After trying to tamper with the lock, it still works - should I replace it?
Let's call the client Roman. In the morning he discovered damage near the front door cylinder. The key still opened the lock. The first thought was…
The client's name has been changed.
Let's call the client Roman. In the morning he discovered damage near the front door cylinder. The key still opened the lock. The first thought was logical:
“If it works, why change anything?”
But performance and preservation of the original state are not always the same thing. In the material on replacing cylinders, traces of serious mechanical stress are specifically mentioned as one of the reasons to consider replacement, even if the mechanism is still functioning.
Why external inspection is not enough
Damage may affect:
- cylinder body;
- internal elements;
- fastening;
- protective pad;
- external fittings.
The key may continue to work, but the mechanism is no longer in its previous condition.
Do I need to change everything automatically?
No. First you need to define:
- is the cylinder damaged;
- whether the fittings were damaged;
- is there any backlash;
- whether the behavior of the key has changed.
Sometimes only one element requires replacement.
What to do before repair
If the damage looks unusual: 1. take a photo of the door; 2. Do not clear all traces at once; 3. check the key operation without excessive force; 4. Show the system to a specialist.
Why you can’t conclude “there was a break-in attempt” based only on scratches
Scratches can also be of household origin. Therefore, the master’s task is to assess the technical condition, and not to invent the cause of the damage.