The most common problems with the front door are problems with the lock. You can immediately understand that something is wrong with the lock: the key turns in the keyhole and the door does not open, or it is completely impossible to turn the key. And if it has already happened that the lock of the front door does not open, then you need to know what to do in such cases.
What can happen to the lock: why doesn’t it open?
The system can fail for many reasons:
- mechanical damage to the device;
- defective parts;
- deformation of the door leaf structure;
- breakage of the unlocking part of the key (excessive abrasion of the teeth);
- the duplicate key is made of low-quality metal;
- blocking of the sting or breakage of the larva;
- incorrect installation of the unit.
To avoid unexpected breakdowns, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the mechanism and correct malfunctions in a timely manner.
Plastic door
Often, owners of plastic balcony blocks or interior doors are faced with low-quality fittings.
The most common breakdowns:
- malfunction of the mechanism that moves the door to the ventilation position;
- door handle jams;
- the door leaf warps;
- fittings and mechanism parts freeze.
In such situations, you should try to turn the handle with the utmost care and smoothness to return the door to the open state. You should not jerk sharply or exert force - this can only aggravate the problem and cause serious damage to the lock.
Plastic door
A more difficult situation is when the door gets jammed when the owner is on the balcony. If some tools are stored in this room, then the issue can be resolved. For example, place a small screwdriver in the gap between the canvas and the box in the upper part, where the bolt is located, carefully move it away. As a rule, this simple action is enough to open the door to the ventilation position. You can stick your hand into the resulting gap and turn the door handle to open the door.
In addition to a screwdriver, you can use any flat objects:
- iron ruler;
- knife;
- putty knife.
Another method of opening is radical and involves removing the glass unit. Using a sharp object, the glazing beads are removed, due to which it stands in the frame. Start from the middle and move to the sides. When removing a glass unit, remember that it can be heavy.
The main reasons why the front door lock does not open, what to do
If the key is difficult to remove from the lock of a metal iron door, because... the system has failed as a result of damage, this can lead to its complete replacement and large financial costs. Therefore, you first need to determine the type of locking system and try to repair it yourself.
The key is difficult and does not move completely into the keyhole
The cause of the problem may be the following:
- there are foreign elements inside the mechanism;
- the key is firmly stuck in the system or broken;
- major parts were damaged.
First, you should make sure that there is no dirt inside the locking system, because... Over a long period of use, foreign objects may have entered it or it needs good lubrication. To do this, use a special liquid WD-40. Using a thin plastic tube located on the spray bottle, the lubricant must be carefully poured into the system. Then insert the key and gradually insert it into the locking device. When it is completely inserted into the locking system, carefully turn and open the lock.
To see foreign elements inside the locking mechanism, you need to shine a flashlight into it. If small debris gets inside, you can carefully remove it with a thin metal knitting needle or wire.
If the key accidentally remains in the door and it slams shut, you can use any thin tool that needs to be inserted inside the lock system and push it out.
The key cannot be pulled out: the front door lock is jammed, what should I do?
Faulty parts may cause damage. You should pour WD-40 spray inside the larva, and then carefully remove the key. In most cases, the mortise or overlay mechanism may need to be replaced.
When the key turns, the lock jams
There are 2 options for failure:
- When the door is open, the key in the system turns well, but when the door is closed it jams. This problem will be solved by boring the door frame, which is carried out using an electric drill where the locking bolts are located.
- The key does not want to turn even when the door is open. You should carefully examine the larva, remove foreign elements from it and pour oil inside.
Cylinder lock failure
A malfunction is indicated by the following:
- the key does not exit the system or cannot be turned;
- the mechanism makes a strong creaking sound.
First you need to clean the keyhole, because... Small foreign objects could get into it. Then you need to pour the spray into the larva and try to make a few turns with the key. If it is firmly stuck in the mechanism, you can try to remove it with pliers. Otherwise, it is necessary to drill out the cylinder and replace it with a new one.
Shrinkage (deformation) of a wooden or iron door leaf, as well as damaged hinges, can cause severe distortion of the doors and jamming of the locking device parts. First, you need to insert a wooden wedge where the door leaf is adjacent to the frame so that the structure falls into place. After this, try turning the key in the system several times.
Damage to a lever-type lock
If the key was able to turn 2-3 times and then became blocked in the system, you can slightly grind the protrusions that interfere with its rotation. Then try again. If you don’t have carpentry tools, you can use a screwdriver to move the hole a little and insert a key.
Silicone cleaning agent “VD-40” can come to the rescue, which must be poured into the lock. If small organic products are stuck in the system, the spray can dissolve them and the key will unlock the deadbolts.
After this, the lock should be dismantled, the top cover removed, dirt removed from the parts and lubricated well. Then assemble and screw into place.
How to break a lock on a door
You can carefully break the locking mechanism if you cannot open it with improvised means.
In a Chinese metal door, you can cut out the locking mechanism with a knife, pull it out and enter the room. Another option is to insert a self-tapping screw into the lock slot, pry it with a nail puller and tear out the lock secret.
