Broken or Worn Locks: When Is It Time To Change?August 18, 2015
No one would ever advise sticking a mechanical device on the outside of your home and leaving it to experience weathering effects. Similarly, who wants to mount an assembly of precisely aligned tumblers in a situation where they'll be invaded by an abrasive wafer of metal all day long? Unfortunately, that's the very definition of a lock. A lock is built from springs and pins, components that are as precisely fabricated as the gears of a clock, but they're tortured by keys and the outdoors, so it's important to know when the hidden assembly is about to fail.
The manufacturing ethic behind these door guardians has to be uncompromising because only one key can turn the lock and disengage the mechanism. If the design ethic wasn't this exacting, any half-intelligent intruder could slip a bent fork into the lock and spring the door. All of these formidable defences define a lock as a superior personalized security device, but this precision mechanism can, over time, become a two-edged sword. Basically, as robust as the mechanisms are, the metal will wear and the parts will move out of alignment. Signs of a failing lock include the following:
- The key only turns part way
- The lock catches or stops during unlocking
- The key no longer rotates in its housing
Weathering causes fine oxidization effects to flourish within the mechanism. A fine white powder lines the slot of the lock housing and causes the cylinder to catch or freeze. Alternately, the oxidization becomes so severe that part of the locking assembly breaks. This substandard lock will then cease operating and the key rotates freely in its slot.
Know When to Replace the Lock
Don't wait for that quirky unlocking routine to turn into a farcical ten minute twisting exercise as you try to engage worn tumblers. Call a locksmith and have the lock replaced. Signs of wear can be as obvious as a patch of tarnished metal, as visual as rust and dents, or as subtle as a slight hitch when the key rotates. We've all been guilty of overlooking such signs when opening the door to reach the sanctuary of a lighted hall, but the problem is only going to worsen over time. That hitch will turn into a full-blown catch, and this momentary stoppage will end in a frozen lock.
Weather adds to the issue by contracting and expanding the mechanism. If you find it easy to open the lock in the morning and harder to turn the key in the evening, it's likely that the parts are loosening and succumbing to heat expansion. Regardless of any of these reasons, we all have to accept the fact that a lock has a limited lifespan. Don't wait to be locked out of your home or office by a mechanism that's finally given up its existence to the vagaries of time. Instead, be pre-emptive and replace the worn lock before it breaks.
Altona Locksmiths
15c Slough Road, Altona
Phone: (03) 9315 0522
Email: altlock@bigpond.net.au
Optimized by NetwizardSEO.com.au
Recent posts
- Avoid Security Hiccups: Why Regular Key System Maintenance is a Must
- Safe and Easy Broken Key Extraction Solutions from Altona Locksmiths
- Professional Car Key Remote Programming: Expert Automotive Locksmith Services in Altona
- Master Key Systems: The Smart Solution for Multi-Lock Management
- Keyless Entry Systems: Redefining Convenience for Modern Living
- New Lock Installations for Newly Built Homes: Your First Line of Defence
- Transponder Key Programming for Classic Cars: Upgrading Vintage Vehicle Security
- Overcoming Steering Wheel Lock Obstacles with Experts from Altona Locksmiths
- Temporary Construction Keying for Hassle-Free Projects and Maximising Site Control
- Expert Body Control Module (BCM) Programming Services by Altona Locksmiths
- Implementing a Master Key System for Your Business: Simplifying Access Control
- Avoid the Hidden Dangers of DIY Car Lock Repair: Call Altona Locksmiths!
- Why Professional Locksmith Services are a Must: New Home, New Security
- Old Car Key Duplication Services: Keeping Classics on the Road
- Construction Locksmithing: Building Foundations of Safety in Altona
- Emergency Lockout Services: Your Key to Getting Back In, Fast!
- Why Broken Key Extraction is a Job for Pros: Call in the Keyspert
- Deadbolt Locks Installation That Will Make You Feel Safer at Home
- Steering Wheel Lock Removal: Importance of Proper Removal to Avoid Damage
- Altona Key Removal Services: Altona Locksmiths at Your Service
- Car Key Programming Services in Altona for Lost Car Keys
- The Role of Restricted Keyways in Holiday Security
- New Lock Systems Installation: Enhance Home Security for a Worry-Free Holiday
- Removal of Broken Car Keys: DIY vs. Professional Extraction
- Automotive Locksmith Near Me: Altona Locksmiths is Your Top Choice
Posts 2023
- The Role of Restricted Keyways in Holiday Security
- New Lock Systems Installation: Enhance Home Security for a Worry-Free Holiday
- Removal of Broken Car Keys: DIY vs. Professional Extraction
- View all articles…
Posts 2022
- Key Access and Security Strategy for Commercial Property Owners
- Spare Car Key to Save You from Holiday Hangover Misplacements
- View all articles…
Posts 2021
- Why Should You Hire a Professional Locksmith instead of Doing the Lock Installation Yourself?
- Temporary Construction Keying: Making Your Newly Constructed Building Secure
- View all articles…
Posts 2020
- Maintaining Property Security with Temporary Construction Keying
- Master Key System: 4 Important Facts that You Must Know
- View all articles…
Posts 2019
- Moving to a New Business Establishment? Consider Hiring a Professional Locksmith
- FAQ: When Do I Need Transponder Key Programming Services?
- View all articles…
Posts 2018
- What are Smart Locks for Homes?
- Why is Time Management Important When Hiring Professional Locksmiths?
- View all articles…
Posts 2017
- Residential Security: Are your Knob Locks Enough?
- Should You Rekey a Newly Bought House?
- View all articles…
Posts 2016
- Ignition Problems and When to Call for a Locksmith
- The Importance of Master Key System in Factories
- View all articles…
Posts 2015
Posts 2014