A door lock may appear to be a simple device, but its working mechanism is quite complex. This makes it prone to jamming. Among other things, harsh weather, rust, and misaligned strike plates can cause your door to become stuck. Don’t try to force the lock open. This can cause structural damage to your door, junction, and door frame. To properly repair a jammed lock, you must first determine the source of the problem. Here are some of the most common causes of a jammed door and their potential solutions.
Dirt Buildup in the Keyway
Due to poor maintenance, dirt and grime can accumulate in the keyway of locks. Some people clean their locks regularly, while others never do. They don’t realize that locks must be cleaned regularly to function properly. When a door lock becomes jammed due to dirt buildup, there is only one solution: remove the dirt! Contact a locksmith right away if a light cleaning does not solve the problem.
Frozen Lock
If you live in a cold area that snows heavily in the winter, your locks may become frozen and jammed. If the lock is frozen due to external frozen parts, such as the keyway, you can open it by heating your key with a dryer or a car heater. If the internal mechanism becomes frozen, you’ll need to contact a local locksmith for assistance.