In a cylindrical lock, you need to drill a slot in the armor plate. Make the drill go down, creating a support. This will help you quickly drill out the lock. Drill until you touch the first pair of pins. After this, use a 3mm cutter to make an arch over the first pin. This will raise the code pin. The support lock can be removed using a feeler gauge and a magnet. Then drill out the locking mechanism all the way.
What to do if the front door does not open from the inside
First, you need to try to find out on your own the reason for its blocking. If the front door lock does not open from the inside, you should try to open the system from the outside by handing over the keys to your neighbors. If the lock does not work, you need to press the latch with any flat metal object. Otherwise, it will be necessary to drill the door frame strip opposite the bolts or the locking tongue.
If an English-type lock is blocked, you need to drill out its cylinder with a drill, remove it and pry the bolts so that they come out of their grooves.
More complex and expensive locking devices require experience in working with them. To do this, you need to dismantle the door handle, insert a thin wire into the device cylinder, find the latch and try to push it away.
Common ways to open a door
If you come up with the idea of climbing over the neighboring balcony into your apartment, then this is only an extreme and not always justified risky measure. Try to think more globally. Even if you choose this method of opening the door, consider having reliable insurance.
How to open the canvas
To use general methods for opening a door, you need to have on hand an oil syringe or grease gun, a brush, a sharp knife, a screwdriver, a wedge, and a hammer. These available materials can be replaced with similar devices. For example, instead of machine lubricant, you can use any household vegetable oil.
Alternative options for opening the lock
There are times when it may be necessary to open the lock or replace it:
- Lost the entire set of keys. Even the presence of a duplicate cannot protect against entry into an apartment or house if the keys were stolen by intruders.
- Purchasing a new door. Most of them are sold with cheap, unreliable locks, which are better replaced with more expensive and high-quality locking devices.
- The lock is broken. Repairing failed parts cannot always guarantee the reliability of the lock, so it is better to replace it.
- Infiltration of thieves. If there has been a burglary in your home, you should buy a better quality locking device that has a reliable mechanism.
- Purchase of real estate. Care should be taken to change all lock systems, because... Strangers may have duplicate keys.
Who to call if the lock on the door is broken
If you have no experience working with complex mechanisms, it is best to seek the help of experienced craftsmen who specialize in opening various locking systems and completely replacing them. There are services that can be found on the World Wide Web or through other media. They offer their services to the site of the lock breakdown.
Masters perform the following list of services:
- repair of failed lock systems;
- replacing broken parts;
- setting or changing codes.
Service cost
Experienced craftsmen will be able to replace any lock in an apartment, house or office, and the cost of such services will depend on the type of locking system and the complexity of the work performed. The price varies from 800 to 2000 rubles. and may differ within different regions.
Opening a door with a knife or screwdriver
A common cause of door jamming is the breakdown of the lock springs, which is typical for English-type locking products. You can use a screwdriver or a narrow knife to displace the latch. The object is inserted into the gap between the door and the frame.
Here you need to determine exactly where the latch is located, and then apply pressure in this area. Typically, these locks use a weak tongue, so it won't be difficult to dislodge. Try to make soft and careful movements so as not to aggravate the problem and open the door.
If the door itself is fragile, then there is an option to break the lock, for example, knock out the cylinder with a hammer. But this method is not recommended, since in the future you will have to change the canvas, the box, and the lock.
Preventive lock maintenance
In order for any type of lock to serve for a long time, it is necessary to perform a number of simple works:
- Regularly lubricate mechanisms with special cleaning agents.
- Do not attempt to open the lock after the handle has been turned on the closed door.
- Check the condition of the hinges, which may become loose and cause misalignment.
By following all the rules for caring for the lock, correcting all faults in a timely manner and, if necessary, calling technicians, you can avoid large financial costs associated with replacing an expensive locking mechanism or knocking out doors.
The key won't turn
The key may not turn in two situations: either it is stuck inside the lock, or it does not turn, but is removed from the hole. In any situation, you should not try to pull the key so as not to break the product. Moreover, you should not break the key with something heavy. Try to leave it in place and find some oil to lubricate the door lock.
Attention! Machine or homemade vegetable oil is perfect as a lubricant. It is enough to add a few drops from an oil can or syringe into the well and wait until the lubricant penetrates the mechanism.
Problems with the key
Now try to loosen the key that is stuck, wait a certain time and try again. Such actions can be repeated 3-5 times, after which the lock will open safely.
Contact the specialists
You can always use the above methods for emergency opening, but you must remember that there remains a huge probability of damaging the working mechanism or door leaf. Even after a simple application of machine oil to open the lock, it must then be removed for further cleaning.
Without knowing the mechanism of its operation, it is very difficult to further assemble it correctly without damaging its components. And in the event of a rough opening, only knowing the types and features of locking systems, and having good carpentry equipment, can this be done most effectively.
Unfortunately, in most cases, ignorance and lack of experience results in a lock that could have been repaired being damaged and no longer usable. Therefore, you should contact specialists and in 99% of cases the lock is opened without damage. The service operates anywhere in Moscow and the region 24/7 with a technician arriving within 15 minutes. Has all the necessary equipment and the lowest prices in the city.
