There are unusual scratches on the cylinder - is this wear or an attempt to tamper with the lock?

The client's name and some details have been changed.

Let's call the client Christina. One morning she noticed several scratches near the keyhole that didn’t seem to be there before. The lock was opening. The key worked fine.

There were also no signs of damage to the door. But the find itself made me think:

“Are these just scratches from my key or did someone try to do something to the lock?”

It is impossible to automatically conclude from one small trace that an autopsy was attempted. But the unusual changes around the lock are really worth appreciating carefully.

Where can regular scratches come from?

The reasons can be completely everyday:

• the key missed the hole several times;
• a bunch of keys touched the surface;
• the metal keychain scratched the cover;
• the surface wore out gradually;
• before, scratches were simply not noticed.

Especially often marks appear on the decorative trims around the cylinder.

Which signs require more attention?

For example:

• deep fresh injuries;
• deformation of the protective lining;
• the cylinder began to protrude differently;
• cylinder mobility appeared;
• the key suddenly began to work worse;
• damage to the fasteners is visible;
• traces appeared around the mechanism that were definitely not there before.

One of these signs by itself still does not prove an attempt to penetrate. But it may be a reason to check the condition of the structure.

Should I change the lock right away?

Not necessarily. First you need to understand whether the mechanism itself is damaged. If the lock is working properly and the marks are superficial, no technical work may be required at all.

In other cases, you can replace the protective fittings, cylinder or check the fastening.

Why it's useful to take photos

Before attempting to clean or repair anything, take a photo of:

• close-up of the cylinder;
• protective pad;
• pen;
• the whole door;
• end part of the lock.

This allows the specialist to see the nature of the damage in its original state. If there are serious reasons to suspect an attempt at illegal entry, the question may concern not only repairing the door, but also contacting the police.

What does the master do

The specialist’s task is to check the technical condition of: *whether repair or replacement is required.

• is the cylinder securely fastened;
• does the mechanism work normally;
• are there any hidden damages;
• whether the fittings have retained their protective properties;