A malfunctioning door lock can be a stressful surprise, whether you're a homeowner or manage a commercial property. After all, secure locks are the guardians of our valuables and loved ones. But when you encounter it, it’s best to deal with it as soon as possible because ignoring lock problems can lead to security vulnerabilities and potentially expensive repairs down the line.

But now the question is how will you actually deal with this? How will you fix your home door lock?

In this guide, we’ll look into 5 common house door lock issues you can potentially fix yourself, saving you time and money.  However, for more complex issues, remember that a professional locksmith is always a valuable resource.

Reasons Your Door Lock Not Working

Door lock problems are commonly caused by a malfunctioning lock mechanism or latch assembly, but there are several common reasons why the main door lock might stop working:

• The lock doesn’t fit in the door properly.
• The latch and strike plate don’t align.
• The lock is dry or dirty.
• Damaged cylinder
• The lock mechanism is frozen due to cold weather.
• The doorknob is loose.
• The key is broken and stuck in the lock.
• Improper key use

Must Read: Top 10 Safety Rules at Home to Keep You and Your Family Safe

How To Repair Door Lock?

The sooner you catch a door lock problem, the better it will be to fix it on your own, so don't overlook minor issues such as a loose lock or lock that sticks when turning the key. The following are 5 simple ways you may be able to fix the Darwaje Ka Lock without calling a professional lock repair service.

1. Broken Keys in the Lock

If your key breaks in the front door safety lock, don’t try to lock or further unlock the door using the broken piece of the key. it may be possible to grip the exposed end with needle-nose pliers and gently pull it out. In case your house key doesn’t extend far enough to grip, you can carefully insert a cut-off length of a coping saw blade to hook and drag it out. If the key is still stuck in the lock, remove the lock cylinder and ouch the key out by inserting a stiff wire into the slot at the back. You can also bring the cylinder to a local key maker shop for key removal.

2. Misaligned Locks

The heat and humidity can cause doors and their jambs to warp, making the bolts and strike platform sit tilted. Jerking and pulling on handles or aggressively swinging doors open and closed could knock the deadbolt and strike the plate out of alignment.

To fix the door lock fitting, you first unscrew the door lock mechanism until you can move it around, then reposition the deadbolt and strike plate so they are aligned and re-tighten the screws. If the lock itself is an issue, you will need to loosen the door hinges and adjust the door so it’s parallel with the doorjamb. If none of these work, it’s best to contact a residential locksmith who can fix or replace the mechanism.

3. Loose Door Locks

If you’ve lever-style door handle locks, they may loosen with everyday use, creating lock damage. In order to tighten the locks, line up the door handles on either side of the door and temporarily tape them in place, or have someone hold them while you work. Once the door handles are aligned properly, you can tighten the screws until they’re flush with the doorknob, replacing any that are stripped or broken.

4. Lock Is Stiff & Difficult To Open

Our door key lock frequently faces dirt and dust that builds up inside a lock, making it challenging for the locking mechanism to turn. Using graphite spray and silicone-based lubricants can fix this problem by applying the product and turning the key a couple of times. It’s also recommended to avoid oil-based lubricants, such as WD 40, which can lead to further clogging issues down the road.

5. The Key Won’t Turn

If you notice that your lock key is not turning the lock, the problem may just be a poorly cut key. To be sure, it’s ideal to test the house's main door lock with a key that was cut at a different time. If the key isn’t the issue, use powdered graphite or a silicone-based lubricant to lubricate the lock.

If you can now turn your key when the door is open but not when it’s closed, the issue may be the alignment of the door or lock. In these cases, you may notice that your main door doesn’t latch properly. To fix the alignment, tighten the door hinge screws to correct any hanging.

In case the key still doesn’t turn, there is a chance your lock’s strike plate may need to be repositioned, which can be done by unscrewing the strike plate and placing it so that the door bolts rest flush with the strike plate.

Also Read: 5 Best Smart Door Locks for Commercial and Residential Use in 2024

When You Need a Professional Locksmith to Fix Lock Problem

If the above given simple how-to-fix door lock tips don’t work out, your lock may need to be professionally repaired or replaced. Below are some situations where you should call in a professional locksmith:

• The entire cylinder is turning when you try to use the lock.
• Your jammed lock doesn’t respond even after lubrication.
• You can’t remove a key that’s broken off inside your lock mechanism. 
• Your lock has been damaged during an attempted break-in.
• The key turns, but the lock doesn’t work.
• The lock is old and needs to be replaced.
• You have security concerns and want a smart door lock installed.

Professional locksmiths have the right tools and training to fix the house main door lock problem efficiently and correctly to ensure the security of your home and family, so don't hesitate to call for help if you need it.

Don't hesitate to call for help if the issue seems beyond your DIY capabilities.  However, finding the right professional can be a challenge.  This is where Keyenzy can assist you.  With our network of qualified locksmiths across various cities, Keyenzy simplifies your search. Fill out our quick form now to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How can you fix a door lock that is loose?

Ans. A loose lock can often be tightened by adjusting the screws on the interior mounting plate. Ensure the screws are the correct size and not stripped. For significant wobbling, consider replacing worn screws or contacting a locksmith for a deeper inspection.

Q. How can you fix a door lock that won't unlock?

Ans. There are several reasons why a lock won't unlock. Try a gentle jiggle of the key while turning. If it's dirty, clean the keyhole with compressed air or graphite powder. For complex issues or broken keys, consult a professional locksmith.

Q. Why is my door not locking properly?

Ans. Misalignment between the lock and strike plate is a common culprit. Check if the latch fully engages in the strike plate. Worn parts, loose screws, or a warped door can also cause issues. If DIY solutions fail, consider a locksmith's expertise.

Q. How can you fix a stuck door lock?

Ans. A stuck lock might be jammed with debris. Try compressed air or lubricant like powdered graphite. If the key is broken or the mechanism is frozen, avoid forcing it and call a locksmith to prevent further damage.