Usually people do not choose to concern themselves with the locks that are on the doors of the place that they work or live until it’s too late and something goes wrong. However, what a lot of people do not realize is that a lot of non-commercial lock problems can be solved without hiring a locksmith. While Arrowhead Lock & Key is a Medeco Security Center in GA and specialize in high-security, commercial-grade locks, we know that you may need some helpful advice in dealing with common residential lock problems.

Sticky Lock – Because of wear, tear and build-up of dirt a door lock may become sticky and not function properly. Try to get some lubrication at your hardware store that won’t add to the gunk problem, and your dilemma can probably be solved. Using WD-40 or vegetable oil also works if you don’t have access to a hardware store nearby.

Frozen Lock – Winter temps can freeze all sorts of things, including door locks. If you have found that your lock is frozen, try heating the key to your door with a match, or place it on the radiator of your car until it gets hot. This solution works better than applying heat directly to the lock, as this can cause damage that may actually have to be repaired.

Door Won’t Lock – This is typically the result of a problem with the latch on the door, rather than the actual mechanism responsible for locking. Over time, doors warp and screws become loose. Try tightening the screws on your faulty door to make sure that they are screwed in all the way. If this doesn’t work, set the door stop back about a quarter of an inch from the position that it was originally in.

We hope that this short guide has given you a heads up on how to fix a few problems with your residential locks, especially with the winter months right around the corner. If you are a business owner and would like to install commercial-grade locks and security systems for your business to ensure the safety of you and your employees, contact Arrowhead Lock & Safe today.