A door that won’t lock is a big problem. This can be unsafe and annoying to the safety of your home. Most lock troubles have quick fixes which you can easily do yourself.
Misaligned Strike Plate
The most common cause is a strike plate out of alignment. Doors can also sag or move over time, leading to the latch becoming misaligned. Place the latchbolt to the proper hole in the strike plate. Otherwise, you might have to route-out the opening of the strike plate slightly or change position that it is in.
Sticky or Jammed Mechanism
Sticky locks: dirt, dust or old lube in lock. Just put only a speck of graphite lubricant or W-40 into the key hole and latch mechanism. Stay away from oil-based lubes, as they get nasty fast.
Worn Key or Lock Cylinder
An easy way to tell if the cylinder is worn or needs replacing, if your key turns but does not turn in the lock. Try using a spare key first. This would mean that the lock cylinder probably should be replaced if a problem still occurs. For a Locksmith Bishop Auckland, consider lockwork24-7.co.uk/locksmith/
Loose Door Handle or Lock
Loose screws on the door handle or lock assembly – Use a screwdriver to secure any loose hardware; however, do not overtighten because it will induce binding.
Warped Door Frame
Weather changes can cause warping in those wooden frames. The door does not sit cleanly in frame; you may need to plane the door edge or move around with hinges.
The majority of lock issues can be easily resolved with just a few standard tools. But if those fixes aren’t clicking, give a locksmith a call to maintain the safety of your home.