When your door lock is damaged it can be a real pain to deal with. You might have to get the entire thing replaced, which costs money and time.
The best way to avoid this problem is by knowing how you’re going to prevent it from happening in the first place. Another practical solution is to simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
By following these simple tips for preventing door lock damage and bumping keys we’ll help you keep your locks working smoothly and save you some cash!
Learn how to bump a lock
There are some disadvantages to using this technique though and again, you need to weigh up whether these problems are worth the trouble of learning how to bump a lock.
- You could gain entry but actually, make things worse by damaging your lock or making it harder to use for everyone else who has a key.
- It can be dangerous if you do not know what you are doing. For example, the lock could jam and cause injury to your fingers.
- If you have no other option but to bump a lock then all of the precautions below should be taken so that you don’t damage the lock or make it worse for yourself.
- You could bump a lock but end up with an even worse problem. If you haven’t used the key in years, there’s no guarantee that it will still work after you’ve bumped it. And if your lock is old and worn out then there’s a good chance that you might make it worse.
Will it work with the current lock you are using?
- First, if you want to learn how to bump a lock then the very first thing you need to do is find out whether or not this will work with your lock.
Modern locks often come with security features like pick-resistant pins and mushroom pins that make bumping a lock useless. You can either check online or ask a locksmith to look at the lock you have and let you know if bumping it will work.
If your lock is suitable for bumping then you should always try other methods first before resorting to this one.
This way, you’ll find out whether or not you can gain access with your own key or get help from someone else without damaging the lock.
- Second, you should make sure that whatever you use to bump the lock is smooth and round. If it’s too thick or has a sharp edge then this could make your problem even worse by jamming the pins in the lock. Instead, find something that looks like a key but isn’t quite as easy to recognize.
- Finally, you should mark the key that came with the lock with a special color or some sort of mark.
If you use this bump key and it works then whoever has broken into your home could come back and attach a new lock to your door and possibly make things even worse for you by changing the locks.
How to fix the key stuck in the door lock?
Before you can understand how to fix a key stuck in the door lock, it’s important to know why keys get stuck in the first place.
As with any mechanical device, locks are prone to regular wear and tear. This is especially true when they’re heavily used on a daily basis.
A worn-out key can slip into even the best-made locks. A metal file will reduce its size without damaging the lock mechanism. So you can easily fit it into the keyhole and turn it to open the door.
Be careful while filing a key, don’t push too hard or use too much pressure otherwise, you might ruin the blade of the key and make things worse by making the edges uneven and rough.
It’s also important to regularly lubricate and oil locking mechanisms and regularly check that they’re in good working order. Some locks come with a special keyhole cover which you simply lift to reveal the lock mechanism underneath. If yours doesn’t, use an old toothbrush or other small brush to carefully dust away any fluff or dirt.
Using a small brush will help you get into all the nooks and crannies of your lock. You can also use a Q-tip or an old cloth to apply some lubricant oil. Wipe away any excess from around the keyhole with a dry rag before closing it back up again. Then test out your key in the lock to make sure that it works properly.
You should never use a screwdriver or other sharp object to try and lift your key from the door lock because it can severely damage both your key and the lock mechanism.
However, if you have a spare key at home then you could just swap yours out with the spare one. If this doesn’t work and you don’t have a spare key then you’ll need to remove the door handle and check for broken or bent parts.
If your lock mechanism is still in good working order but your key gets stuck inside of it, try using a lubricant like WD-40 with penetrating oil to loosen up any dirt or grime that has built up inside of it.
If the problem isn’t caused by dirt then you might need to replace your lock completely or have it repaired by a professional locksmith.
A tip to prevent door locking in the first place
The easiest way to stop your keys from ever getting stuck in the door lock is to make sure that they never get stuck in the first place. How do you accomplish this? By using a key safe.
This is a simple device that fits over your regular keyhole and allows you to keep any extra keys or spare electronic fobs safely protected.
You can also use it to store your car keys and other important valuables that you don’t want falling into the wrong hands.
It takes just a few seconds for your key to be locked in the lock and if you’re not home or you can’t get right back to where you left your keys, things could go very bad in a hurry.
You might end up having to change the lock or use an emergency locksmith. If you don’t want this to happen then simply keep your spare key in a key safe instead of where it belongs.
Preventing door lock damage and bumping keys
You should never try to bump keys if you don’t know what you’re doing because this can lead to door lock damage and other problems.
If you don’t want to try and fix a broken door lock or change the entire thing out, why not just prevent it from happening in the first place?
There are some simple ways that you can protect your locks and keys from damage so that you don’t have to worry about dealing with this problem later on down the line.
Do you have a broken lock on your door?
You’re in luck! We’ve got the best tips for preventing door lock damage and bumping keys. If you want to know how to keep your locks from getting damaged, read on.
Twenty-Four Hours Locksmith and Door Services offer the best tips for preventing door lock damage and bumping keys because we have a full staff of expert locksmiths that handle many jobs from changing locks to making spare keys. So if you want quality service you know who to call.
If you ever find yourself needing new locks installed or repaired! We can be reached at (240)-744-4689 you can also email us at manager@twentyfourhourslocksmith.com.
