People often find that their locks or doors are not working properly and assume that the lock needs to be repaired or replaced. In many cases, however, the problem actually lies with the door or door frame. In these situations, door repair or door frame repair might be needed. These are some of the most common issues which door repair or door jamb repair services from an experienced locksmith might be needed.
Entry Door Lock Problems Caused by Doors & Door Frames
Door Does Not Lock
In new homes, settling in the foundation can cause locks to not work properly. The wood frame may also be drying out, which can cause the door latch to hit the strike plate instead of entering the hole in the plate. It may be necessary to remove the strike plate and file the metal to enlarge the opening so the latch can engage or to move the strike plate higher or lower on the door frame.
Deadbolt Lock Sticks
If a deadbolt lock sticks and is hard to operate, it could be because of poor workmanship or because of the house settling. The door may also be warped or not hanging squarely in the frame. It may be necessary to make simple adjustments to properly align the door, strike plate, and bolt.
Difficult to Open Lock after It Rains
If it is hard to open a lock with a key after it rains, the weather could have caused the door to warp or swell. This can be fixed by tightening any loose screws or sanding the door.
Door Sticks
Rain, wind, and changes in temperature can affect entry doors, causing them to expand and contract. This can affect the alignment and cause a door to stick. It could also be difficult to open and close a door because of loose hinges. It may be necessary to adjust the size of the door or to tighten and clean the hinges.
Door Will Not Stay Latched
If the door will not stay latched or needs to be pushed hard to make it latch, the latch bolt may be sticking in the strike plate. This can be corrected by removing the strike plate. Then the metal can be filed to make the opening large enough for the latch to engage. If a larger adjustment is necessary, the strike plate can be removed and repositioned.
Door Rubs on Frame
If the entry door is rubbing on the bottom edge of the frame, it could be because the door is too heavy and the hinges or frame have become damaged. This can cause the door to sag from the top. Carpet or flooring could also be making it difficult to open or close the door. If the door is sagging, it can be repaired by removing one of the screws near the center of the door jamb, replacing it with a longer one that extends through the door jamb into the frame, and then tightening the screw until the hinge pulls back slightly.
Call American Locksmiths to Have Your Lock or Door Problem Fixed
At All American Locksmiths, we have encountered many problems with locks not working that were actually caused by other issues related to doors, door jambs, and frames. We can help you figure out the cause of the problem and repair or replace the door or frame if necessary. If you need a locksmith in Connecticut or Westchester County, New York, call All American Locksmiths today.
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