A lockout situation can happen to anyone, anywhere, in the home, office or on the road. There are several reasons why you can be blocked, first of all, forgetting your keys inside promises or in a car or making your keys get stuck in a broken lock.
Of course, the first call to block action is to call a locksmith, but there are several measures you can take to prevent lockouts.
Disconnect door handles
Today, most offices and homes are equipped with self-locking door handles, which are automatically locked as soon as the door closes. Although this blocking mechanism is convenient and is designed to save time, especially in busy conditions, it can cause more problems than it is worth.
The best alternative to preventing lockouts from “lockable locks”, as well as self-locking door handles, is to replace them with bolts. Your Raleigh locksmith will be able to configure your door hardware to make it impossible to lock behind you when closing.
You can even ask your locksmith to install a door handle installed on each outer door. When properly installed, you will have to use the key outside to access these handles and deadbolt combinations, which makes them blocking. If you do not want to replace your self-locking door handles, you can install door stoppers to prevent the doors from closing behind you.
Maintain your door locks
Locks - one of the most used elements of the house, but, unfortunately, we rarely pay attention to their maintenance, so that they do not work as efficiently as possible. These are not only locks, but also keys that are subject to reasonable wear over time, so it is important to check them regularly and disassemble the problem before it is too late.
Clean regularly - for dirt, dirt and oils, it is inevitable that they accumulate on locks and levers, and even door handles, especially with frequent use. To avoid this, it is recommended to clean them by wiping the affected areas with a small soap and water and wiping the surface with a soft cloth.
Avoid scratching - with regular use, door locks are sure to be scratched around the front panels and lock openings. Although there is no way to avoid this, you can be careful when you put the key in the lock.
Prevent sticking of door mechanisms - door locks sometimes freeze due to everyday use and accumulation of dirt. Many homeowners use the WD40 as a solution, but it is better to refrain from using Teflon-filled products and use products such as Tri-Flow, which will also remain in the castle for much longer.
Despite the fact that you can do a lot of things to maintain your locks, it is best to assign a professional locksmith to do the work for the first time and ensure the longevity of your locks.
The key does not work
In addition to sticky door locks, your keys may not work or be stuck in the handle. The cylinder inside the door lock is the place where all the magic takes place and controls its general mechanism. A corrupt cylinder can cause many problems, including a key that does not turn the lock. This in most cases requires professional help, but here are a few things you can try.
The key does not open the door - You are probably using the wrong key! It happens! This is actually one of the most common problems when it comes to a faulty door lock cylinder. The key and cylinder work hand in hand, and if it is on the verge of wear, you can use excessive force to unlock the door. If the problem is ignored and not immediately fixed, it can lead to irreparable blocking of the cylinder and the door.
The key is not included in the lock - Another sign of a faulty door lock cylinder is that the key is not included in the lock. There may be several issues that may cause this problem, especially due to the wear of the teeth inside the door lock and, as a result, cannot accept the key. You can try to remove the key and re-insert it and hope for the best, but ultimately you will need to consider the problem professionally before it gets worse.
The key gets stuck in the lock - The reasons why your key is stuck in the lock can vary from a frozen key to a damaged door lock cylinder. This problem is mainly caused by worn or damaged keys or a deteriorating lock cylinder. Regardless of the reason, it will be a good time to replace your keys and check your lock. In fact, one of the most common causes of lockouts is damaged keys, for which frequent inspections and repairs are the recommended solution.
Simple ways to prevent blocking
Do you have spare keys - the convenience of storing spare keys is the best way out of the lockout situation. There are several ways to do this, including keeping a spare key in your wallet, a piece of clothing that you wear daily or even in an easily accessible, discreet place near your home. You do not need to make multiple duplicate keys, but it is a good idea to at least leave it with someone you trust, such as a family member or a neighbor.
The fact is that blocking situations can happen to everyone because of several reasons, and the best advice is to get professional help and quickly before the problem of demolition gets out of control and causes irreparable damage.
