Frequently Asked Questions
Hints and Tips
It’s easy to take your locks and keys for granted. They work perfectly well every day and then suddenly, they don’t and then the panic can set in. The most common problems with locks are often quite minor, but they can still ruin your day. If your lock doesn’t lock you could be late for work or collecting the kids or face leaving your house unsecured. Equally, you don’t want to get home at the end of a long day to find that you can’t get in.
You need a quick solution and a reliable Locksmith . We can usually respond to a call within 60 minutes. Here are some of the most common lock problems that need a fast response.
You’re trying to lock up and head out for the day. You turn your key, but the door won’t lock. This is often because the lock isn’t aligned properly so doesn’t sit where it needs to.
If this happens because of wear and tear we can usually repair it with some adjustments to the lock. Sometimes it’s an issue with the door and we might need to reposition the door itself. Whatever the cause we can be with you quickly to let you know what repair is needed and how long it will take.
Sometimes the lock just won’t work. There are a few different mechanical problems that can arise and an experienced locksmith can often diagnose common straight away. However, some issues are harder to detect. In those circumstances we will remove the lock to see if we can see what the problem is and fix it for you. Sometimes the cost of a repair is more than a new lock. If that’s the case we’ll let you know straight away and install a new lock to give you a quick and cost effective solution to the problem.
However, it’s also possible that there’s a blockage in the lock itself. DIY remedies can often cause more problems than they solve so call a reputable locksmith to investigate. We have a range of tools and specialist sprays that will clear most blockages for you.
If the key will go into the lock but then won’t turn, your lock could have seized. This is a very common problem and can cause key breakages if you try and force the lock. We have specialist silicon sprays in our toolkit which can sometimes solve the problem.
If your lock can’t be repaired we can solve the issue quickly by installing a new one. We can be with you in 60 minutes and will even provide new keys.
You never know when you might need a reliable, trustworthy locksmith. Save our details in your phone or visit our website to find out more.
During the cold winter months, it is not uncommon to find that the lock on your door has frozen and this can be really frustrating. But it is important to not try and force your key into the lock as you could break your key, and this only leads to more problems for yourself.
Unfreezing Your Door Lock
Unfreezing a door lock can be quite simple and things that you can use to defrost it are often readily available to you either on your person or in the garage or shed! Here is a list of things that you can do to defrost a door lock:
Hand Sanitizer – This contains alcohol that will melt the ice. If you put the sanitiser on both the lock and key, then gently move the key in and out of the lock to loosen it.
Lighter – You can use a portable cigarette lighter to warm the key carefully then move it in and out of the lock until it thaws, and you can gain entry. Cation if you are trying this method after using the alcohol hand sanitiser.
De-icer – If you drive then you will likely have a can of de-icer in the car during the winter months. Spray the de-icer on the lock and key wait a short while and then gently move the key in and out of the lock until you gain entry
Hair dryer – if your neighbour is home and they have a hairdryer and extension cable handy then you can use this to heat the lock and thaw it.
Your Hands – you can warm your key with your hands and use your thumb to warm the lock for a while then it may thaw the lock enough for you to gain entry.
