7 Common Manual Lock Problems and Their Solution

Security concerns have made locks an integral part of our life today. However, just like every other mechanical device, Manual lock problems can arise due to mechanical damage. The wrong handling of the lock by employees can cause these damages. And there’s no doubt, other factors like corrosion, freezing, and friction—which are in no way caused by humans—can also lead to these lock problems. So instead of shifting the blame on who is responsible for the lock problem, let’s be proactive and figure out the solution and then the possible causes.

Manual Lock problems, if not tackled immediately, can lead to other business misfortunes like business property theft, employee safety threats, business disruption, damaged reputation, and legal consequences. To prevent an escalation, take action now.

In this article, we will be showing you various manual lock problems, their cause, and various possible DIY repair methods to try before replacements.

Let’s unlock!

1. Stiff/hard-to-operate door locks

Is your business door lock stiff or difficult to turn? Then you are experiencing a manual lock problem. This can be frustrating and a huge pain on the side if you are in a hurry to enter/exit your business space. It is a major safety hazard should you or your employee need to exit your business property because of an emergency. 

Possible Cause: 

• Dirt buildup inside the lock mechanism.
• Worn out or damaged lock parts.
• Misalignment of lock components due to loose screws or a sagging door.
• Lack of lubrication.

Possible solution:

• Clean the lock mechanism with compressed air specifically designed for locks.
• Tighten loose screws on the lock mechanism.
• Use a graphite or silicone spray as lubrication for the lock mechanism (you can get that from a hardware store)
• Don’t use oil or grease, it can clog the lock mechanism, especially during the winter. 
• If it persists, consider contacting a locksmith.

2. Jammed door

If a jammed door is locked, it prevents someone from unlocking it and can lock your employee out. If it is unlocked, it prevents anyone from locking it. 

Possible cause:

A jammed door lock happens when the locking bolt is unable to move as it is usually able to. It’s a result of dirt buildup inside the keyhole.

Possible solution:

• Use a toothpick or an old toothbrush to dislodge the blockage that causes the jam.
• If the first method didn’t work, try spraying lubricant into the keyhole to loosen things up.

3. Your key doesn’t turn the lock

If your key just can’t turn the latch mechanism, chances are that you are using the wrong or a bent key to open the lock. Cross-check to confirm that you are using the right one and that the key is properly aligned. If you’ve confirmed that, then you are experiencing a manual lock problem. 

Don’t try to force the key to turn. You might just end up getting stuck in the open position. Or, even worse, break the key inside the keyhole. Any of this will just make the problem a more difficult one to handle. 

Possible cause:

• Worn out lock components.
• Misalignment between the key and the lock cylinder. Internal problems with the lock mechanism.

Possible solution:

• Lubricate the keyhole and key with a graphite spray.
• Gently jiggle the key while attempting to turn it to align the pins inside the lock.
• If nothing works, contact a locksmith for rekeying or replacing your lock. 

4. Frozen locks

During winter, moisture collected into the lock mechanism will freeze. This freezing causes a temporary stiff lock. But you’ll need to get into your business place even during the frigid cold. 

Possible causes:

• Moisture seeping into the lock mechanism.
• Inadequate lubrication of the lock mechanism.

Possible solution:

• Use a lock de-icer to melt the mechanism.
• Once you’ve successfully melted the mechanism, apply a silicon-based lubricant to prevent future freezing. 

5. Broken key inside the keyhole

An old key or a key exposed to unfriendly elements will wear out in a bit. The key begins to rust. When you notice this, you should know that the key is coming to its end. Chances are that the key will finally break. And if it breaks inside the lock, that’s a more serious dilemma. It’s now impossible to unlock the door.

Possible causes:

• Excessive force exerted on the key.
• Worn-out or weak key.
• Malfunctioning lock mechanism.

Possible solution:

• Remove the broken key from the lock with a needle-nose plier or tweezer.

6. Misaligned deadbolt

Misaligned deadbolt is a major security issue. This is because this type of lock problem prevents your door from properly closing. It occurs when the deadbolt doesn’t properly align with the strike plate. 

Operating your business with any of your business doors not closing is a security dilemma with urgent attention. Especially if it is an “only staff” room lock. Or the exit/entry door. Your staff will lose their sense of security, and your business will lose its privacy as well.

Possible causes:

• Shifted door frame or settling of the building structure.
• Loosed screws or misalignment of the strike plate.
• Warped or swollen door.
• Damp weather.
• Wrongly installed lock.

Possible solution:

• Tightening the screws on the strike plate and then re-check the deadbolt’s alignment.
• If the door frame shifted significantly, you should contact a locksmith. 

7. Worn-out lock cylinder

The cylinder is a mechanical device and can dwindle due to prolonged use, corrosion, or wrong use. This dwindling can affect its functionality and give you a hard time. 

Possible cause:

• Extended use of the cylinder
• Damaged mounting screw
• Misalignment of internal components

Possible solution:

• If the lock cylinder is visibly worn out, you’ll need to replace it.
• If it’s not, try tightening the mounting screws holding the lock cylinder in place.

The Quickest Solution

A stitch in time saves nine certainly applies to a damaged manual lock problem. Don’t ignore it and assume that no one is noticing that your business is operating with a lock problem. You can’t speak for the burglars. They are wiser than you think. To avoid an escalation, you should fix all lock problems as soon as you notice them. That’s playing safe. 

The possible solution we gave surely works, but the quickest solution is to contact a locksmith instead like Alcatraz Locksmith. The time and energy you spend attempting to fix the lock can be channeled somewhere else in your business and yield you more money. And after all the locksmith will do it faster and better. Contact us for locksmith today.