The best solution to the problem is to open the locks with lockservice.pro. Without damage to mechanisms, anywhere in Moscow and the region, around the clock. Fast, inexpensive and high quality.
What are the reasons
It’s 4 a.m. and there’s no one to turn to for help—all my friends and neighbors are asleep. But you really want to get home, and you decide to deal with the problem yourself. It is important to understand that there are many reasons for the locking mechanisms to malfunction:
- wear;
- key breakage;
- debris and dirt getting into the keyhole;
- manufacturing defects;
- Hacking attempt;
- incorrect installation of the mechanism.
Having ruled out several possible causes at once, since the lock is of good quality and relatively new, it worked properly for six months and, having found no signs of hacking, you decide to start with spare keys.
Prevention of breakdowns
To avoid problems in the future, you need to properly care for the lock. The well and rotary hinges are periodically cleaned and lubricated with machine oil. Special pads will help protect the mechanism from debris. If the door faces the street, then for the winter the device is treated with anti-icing and anti-corrosion agents.
Regular prevention Source blox.com.ua
The lock can only be opened with the keys included in the kit. The unlocking parts must not be used for other purposes. The sashes should not sag or warp. We recommend that you always have a repairman’s business card with you. At the slightest problem with the operation of the secret, contact a specialist.
How to fix a breakdown
Faced with a problem when the lock cannot be opened with a key, many people do not know what to do. When you call a specialist, you will be able to keep the mechanism in the sash. Outside the city, in the countryside, it is not always possible to quickly find a craftsman with the appropriate skills, so you will have to act on your own.
Key stuck
If an element in the cylinder lock is stuck, then you do not need to make any effort to turn it. The slightest excess pressure will cause the key to break in the hole, which will complicate the problem. In lever types, the opening parts are stronger than those of structures with larvae.
Professionals advise generously lubricating the internal mechanism of the device with universal WD-40 or machine oil. After a few minutes, use rocking movements to remove the stuck part from the locking device. The well is illuminated with a flashlight, carefully inspecting for the presence of foreign materials.
Problem with the locking mechanism
Level type
If cleaning and lubrication do not restore the functionality of the mechanism, it needs to be hacked.
This is not easy for a non-professional to do, since the lever lock is characterized by increased strength and reliability. To open the mechanism and unlock the door, you need to:
- Prepare 2 master keys; you can use improvised materials - wire, hairpins, paper clips, and so on.
- One device is inserted into the main board to the maximum depth.
- Using the second master key, a suitable position of the levers is gradually selected in order to move the main pin. When this is successful, the lock will open.
The method is quite labor-intensive and time-consuming. To speed up the process, you can use a drill with a metal drill; you will also need a master key (wire, knitting needle, pin). You need to drill in the location of the lock secret. Next, a master key is inserted into the well and scrolled. As a result, the levers move, which makes it possible to unlock the door. It will not be possible to keep the lock in working condition; it will need to be replaced.
Opening cylinder mechanisms
To begin with, we will talk about cylinder (pin) types of locking mechanisms.
The easiest way to open the “English key” type (butterfly key):
- Find a hairpin, paper clip or piece of wire and divide it into 2 parts.
- Bend at a right angle (the bent tip should fit freely into the hole).
- Using a bent wire, apply tension at the top of the mechanism in the direction in which the key turns.
- Use the straight part of the pin (wire) to lift all the pins in turn.
- Turn the bent part of the wire.
The same technique is used to pick a lock with a double-sided English mechanism, only in addition to the upper ones, you need to lower the lower pins.
The cross-shaped locking mechanism can be opened using a screwdriver. Algorithm of actions:
- Remove the outer part;
- Instead of a key, turn the screwdriver several times in the desired direction (to scratch off the pins).
The Finnish type of locking mechanism is one of the most reliable; it is not so easy to open, even with the help of professional master keys. If this is not an expensive device, you can remove the outer part of the mechanism, pull out the plates and then try to open it with a screwdriver. If the model is expensive, more radical measures are needed (for example, calling rescuers).
Cross type
The mechanism is characterized by a cross-shaped cylinder.
If lubricating and cleaning the lock does not help, you can open the door using regular chewing gum. It needs to be chewed well, inserted into the core of the lock, and pushed to the base. Wait for it to harden (about 5 minutes), insert a screwdriver (any) and rotate as for opening. The principle is based on the fact that the chewing gum will fill the cavities of the key cut and, when hardened, will take on its shape. You can use another hacking method - using a drill and screwdriver. The method is also suitable if the key is stuck in the well or broken off. The cylinder must be drilled out with a drill with a diameter slightly larger than that of the key. Next, move the core beard and open the mechanism with a screwdriver.
If a child or disabled person is locked in a room and you need to quickly open the door, it is advisable to use a drastic method:
- Drive a Phillips screwdriver into the lock cylinder to the maximum depth.
- Turn the tool forcefully (you can use an adjustable wrench).
- The cylinder rotates, after which the door can be opened.
