An elderly person finds it difficult to turn the key - is it a problem with hand strength or with the lock?
Let's call the client Galina. She used the same front door for many years. Over time, closing the lock became more difficult. At first, Galina thought…
The client's name has been changed.
Let's call the client Galina. She used the same front door for many years. Over time, closing the lock became more difficult. At first, Galina thought that the reason was simply age and it became more difficult to apply the necessary effort.
Relatives are also accustomed to the fact that the key needs to be turned quite strongly. But one day one of them noticed:
“Should a working lock actually require so much force?”
This is an important question.
The lock should be convenient for a specific user
Even a technically sound door can be uncomfortable if it requires too much effort to use. This is especially important for:
- older people;
- people with limited hand mobility;
- children;
- users with hand injuries.
But sometimes the need to apply force at all means a malfunction.
What can create additional resistance
For example:
- door skew;
- load on crossbars;
- cylinder wear;
- lock wear;
- deformed key;
- incorrect adjustment;
- jamming latch.
Therefore, one should not automatically explain the problem only by a person’s physical capabilities.
How to check
Have another person open and close the door. If he also has to exert noticeable force, the problem is most likely technical. It is also useful to check the lock with the door open.
If it works easily when open but is difficult when closed, you need to check the door geometry.
Is it possible to make the system more convenient?
Yes. Depending on the design you can:
- adjust the door;
- service the mechanism;
- replace the worn cylinder;
- install more convenient fittings;
- choose another solution for daily use.
The goal is not necessarily to increase the level of protection. Sometimes the main task is to make the door normally used by a person.