The whole point of having locks on your doors is so intruders stay out, right? This is only possible when your locks are functioning properly. Sometimes you can notice random malfunctions in the way the lock functions and wonder if you just let it be, fix it, or replace it? This is complicated enough with regular locks, but when you’re talking about deadbolt locks, things get even more confusing.
Deadbolt locks are made in a way where springs are useless. The only way you can open a shut deadbolt lock is by unlocking it with the right key. Sometimes, these locks either don’t open or cause issues while opening. However, not all malfunctions need replacements. Some can be fixed too! So before you jump into it, we’re here to outline times you should replace a deadbolt lock, and times when you should just get it repaired!
Does Your Deadbolt Lock Really Need to Be Replaced?
Below are the common reasons your deadbolt lock might be causing trouble, and what you need to do to fix it!
- The lock won’t turn: This is one of the most common problems people have with deadbolt locks. When this happens, it seems like your lock and key might not be the same, but they are. The problem is usually with the lock mechanism here. Anything that’s damaged or not functioning properly in the lock can cause the entire lock to freeze up and not let the key turn. Sometimes, a repair is possible if the entire lock is taken apart and put back together again. Have a Handyman in NYC or a local handyman in your area come in and take a look at your lock. If it can’t be repaired, it might be a good time to replace the deadbolt lock altogether!
- There’s a misalignment: If your deadbolt was working perfectly fine, but suddenly the bolt doesn’t properly line up with the strike plate, it won’t let the lock latch on. This is usually a quick fix. All that’s needed is to see how misaligned the lock and the strike plate are, mark the correct position the two need to be in for the lock to function and move the strike plate accordingly. When you’re done, the lock should work just fine!
- The key won’t fit: If you’re inserting the key in the deadbolt lock, and noticing that it’s either “sticking” inside the lock like something is grabbing on to it, or gets jammed in a way that doesn’t let the key turn, it’s usually not the lock that’s the culprit, it’s the key!An old, worn-out key can start to stick in locks and sometimes won’t even turn the lock at all. The great thing is that fixing this is fairly easy, you just have to get a spare key made!
If the key was the problem, the new key should let the lock function just fine, if it wasn’t, you can take a closer look at the lock too. If the lock is dirty, which can happen when years of dirt and grime get on it, it won’t work properly. This can be fixed by first spraying the lock with a cleaning solution. Special sprays are made just for this problem. If that doesn’t cut it, try taking the lock apart and cleaning each piece individually. If there was some sort of gunk messing with the way the lock works, cleaning every little piece and then putting the lock back together should fix your problem! No replacement would be needed!
Using this guide, you should be able to spot these three problems if your deadbolt is running into one of them. If it is, you’ll know whether it’s actually time to replace your deadbolt or is it a repairable issue immediately!