There is a foreign object or glue in the keyhole - what to do?
Let's call the client Martin. One morning the key suddenly stopped going completely into the cylinder. Yesterday everything worked fine. Upon inspection,…
The client's name has been changed.
Let's call the client Martin. One morning the key suddenly stopped going completely into the cylinder. Yesterday everything worked fine. Upon inspection, it became clear that there was something foreign inside.
A question has arisen:
“Can I just dig it out myself?”
It is better to be careful with such interference.
How to understand that there really is a foreign object inside
Typical sign: *resistance appears immediately upon insertion.
- the key suddenly stopped going into the usual depth;
- yesterday the mechanism worked fine;
The reason may be:
- small garbage;
- fragment of another object;
- damaged part of the key;
- foreign substance.
But it is not always possible to accurately determine the problem only by the feel of the key.
Why you can't push an object deeper
One of the worst reactions:
“I’ll press with the key and maybe he’ll go inside.”
If there really is a foreign object inside, it can be pushed deeper into the cylinder. After this, extraction becomes more difficult.
What if there is glue inside?
You should not pour random solvents into the mechanism without diagnostics. The chemical may:
- damage the coating;
- get on the door;
- affect internal materials;
- complicate subsequent work.
If foul play is suspected, it is helpful to take photographs first.
Do I need to change the cylinder after this?
Depends on the condition. After removing foreign material, you need to check:
- does the key fit in normally?
- does the mechanism rotate freely?
- whether damage has appeared;
- has the backlash changed?
Sometimes the cylinder remains fully operational. Sometimes mechanical or chemical action makes replacement more reasonable.