Why is there too much key play in the cylinder worth checking?
Let's call the client Anton. He noticed that the key inside the cylinder began to move noticeably more freely than before. The lock was still opening. But…
The client's name has been changed.
Let's call the client Anton. He noticed that the key inside the cylinder began to move noticeably more freely than before. The lock was still opening. But the feeling became different.
Anton thought:
“I guess that’s just how any lock wears out.”
Wear and tear is indeed one possible cause. In the source materials, among the typical problems of the cylinder, wear of internal elements and weakening of the mechanism during long-term operation are indicated.
There may be a slight working play
The mechanism does not have to be absolutely motionless. But if the behavior has noticeably changed compared to the past, this is already a diagnostic sign.
What is especially important
If along with the backlash the following appeared:
- jamming;
- problems with turning;
- the need to catch the position;
- difficulties in removing the key.
Then the check becomes more relevant.
Why the reason may not only be inside the cylinder
Sometimes it is not the key inside the mechanism that moves, but the cylinder itself in the door. This is another question:
- fastening;
- installation;
- fittings.
Therefore, it is useful to understand what exactly the backlash has.