressed air. Blow it straight into the keyhole and then, whisk off the dust and debris with a small brush.

Key specialist services

For more complicated matters pertaining to your front door lock key, contact a professional lock repair service or your closest locksmith. They are equipped with specialist tools and expertise for delicate door lock mechanisms. A DIY attempt for a stiff or disfigured key may cost you more time and money than required.

Don’t wait till you get locked out. Get a new, spare set of keys for your front door lock today!

4) Old or worn-out front door lock mechanisms

A front door lock, whether it’s a multi-point, uPVC door lock, Yale lock or a standard door lock such as a Mortice lock, there are individual components that make up the lock mechanism. So, before making the decision between lock repair or installing a replacement lock, it’s helpful to know which component has worn out.

Worn-out gearbox, cylinder and strike plate

A faulty or worn-out gearbox can be replaced with a new one. The same applies to the lock cylinder and strike plate. Part replacement can turn out to be quite affordable, compared to a new lock replacement.

Which is why, if you suspect that your front door lock mechanism could be old or worn out, get a consultation from a lock repair service in your area.

A professional locksmith can also assist you with identifying the manufacturer of your lock mechanism, tell you if original parts are still available and if not, source the best replacement parts that fit your current lock mechanism and needs.

Replacement

If any other parts have failed or the entire lock mechanism is an old one, your local locksmith will offer professional advice on the latest lock mechanisms in the market that fit your requirements and budget.

You may also add extra locking points or a second level of security, such as sash locks, or latches, to your front door. The varieties of front door locks in the market for your front door include the multi-point lock or uPVC door lock, Yale lock and good, old, trustworthy cylinder rim locks.

Choosing a replacement lock for your front door, that is in tune with the latest British standard, such as the BS 3621, is important. The latest British standard version is still BS 3621:2017, a requirement for most home insurance companies and an effective deterrent for burglary. It restricts access to unwanted elements on your property.

Upgrade

In case you are planning to replace your lock mechanism entirely, consider upgrading to a smart lock or high-security locks for enhanced safety and convenience. They eliminate the hassle of finding your keys when in a hurry or being locked out in the middle of the night, just to name a few benefits.

To prevent panic, calling your local locksmith with, “My front door won’t lock!”, try an easy security upgrade that suits you. Your local locksmith company will willingly educate you and give you professional advice regarding an adequate upgrade.

It’s important to note here that issues such as even a slightly swollen front door, misaligned door frame or door, faulty lock, loose hinges, stiff key, dirt and debris in the lock mechanism or broken lock components can put your home at high risk. These should therefore never be ignored or left unattended.

Hence, certain front door mechanism issues can be detected and temporarily fixed by you, on your property. These include some common door lock problems such as faulty locks, loose hinges, dirt and debris in the keyhole or lock snapping.

However, since your front door lock is a vital element in your home security, contact your local emergency locksmith Clapham for a thorough inspection, lock realignment, lock repair or replacement of the lock mechanism.