As AD Locksmithing, I pride myself on providing top-notch emergency locksmith services in Gateshead. Recently, I received a night call from a distressed homeowner whose back door wouldn't lock. This case study details how we resolved the issue efficiently.
Emergency Locksmith Call in Gateshead
One night, a homeowner in Gateshead called me because his back door wouldn't lock. This was an urgent request for an emergency locksmith, and as a 24-hour emergency locksmith, I knew I had to act quickly.
Initial Assessment of the Lock Issue
Upon arrival, I conducted an initial assessment. The door handles moved up and down correctly, but when it came time to turn the key, it would only turn a third of the way before jamming. The customer mentioned that he always had to yank the handles up hard to lock the door, which likely caused the problem. There were no other apparent issues at first glance.
Technical Assessment and Lock Fixing
During my technical assessment, I discovered that the centre mechanism of the lock strip had failed and needed to be replaced. I opened the lock mechanism to check for obstructions but found none, indicating that the centre mechanism itself was the culprit.
Actions Taken to Fix the Lock
I proceeded with the necessary actions to fix the lock. I replaced the centre mechanism and refined the entire strip and related hardware. After this, I tested the door. As the customer had described, the door was tricky to lock. You had to lift the door through the handles to get the locking bolt to engage by turning the key.
Adjusting Door Height and Compression
Next, I attempted some height adjustments on the door, suspecting that the door might have dropped slightly. Visual cues suggested this, but lifting the door didn’t help. This is a common issue where the door alignment affects the locking mechanism.
I then reversed my height adjustments and considered that the problem might be horizontal. This involves adjusting the door’s compression, meaning its alignment towards and away from its frame laterally. After several rounds of adjustments on the hinge compression, I managed to get the door working better than it ever had.
As always, I asked the customer to try the door. He confirmed that it now felt incredibly smooth, a stark contrast to its previous state. He was relieved and satisfied with the result, noting the day-and-night difference.
Advice from a 24-Hour Emergency Locksmith
In conclusion, I advise anyone experiencing difficulty locking their doors to call a locksmith before the mechanism fails. If you find yourself yanking the handles up or having great difficulty locking your door, it’s time to seek professional help. I often recommend a new mechanism if the current one shows signs of imminent failure. However, usually, a door adjustment or toe and heel adjustment is all that’s needed.
AD Locksmithing is committed to ensuring your locks are always in perfect working order, providing you with peace of mind and security. If you need a 24-hour emergency locksmith in Gateshead, don't hesitate to call us.
Published: 21st May, 2024 | Updated: 21st May, 2024