The door lock repair process is one such area that’s helpful to know – or know who to call. While there are different types of locks, and steps may vary, a professional locksmith should be able to handle any repair easily. Let’s go over door lock repairs so you’re aware of how they work and you’re confident in the company you hire for them.

Common Lock Issues

First, you should know that there are different types of door lock issues, and there are different types of door lock repairs. Here are some of the most common types of lock issues you’ll see:

• The lock will no longer “slam the tongue” (i.e. keep the door closed properly)
• The door doesn’t fit in the frame because of the lock
• The key won’t turn when inserted into the lock (or is broken off inside it)
• There could be some damage to the external casing damage or an internal component

The Door Lock Repair Process

It’s difficult to detail the repair process for door locks, as it varies wildly depending on the type of lock issue, type of lock and other circumstances. If there is a broken key in the lock, for example, it may simply need to be retrieved. If the lock is frozen, it needs to be thawed. If there is a frame or fitting issues, it may need to be reinstalled. Or if too many external or internal components are faulty, the whole lock may need to be replaced. The best solution for door lock repairs is to call a professional locksmith.

Avoiding Door Lock Issues

Want to prevent door lock issues before they happen? Here are some tips to help you better maintain your home’s locks:

• Make sure the door and lock are installed properly
• Ensure the frame is flush with the door and fits
• Check regularly for loose screws, and strike plates
• Test the deadbolt and latch; adjust if sticking
• Clean and lubricate locks at least once per year
• Copy all keys from an original, not a duplicate

In need of door lock repair services in Dallas-Fort Worth? Contact A-1 Locksmith today or drop by any of your DFW-area locations.

OK, none of this is true, but it does bring up a great point about deadbolts. 

Deadbolts are the type of lock homeowners depend on most to prevent intruders from entering their home. But what happens when they fail? Let’s take a look at when to repair deadbolts, when to replace them and when to call in a professional.

When to Repair Deadbolts

There are a few situations where it is possible to repair the deadbolt. For example, if the deadbolt keeps getting stuck, it may just need some lubricant like WD-40. Another example is when the strike plate, and door jamb need to be realigned. Or, it might not be an issue with the deadbolt at all. For example, if a key is worn down, it may not unlock the deadbolt as effectively as it did in the past. In that case, you might need to get another set of keys made. 

When to Replace Deadbolts

Obviously, it’d be great if your deadbolt issue was an easy issue that you could repair yourself, but that’s not always the case. There are several components involved with deadbolts that aren’t easily visible to an untrained eye. If you tried the solutions mentioned in the section above, and they didn’t work, it might be time to replace. Other common signs that a deadbolt needs to be replaced include:

• Overly rusted deadbolts
• Broken locks or deadbolts
• Broken door frames
• Locks that refuse to turn
• Bent tailpieces
• Deadbolts in new homes
• Deadbolts with misplaced keys

When to Call the Professionals

Whether you’d like to attempt a deadbolt repair or need to replace your deadbolt locks, hiring a professional locksmith company to do the job might be the best decision. Home security is of utmost importance, so you need a trustworthy, experienced locksmith to do the job if you want to enjoy peace of mind. Plus, a locksmith will be able to more easily identify the source of the problem and advise on customized solutions that you won’t find online. At the end of the day, investing a little in deadbolts that work properly now can help you avoid bigger investments down the road if the deadbolts fail.
If you need to repair a deadbolt or replace a deadbolt in your home, you can trust the team at A-1 Locksmith Security & Safes to do the job safely, and efficiently the first time. Give us a call at 972-284-7500 to schedule an appointment today!

But what about when it comes to our locks? If a residential lock fails or breaks, you might automatically assume that it needs to be replaced. But a good locksmith can actually determine whether your residential lock can be fixed or if you do actually need to have a new one installed.

Why Locks Fail

The big question is, why do residential locks fail in the first place? There are a variety of reasons for this, but the four most common (for residences at least) are:

• The deadbolt breaks, jams or is misaligned
• The lock cylinder fails
• The key breaks off in the lock
• The strikeplate needs to be adjusted

If your door locks have any of the above problems, repairing or replacing the lock is your next step.

When to Repair and When to Replace

The very best way to determine whether a lock needs to be repair or replaced is by calling a locksmith who specializes in lock repair and installation. But there are some situations when you know the lock doesn’t need to be replaced, such as a broken key in the lock that can be extracted. Other interior issues (such as the deadbolt or lock cylinder) require a closer look and a professional opinion. The good news is that a licensed locksmith technician can identify the issue right away, whether you bring the defective lock into a physical location or schedule someone to come out to you and do the work for you.

Finding the Right Residential Locksmith

The best locksmith companies won’t try to sell you on something you don’t need. That’s the promise at A-1 Locksmith. There’s no kind of lock we haven’t seen, worked on or fixed before. Our certified, and licensed Dallas locksmiths install, and repair hundreds of locks every week and can offer you multiple solutions at varying price points. If there’s any way we can simply fix your lock so you can save a buck and avoid the expenses of replacing a residential lock, we’ll do it. Whatever you do, don’t try to fix it yourself if you’re not experienced with locks — you may end up costing yourself more in the long run!

If you’re in need of residential lock services in Dallas-Fort Worth, give the A-1 Locksmith team a call today at 972-284-7500.