With a lot of home improvements or repairs, many people want to give it a go themselves, especially since COVID-19, the interest in DIY has soared, with a lot of really beautiful projects coming out of it. On top of home improvements, we’ve also seen a fair few amateur lock repairs, some good, some not so good. The thing is, some simple lock issues like cleaning debris or tightening screws can often be done yourself – the problem comes when there are more complicated issues. So today we’re going to clear up when it’s OK to DIY your lock repair, and when you really need to call a professional.
When to DIY
When it comes to DIY, it’s always best to stick to the basics. Locks might look like simple things, but they’re quite fickle, and the inner workings are intricate and delicate. A few jobs you can do by yourself include:
Basic cleaning and lubrication: It’s important to regularly clean and lubricate your door locks to keep them working properly. This is as easy as cleaning with water and a cloth (or an earbud if you’re feeling dedicated) and then spraying it with a lubricant spray. This will keep the mechanism working smoothly and make your lock last longer.
Loose screws: If you spot any loose screws on the lock body or strike plate, it’s important to get these tightened up. If not, they could cause unnecessary wear, or even cause the door lock to jam and the door to stick.
Minor adjustments: If you spot that the door or the lock is a bit wonky or out of alignment, you can adjust the latch to bring it into line. This will keep the ancillary parts of your door like hinges working and damage-free, as well as protecting them for the future.
Stuck key: This one comes with a caveat. If you have a key stuck in your lock then you can attempt to remove it by jiggling it. If the issue is just debris then this can get the key free, and you should clean the lock afterwards. But if you feel any resistance or the key won’t move, then you need to call a professional.
When to Call a Locksmith
Speaking of professionals, there are some jobs that you should never try yourself. Some are dangerous (yes, really), while others could ruin your lock or even your door if done incorrectly. So, if you run into one of these problems, then your first call should be to a locksmith:
Broken keys: If a key breaks inside a lock, then there’s very little chance of you getting it out without breaking the key or permanently jamming it into the lock. And the blu-tack/chewing gum trick is cute, but it doesn’t work. A locksmith will be able to extract it without causing any further damage to your lock.
Damaged lock mechanisms: Damaged locks need a careful hand to diagnose and either repair or replace. Whether there’s damage on the outside, or you’ve got damaged inner components like tumblers or springs, it needs a professional touch.
Lock rekeying: If you need to change the key combination on an existing lock, there’s no way to do it yourself.
High-security locks: For a basic lock (not a main entry door) you may well be able to install them yourself. But with high-security locks, complex locks like smart locks or high-grade deadbolts, you need specialist tools and training.
Emergency lockouts: If you’re locked out of your home, especially late at night, you need a locksmith on speed dial.
Door frame damage: If your door frame is damaged as well as your lock, then you need some help. Not just because it’s a bigger job, but because there’s some investigation needed to find the underlying cause of the damage.
Security concerns: If you want to upgrade your home security system with new locks or key systems, you need someone who knows what they’re talking about.
Before You Start
Before you get started and start looking up YouTube tutorials or dialling numbers, there are a few things you should do first. The main one is to check for basic issues first, especially before you call a professional. Try the simple fixes like cleaning and tightening screws to see if it fixes the problem. At worst, you’ve lost maybe 10 minutes of your day – but at best you’ve saved yourself an unnecessary bill. If you’re debating doing it yourself, consider how complex the repair really is. If you’re not sure how to fix it, then it’s best to err on the side of caution and call a professional. When you do, make sure you check their credentials and make sure they are licensed, insured and ideally a member of the Master Locksmith’s Association.
At My Locks, we are always happy to provide advice or information about lock repair, as well as our honest opinion about whether a lock can be repaired or needs replacing altogether. And we’re Master Locksmith Associations members, so you know you can trust us! If you’d like to chat with us about your locks or home security, just get in touch with the team today.