A homeowner in Pittsburgh, PA, was locked out of house because of a malfunctioning old deadbolt on their front door. They tried to open the door many times, but the deadbolt refused to retract. In their distress, they called Sherlock’s Locksmith for a quick home lockout service. The skilled locksmith dispatched to the scene discovered a common issue with older locks. Over time, the lock’s internal mechanism had become out of alignment, causing the jam.

 

Using special tools, the locksmith adjusted the internal parts, aligning them to their right positions. With care and precision, we ensured the deadbolt could retract and work properly again. In no time, the homeowner could get back in without breaking the door or lock. Our swift and professional service left the client with a fully functional deadbolt lock and a newfound peace of mind, which they were grateful for.

 

When they are old, deadbolt locks that used to work well can become problematic. A lot of issues can happen after years of use because of normal wear and tear. Like our recent Pittsburgh client, you can get locked out of your homes because of these issues. House lockouts can be very upsetting. Yet, knowing a few usual causes of these lockout issues can help you find and fix them before they become major problems.

Common Problems with Old Deadbolt Locks

The age of the deadbolt lock was the main reason our client got locked out of their home. Several parts of the lock had worn down over many years, which caused it to malfunction. If your deadbolt locks are getting old, you should know about the usual problems that can happen. Fixing these problems is important for keeping your home safe. We have listed some issues that often happen with old deadbolt locks.

Keyway Wear and Tear

Older deadbolts often malfunction because of keyway wear and tear. After years of use, the keyway may wear down, making it hard to put the key in or turn it.

Jammed or Stuck Deadbolts

There are many reasons deadbolts can get stuck or jammed. Misalignment of the lock’s internal parts, accumulated debris, or rust can make retracting the deadbolt and opening the door impossible.

Loose or Wobbly Deadbolts

A safe deadbolt should fit snugly into the strike plate. Old deadbolts, however, can become loose or wobbly within the door as time passes. A deadbolt that is too loose can be a security risk because it is easier to manipulate.

Key Breakage

Old deadbolt locks may be more susceptible to key breakage, especially if the keys look worn or weakened due to age. A broken key inside the lock is an inconvenience and a security concern.

How to Deal With Common Issues With Old Deadbolt Locks

Homeowners having issues with old deadbolt locks should consider the following steps:

Regular Maintenance

Do regular upkeep, like greasing the lock, cleaning the keyhole, and tightening any loose parts.

Replacement

If your deadbolt lock is severely worn or broken, we suggest replacing it with a new, high-quality one that meets modern security standards.

Professional Inspection

Talk to a locksmith about getting the lock inspected and evaluated by a professional. They can tell you what needs fixing or replacement.

House Lockout Services from Sherlock’s Locksmith 

Locked out of house again? Sherlock’s Locksmith’s quick response time and skilled locksmith services were key in getting this Pittsburgh, PA, homeowner back into their home after they got locked out. Our locksmith’s ability to diagnose and fix the misalignment problem showed our skill in this type of service. We are a trusted provider of locksmith services in the area. When you turn to Sherlock’s Locksmith for help with a house lockout, our experts assure you a job done right the first time. Call us today to ask about our free consultation, pricing, and availability.

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