If you can’t unlock your door, the problem may not be the lock itself. As professionals we will introduce you four common problems that prevent the door from opening but not caused by the lock.

Broken key in lock

Sometimes the keys can break in the lock. This is a greater risk with older keys that have experienced many uses over the years. In this case, the problem is the key and the lock is probably still intact. It is important to remove the broken key that prevents you from locking or unlocking the door. Plus it can cause the lock to break.

Unfortunately, it is unlikely that you can successfully remove a broken key if it is hidden in the lock. With some sprays and a special key extractor tool, you can try to remove the piece. To avoid damage of the lock, it is best to call a professional locksmith.

Expanding door

Increasing the temperature can cause the door or door frame to expand. Only a few parts may be sufficient to cause a mismatch to lock and the locking mechanism. Heat can make it difficult to open or close the door itself. This can be a more serious security issue if it keeps the door locked properly.

If this is a constant problem in your home or business, we recommend that you replace the door and frame with other material. Timber structures expand with increasing summer heat and humidity. Other materials, such as aluminum or steel, are less likely to show signs of thermal expansion.

Low battery on smart locks

Smart locks are the latest technology that is making major changes in the hardware industry. They are comfortable for a number of reasons. Using smart locks, you can set up a keyless entry system at your home or office. This provides a report on who enters and exits the building and the corresponding timestamp. Plus, you can unlock the door remotely from anywhere by using a simple application on your smartphone.

See the user guide for specific smart locks as the features vary between brands and models. Most smart lock devices, have the red flashing light wich will let you know when the batteries are low. You also need to get a signal from the Smart Lock app. It’s easy to prevent this problem, just charge or replace the batteries when it’s time.

Unlocking the door with a smart lock when the batteries are exhausted is a more difficult problem. Again, you need to check the user’s manual before encountering this type of problem so you know exactly what to do. Each smart lock model must have a standard emergency key. By inserting the key into the lock, you should be able to overcome the keyless system and unlock the door.

Frozen door lock

After a winter storm or freezing rain, you may have the unpleasant experience of finding your frozen door. To avoid this problem, we recommend that you lubricate the locks before the first winter. This will help the mechanical parts of the lock to move properly even in cold weather.

To open a frozen lock, you can try three tricks:

1. You can try heating the key with boiling water or a heat gun. This can be a long process as you will need to continue to apply heat to melt the layers of ice. Also keep in mind that you will need gloves to protect your hands.
2. Spraying the defroster in the lock should melt the ice fairly quickly.
3. If you have an extension cord and hair dryer, you can try to melt the ice from the lock.

Having a lock problem? Call a Locksmith experts!

We at Locksmith Express Toronto and GTA have a decade of experience. When you are in urgent need of a locksmith to help unlock the front door, call our professional team. We will not delay more than 30 minutes after your call, no matter what time it is. Our commitment to provide the best possible security service.

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