Five common reasons why a lock that was previously working starts to work poorly
Let's call the client Oleg. His question sounded very typical: In fact, a lock doesn't have to experience one major event for it to start to perform…
The client's name has been changed.
Let's call the client Oleg. His question sounded very typical:
“Why did the lock break in the first place? I didn't do anything with it."
In fact, a lock doesn't have to experience one major event for it to start to perform worse. Often the cause develops gradually. The material provided lists contamination, normal wear and tear, key damage, corrosion and improper use as common factors.
1. Pollution
The mechanism gradually gets:
- dust;
- small particles;
- moisture.
At first, the user may not notice anything at all. Later the key begins to move less smoothly.
2. Natural wear and tear
The lock is used:
- daily;
- several times a day;
- for years.
Therefore, the internal elements gradually wear out. This is a normal physical process.
3. Worn or damaged key
Sometimes the problem is not in the lock. The key could be: *damaged.
- bent;
- very worn;
A good test is to compare the work with another original key.
4. Moisture and corrosion
Especially relevant for:
- external doors;
- garages;
- technical premises.
The environment can significantly affect the life of the mechanism.
5. Constant incorrect load
For example, the door has sagged and you have to constantly press it to close it. As a result, the lock operates under increased load for years. The problem begins with the geometry of the door and ends with wear and tear on the mechanism itself.
What most of these reasons have in common
They rarely occur on the same day. Usually minor symptoms appear first:
- the key has become heavier;
- sound changed;
- you have to press the door;
- the mechanism does not work the first time.
Therefore, early diagnosis is more useful than emergency repairs.