Residential
When a door lock stops working, start with simple checks like alignment, the key and batteries, then call a locksmith before forcing anything. The right fix depends on whether it is a deadbolt, latch, keyless lock or sliding door lock.
A lock that suddenly refuses to cooperate can be alarming, especially if it is your only way in or out. Before you push harder, stop and look at what is happening.
Is the key turning at all? Is the bolt moving but not reaching the strike? Is the keypad lighting up? These details point toward the cause and help a locksmith quote the job accurately if you need one.
Also think about timing. A lock that fails in the middle of the day is an inconvenience, but one that will not secure the house at night needs attention right away.
Forcing a lock that is jammed is the most common way a small problem turns into a broken key or a damaged door.
The most common cause is misalignment. If the deadbolt works fine with the door open but sticks when the door is closed, the bolt is rubbing against the strike plate.
If the key itself will not turn, the cylinder may be dirty or worn. A dry lubricant made for locks can help. When it does not, a locksmith can adjust the strike, service the cylinder or replace the deadbolt.
If the door swings open even when closed, the spring latch is not reaching the strike plate. That is often due to a door that has shifted or a strike that has moved.
If the knob turns but the latch does not retract, the internal spring or the connecting spindle may have broken. This sometimes means you cannot open the door from either side.
If you are stuck inside a room because a latch will not release, stay calm and call for help rather than kicking the door. A locksmith can open it without damaging the frame.
Both problems are common and usually repairable. A locksmith can adjust the strike or replace the knob or lever set if the internal parts have failed.
Electronic locks most often fail because of dead or weak batteries. Replace them with fresh ones of the recommended type before anything else.
Many keypad locks have a backup key cylinder or external battery contacts for exactly this situation. Check your product manual so you know what your model offers before you need it.
If fresh batteries do not help, the motor may be struggling against a misaligned bolt, or the unit may have failed. Our residential locksmith team can diagnose keyless locks, and businesses can turn to our commercial keyless entry service.
Sliding patio doors are common across Los Angeles homes, and their small latches take a beating. A latch may stop catching because the door has dropped on its rollers or the keeper has shifted.
Clean the track so the door slides freely and sits at the right height. If the latch is cracked or worn, replacement parts are usually available. Adding a secondary lock or a bar in the track is a simple way to strengthen these doors.
Do not lift or force a sliding door off its track to get in. Heavy glass panels can fall and cause injury, and reinstalling them is a two-person job at the very least.
Call for help if you cannot lock the door at night, if you are locked out, or if a key breaks. A professional will use non-destructive methods where the lock allows and explain whether repair or replacement makes sense.
Our technicians explain the price before they begin any repair. For urgent problems, our emergency locksmith line is 310-819-3002. Our post on situations that need lock repair has more detail.
A good residential locksmith is easy to reach, explains the job and the price before starting, and treats your home and your privacy with care. Here is how to tell the difference before you hand anyone your keys.
Read the articleIf you are locked out of your apartment, start with your building manager or a spare key, then call a locksmith with your ID and lease handy. A calm, simple plan usually gets you inside without fuss.
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Replacing your locks makes sense when you move, when hardware is worn or damaged, after a break-in, or when you want better security or keyless convenience. Here are five signs it is time.
Read the articleThat usually means the bolt and strike plate are out of line. Adjusting the strike or tightening the hinges often fixes it. Our residential team can help.
Many models have a backup key or external battery contacts; check the manual. If that does not work, call our emergency line for help.
Call 310-819-3002 to check today's availability in your part of Los Angeles.