Lock Problems: Symptoms, Causes and Safe Checks
Practical guides to the lock faults that come up most often. Each one explains the likely causes, the checks you can safely do yourself, the mistakes that make things worse, and when to call a locksmith.
- Lock problems and diagnosis
Stiff Door Lock? Possible Causes and Safe Checks
Why a door lock goes stiff on cylinder, lever mortice, multipoint and sliding-door locks: safe checks, what makes it worse and when to call a locksmith.
- Lock problems and diagnosis
Key Turns but the Door Won't Unlock: What It Means
Your key turns but the door stays locked. What usually fails in cylinder, mortice, multipoint, nightlatch and sliding-door locks, and what to check safely.
- Lock problems and diagnosis
Door Locks When Open but Not When Closed: Causes
If a door locks with ease when open but not when closed, the bolt and frame are out of line. Causes by lock type, safe checks and what to avoid.
- Lock problems and diagnosis
Key Broken in the Lock? What to Avoid Doing
A key has snapped in your door lock. What to do first, what makes extraction harder, how it differs by lock type, and what to tell the locksmith.
- Lock problems and diagnosis
Caring for Outside Door Locks: Dust, Storms and Highveld Sun
How dry, dusty winters, summer thunderstorms and strong sun affect outside door locks in Sandton, with safe maintenance by lock type and finish.
- Lock problems and diagnosis
Safe Won't Open? What to Check Before You Call
Keypad dead, code not accepted, dial or key won't work? Safe checks for home, office and firearm safes, what makes it worse, and what to tell the technician.