RED DOOR LOCK

Should You Clean Your Door Locks?

When a key is not being used, it can accumulate dirt and dust from the environment and oil from the owner’s fingers. When the key is then inserted into the lock, that grime can be transferred to the lock’s internal components. Over time, the contamination build-ups and you’re left with a door that is difficult to lock or unlock.

If you are having trouble making your key turn in the lock, it could be because the lock’s internal components are dirty.

Before you spend money, you might want to try to take care of the issue yourself. Cleaning your locks on a regular basis can even prevent problems in the first place. Here are some tips.

How to Clean a Lock

It is generally best not to use a liquid oil lubricant on a door lock. Spraying this type of product inside a lock could actually cause it to attract more dirt and dust, which could cause it to stick more. If you are locked out of your house and don’t have any other options, an oil lubricant can make the lock turn so you can get in, but you should not use one if you can avoid it.

Calling a professional locksmith service you trust is also a terrific option to gaining access when you’re in a pinch. 

Dry graphite is another solution for a sticky door lock. It can lubricate the internal parts and make it easier to lock and unlock the door. Since it is dry, graphite will not cause dirt and dust to stick to it and accumulate inside the lock.

If you are handy around the house, you might even be able to take your lock apart and clean it. Remove the cover and outer parts but leave the lock in place. Place a rag or some newspaper on the floor to catch anything that falls out of the lock, and then spray a cleaner into the lock to remove any dirt and grime. Wipe the lock with a clean, dry cloth to remove the cleaner and any dirt that is left. Next, apply a graphite lubricant and replace the pieces of the lock that you removed. Test the lock to make sure it is easy to turn a key.

Other Problems

If you have already tried cleaning your lock but you are still having trouble turning a key, there is another issue that could be causing the problem. Perhaps the door is not aligned correctly, or maybe the pins inside the lock have become misaligned. Those problems will require help from a locksmith as the repairs will require tools and skills that the average homeowner does not possess.

If your door lock is hard to open and if cleaning it yourself has not solved the problem, call All American Locksmiths. We have a team of professional locksmiths who are available 24/7 to help with any lock-related issues you may encounter. We can diagnose the problem with your lock and make any needed repairs so that you will never again need to worry about being locked out of your house.

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scared girl

Terrifying Lost Keys Scenarios & What to Do About It

There’s a good chance that you’ve been in a situation where you’re looking around and you can’t seem to find your keys anywhere. Pretty terrifying, right? The casual search suddenly turns into a full-blown panic attack while you feeling around in your bag and trying to frantically retrace your steps.

Whether you’ve lost your house or car keys or you managed to lock yourself out, there are a few things you can do to stay calm and get it fixed.

How to Find House Keys

The worst part about realizing that you’ve lost your house keys is the fact that it usually happens when you get home and you’re on your doorstep waiting to go inside. If possible, try to have a spare hidden somewhere but be clever about this because thieves are already on to this trick if you’re going to do it. If you don’t have a spare lying around, it’s best to call a professional locksmith. Someone with qualifications can make a new key, duplicate your spare, and help you get inside safely and quickly.

How to Find Car Keys

If you have a tendency to carry your car keys in your pocket, you probably have experience with them falling out when sitting down. The first thing to do is retrace your steps. If you don’t find them right away, be sure to stay by your car. If someone did pick up your keys and they are trying to steal the vehicle, they will most likely walk among the cars and test out the remote to see which car it belongs to. Your last resort would be to call an emergency locksmith service or the local police.

Tips for Replacement

There are going to be a situation when you simply cannot locate your keys at all. When you can’t find them, a replacement is your only option. If the key that you lost is for your home, it’s best to not only get a replacement but to also change your locks as soon as possible. If you lost your car keys, be sure to invalidate them using your car’s onboard diagnostics port. When you call for a locksmith, ensure that you tell them exactly what’s wrong and what you need.

If you find yourself in one of these spooky situations, give us a call and we will help you get back inside and get those keys replaced for you!

If you reside anywhere in Connecticut or Westchester County, New York, then we’re at your service. Few locksmiths know Connecticut like we do. Why? Because we’ve traveled all over the state to help people with their house keys and car keys. We’ll gladly visit you in Greenwich, Stamford, New Haven, Hartford, and anywhere in between. If you need help anywhere in Connecticut, don’t hesitate to call us now. Don’t think that any town is too far for us, because it’s not. If, for example, you’re in Hartford, and we’re servicing someone in Darien, we’ll gladly come to your aid. As an added bonus, we may just visit The Capital Grille on the way back!

DOOR LOCK KEYS

Door Lock Sticking? Here’s What to Do

Locks are meant to protect you and keep out burglars. It can be extremely frustrating when that same lock sticks and keeps you out of your own home. When your lock starts to get sticky, if not fixed, the problem will only get worse and eventually, the key will be stuck completely and could potentially break off in the lock.

If you have a sticky lock, there are a few things you can do to help.

Check the Bolt and Key

When you first feel the key begin to stick, check the bolt that goes into the strike plate on the door frame. Ensure that it is fitting properly. Also, inspect your key and make sure that it is not bent. The slightest bend in the key can make it difficult to operate. 

A Pencil  

It may sound silly but pencils are made from graphite. Rubbing the entire surface of your key with a pencil will leave a coat of graphite on the key which acts as a lubricant. This will help the key turn easily. Another option is to use a graphite lubricant. You can find powdered graphite at your neighborhood hardware store. It won’t attract dirt or dust which will help it come loose.

WD-40  

Keep in mind that WD-40 is not recommended for long time use. It can gum up the pin tumblers and cause them to stick even more. However, if you’re looking for an immediate fix and it’s the only thing you have around, it’s a good solution until you can find something a little more permanent.

Take it Apart

The first thing you want to do is grab a screwdriver and remove the screws that are holding the lock together. Once apart, use Gum Out or another similar cleaner to clean out the inside of the lock. When using a cleaner, you should have some dirt drip out. After cleaning it, wipe it down to get as much of the cleaner out as possible. Once it’s clean, use a graphite lubricant to help loosen it up before putting the lock back together.

Bring in a Locksmith

If you’ve tried these techniques or don’t want to bother at all with them, it might be time to get a new key. If this still doesn’t work, a new lock altogether may be necessary. While fitting a lock can be straightforward, it’s easier to have a locksmith come to you and replace it.

Sometimes, using home remedies that you found on Google (like coating your key with olive oil or washing the lockout with soapy water) can actually make matters worse.

Stop wasting time. Contact All American Locksmiths to fix all your lock problems.

If the door won’t budge at all, then you’re in luck: we offer 24/7 emergency locksmith services throughout Connecticut. Really, few locksmiths know Connecticut like we do. We’ve been traversing the likes of Hartford, New Haven, and Stamford for years. Remember that to us, there’s no such thing as being “too far.” If you’re in CT or Westchester County, NY, then it It truly doesn’t matter where you’re located. You could be near the Stamford hospital, Cherry Lawn Park in Darien, or Toad’s Place in New Haven–if you’re in need of expert locksmith services, we’ll come to you day, night, rain, or shine.