5 Common Lock Problems and How to Fix Them

Locks secure our homes, businesses and families. However, locks as a mechanical system can wear out and stop working like any other mechanical system. When this occurs, your security is in jeopardy. A bad lock may as well lose your time and leave you frustrated due to the inability to open or secure your door.

In New Zealand, several homeowners experience lock issues annually. This can be due to weather, general wear and tear, or substandard installation. Some issues you can handle on your own with hand tools. Others require professional locksmith assistance.

In this guide, we examine five of the most frequent lock issues and detail how to repair them. We also discuss when to hire a locksmith so you can secure your property.

Misaligned or Incorrect Latch Assembly

A misaligned latch on the door will not fit in the slot of the strike and will protrude, preventing the door from locking. The latch can be loose, not in place or not fitting flush with the frame. This renders the door difficult to lock and exposes your home to security risks.

This issue usually results from loose door hinges or the shifting of a door over time. New Zealand also experiences movement due to changes in humidity and timber swelling. Newly installed doors may shift a little, resulting in the same problem.

How to Fix It

Examine the screws for your door hinges. Tighten them to push the door back into position. In the event the latch is not yet aligned, then the strike plate will have to be adjusted. To accomplish this, tighten the screws that hold it and shift it a bit up or down. Put in place, re-tighten the screws in such a way that the latch fits very well into the strike plate.

When the latch begins to slip, you may require replacing the strike plate or the latch. A locksmith may also realign the whole door and frame if necessary.

Broken or Worn Keys

Keys wear out after years of daily use. Metal edges become thin, bent, or crooked. When this happens, the key may no longer turn the lock properly. A worn key can also damage the inner pins of the lock.

Another common problem is when a key snaps inside the lock. This leaves part of the key stuck inside, which makes it impossible to use.

How to Fix It

First, attempt to use a spare key. When the new key does not work and the old one does, then this indicates that the lock itself is fine and the problem lies in the old key. Replace the worn-out key with another one before it continues to destroy the lock.

In case the key jams, do not push it. You can push the broken portion deeper into the keyway and make it more difficult to remove. Attempt to use a set of needle-nose pliers to carefully pull the broken portion out. If that fails, call a locksmith. They have equipment that can remove broken keys without wrecking the lock.

You can also grease the lock using graphite powder to facilitate smoothing the turning mechanism. Never use oil or grease. They trap dirt and make the issue even worse in the long run.

Loose Locks

Loosening of locks occurs with frequent use. Screws within handles or locksets loosen themselves. With every turn of the knob or key, the lock gets looser.

Loose locks are found on internal doors like bedrooms, bathrooms, and offices. The slipped lock mechanism can also translate to the internal parts no longer being aligned.

How to Fix It

Take off the door handle or knob and inspect the screws. Hold the lock firm and tighten the screws until the lock becomes firm again. Ensure both sides of the lock fit flush against the door surface.

If screws fail to grip, there is a possibility that you need to use slightly larger screws or install new hardware. In case the mechanism is already worn out within, then only the change of the lock is possible.

A professional locksmith will have an opportunity to inspect the lock and evaluate whether the restoration is possible or the replacement is a better idea.

Frozen Locks

Frozen locks are less common in New Zealand than they are in colder countries, but are experienced in alpine areas like Queenstown or when it snows. With water entering the lock, it becomes stuck and freezes in the keyhole.

Forcing a key into the frozen lock will only result in damage. The key can break, or the pins within can bend.

How to Fix It

Warm the lock before attempting to use it. A hairdryer, hot towel, or heat pack held against the lock will thaw ice. After thawing, the lock will function normally.

Don't pour hot water over the lock. This will distort the metal or crack it when it re-freezes.

If the lock continues to jam or freeze, professional treatment may be necessary. A locksmith can lubricate and clean the mechanism so water no longer accumulates within.

Clogged or Jammed Locks

Dust, grime and dirt tend to clog the interior of a lock. This is common in exterior doors, garage doors, and gates exposed to wind and rain.

As the sludge builds up, the lock will be difficult to turn, jammed or fail to turn the lock. Forcing can bend or break the key, making the problem even worse.

How to Fix It

Spray graphite dust or Teflon-based lubricant into the lock. Place the key and turn it a few times to loosen the dirt. This will remove minor obstructions.

If the lock continues to jam, try a commercial lock cleaner. Don't use oil-based sprays, as they trap more dust.

In the worst-case scenario, the lock will have to be taken apart and thoroughly cleaned. A locksmith can dismantle the mechanism, clean it and put it back together so that it operates just like new.

Other Typical Home Lock Issues

Kiwi householders also experience other lock problems, including:

• Stiff Locks: Due to a lack of lubrication or grime accumulation. Graphite spray will generally cure this.


• Keys That Won't Turn: occasionally, as a result of worn parts within the lock. If lubrication fails, replacement is indicated.


• Misaligned Strike Plates: When the latch fails to properly strike the plate. This occurs most often following house settlement or timber frame expansion.


• Weatherstrip Interference: thick or misaligned weatherstripping may jam the door from closing. Trimming or adjusting the strip normally corrects it.

Common Lock Problems In Commercial Spaces

Businesses throughout New Zealand use solid locks and security systems. Yet commercial locks are subject to heavy use and can also fail.

Door Closer Issues

A door closer will make a door close properly, but at some point, it will stop working. Should the door slam shut, stay open or have hydraulic fluid leaking out, the closer needs to be readjusted or replaced.

Electronic Lock Failures

Keypad and electronic locks may shut down due to dead batteries, circuit problems or software problems. Check the power to begin with. Where the lock remains unable to work, call a locksmith to reset or repair it.

Broken Keys in Commercial Locks

A faulty, stuck key on workplace premises could result in business delay and slowed productivity of workers. Do not ever attempt to pick the key out. Rather, contact an expert locksmith who will safely remove it and repair the lock if needed.

When to Call a Professional Locksmith

Some lock problems can easily be fixed by DIY repairs. However, repeated trouble with locks must be managed by the experts. A licensed locksmith can master the competence and equipment to repair or change locks.

Call a locksmith if:

• Your key breaks in a lock.


• The lock jams despite cleaning and lubrication.


• The latch fails to align, and the door won't lock.


• Your electronic lock malfunctions.


• Your business door won't close.

A locksmith can also upgrade your locks for greater security and peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

When the locking system is clogged, loose or tampered with in a house or business, it is vulnerable. Knowing the symptoms of frequent problems with locks can save you money and time. Minor repairs, such as lubrication or screw tightening, can even be all it takes to get it repaired. Incorrect keys, sequence mismatch, and unclear issues must never be avoided when discussing with professionals.

In case you are experiencing lock issues in New Zealand, hire a reputable local locksmith. They can repair the issue promptly, restore your security, and provide you with confidence that your property is secure.