A lockout situation can happen to anyone and anywhere, be it at home, the office or on the road. There are a number of reasons you can get locked out, most notably if you forget your keys on the premises or in the car or if the keys get stuck in a broken lock.
Of course, the first call to action when you get locked out is to call a locksmith, but there are a few steps you can take to prevent lockouts in the first place.
Remove self-closing door knobs
Most offices and homes today are equipped with self-locking doorknobs, which lock automatically as soon as the door is closed. Although this locking mechanism is convenient and designed to save time, especially in busy environments, it can cause more trouble than it’s worth.
The best alternative to avoid lockouts from “privacy key locks,” also known as self-closing doorknobs, is to replace them with deadbolts. Your Raleigh locksmith will be able to configure the hardware on your door so that it is impossible to lock behind you when it is closed.
You can even ask your locksmith to install a set of front door handles on each exterior door. When properly installed, you will need to use a key from the outside to access these handle and latch combos, making them lockout proof. If you don’t want to replace your self-closing door knobs, you can install door restrictors to prevent the doors from closing behind you.
Maintenance of your door locks
Locks are one of the most used elements of a house, but unfortunately we rarely pay attention to their maintenance to prevent them from working as efficiently as possible. It’s not just the locks, but also the keys that are subject to considerable wear and tear over time, so it’s important to check them regularly and fix the problem before it’s too late.
Clean regularly – it’s inevitable that dirt, grime, and oils will build up on locks and latches and even door handles, especially when used frequently. To avoid this, it is good practice to clean them by rubbing the affected areas with a little soap and water and wiping the surface dry with a soft cloth.
avoid scratching – With regular use, door locks are likely to get scratches around the faceplates and locks. Although there is no way around this, you can be careful whenever you put the key in the lock.
Prevents door mechanisms from sticking – Door locks sometimes freeze due to daily use and dirt buildup. Many homeowners use WD40 as a solution, but it’s best to refrain from using Teflon-infused products and use products like Tri-Flow which will also stay in the lock much longer.
Although you can do many things to maintain your locks, it is best to hire a professional locksmith to do the job right the first time and ensure the durability of your locks.
The key does not work
In addition to sticky door locks, keys may not work or may get stuck in the knob. The cylinder inside a door lock is where all the magic happens and controls its overall mechanism. A damaged cylinder can cause a number of problems, including the key not turning in the lock. In most cases, this requires professional help, but here are some things you can try.
The key does not open the door – You are probably using the wrong key! This happens! This is actually one of the most common problems when it comes to a faulty door lock cylinder. The key and the cylinder work hand in hand and if either one is about to wear out, you may have to use excessive force to unlock the door. If the problem is neglected and not fixed immediately, it can result in an irreparable door cylinder and lock.
The key does not turn in the lock – another symptom of a faulty door lock cylinder is that the key does not turn in the lock. There can be a number of things that can cause this problem, most notably the teeth inside the door lock are worn down and as a result they are unable to accept the key. You can try removing the key and reinserting it and hope for the best, but eventually you’ll need to have the problem checked out by a professional before it gets any worse.
The key gets stuck in the lock – Reasons for your key getting stuck in the lock can range from a frozen key to a damaged door lock cylinder. This problem is mainly caused by worn or damaged keys or a damaged lock cylinder. Regardless of the reason, this would be a good time to replace the keys and inspect the lock. In fact, one of the most common reasons for lockouts is damaged keys, for which frequent inspection and repair is a highly recommended solution.
Simple ways to avoid blockages
have spare keys – having spare keys on hand is perhaps the best way out of a locked out situation. There are several ways to do this, including keeping a spare key in your wallet, an item of clothing you wear every day, or even in an inconspicuous, easily accessible place near your home. You shouldn’t have to make multiple duplicate keys, but it’s a good idea to leave at least one with a trusted person, like a family member or neighbor.
The fact is that lockout situations can happen to anyone due to various reasons, and the best advice is to get professional help fast before the underlying problem gets out of hand and causes irreparable damage.
