Doors and locks in homes are in daily use and subject to constant wear and tear. A good lock is the key to a smooth and secure daily life. A broken lock or a jammed door can be a nuisance, but with prompt action and foresight, many problems can be avoided.
In this blog post, we'll go through the top 5 most common lock-related challenges, share practical tips on how to prevent them and tell you when to seek professional help. Remember, 24 Center Customer Service is ready to help you around the clock - every day!
1. The keys have been left inside
Lost or forgotten keys are the most common reason why customers contact us. This can happen to anyone, but fortunately it's something we can prepare for in advance. A spare key, either with a trusted person or in a safe place, can save the day. What's more, an electronic locking system offers peace of mind - keyless locks make everyday life smoother and reduce the risk of getting locked out.
However, if you end up outside a locked door, contact our customer service team immediately. We will send a professional locksmith to your door to open it quickly and safely. Our service is not just limited to homes and workplaces - we can also help with car doors and other locking problems.
2. The lock is stuck
Dirt, moisture, freezing and worn parts often contribute to lock jamming. These problems can be prevented by regular maintenance, such as lubricating the lock and keys. Especially in winter, you can prevent the lock from jamming by protecting it from moisture and debris. If the external door does not offer sufficient protection, a small canopy or other protective structure can be an effective solution.
If the lock is frozen, be careful when defrosting it so as not to damage the lock, keys or the environment. Also consider general safety: if you decide to defrost the lock with water, make sure that the water that has run into the ground does not cause a hazard when it freezes. If you are not sure what to do, contact our customer service - we will give you instructions on how to open the lock or send a professional to help you.
3. The key is broken in the lock case
If the key breaks off in the lock, it is often due to excessive force, especially when opening a stuck door. It is best to leave the removal of a broken key to a professional to avoid damaging the lock and making the situation worse.
It's easy to prevent a key from breaking: when it's freezing, keep your keys in a warm place, such as a pocket. If the key has had time to cool down, you can warm it in the palm of your hand before you lock it. A warm key can make it easier to open a frozen lock and reduce the risk of breakage.
4. Opening the padlock
If the padlock rusts or its key is lost, it may require drilling or special tools to open it, which will cause extra cost and effort. However, this can be prevented by regular maintenance of both the lock and the key. Cleaning, lubricating and checking the condition of the parts will prevent rusting and ensure reliable operation of the lock in all weather conditions.
Preventive maintenance reduces dirt and moisture build-up and prevents wear and tear, extending the life of the lock. A well-maintained lock will work perfectly in rain and frost, and there will be no unexpected jams. However, if the lock does jam, our network of partner locksmiths can safely unlock it without damage.
5. The lock is broken and the handle has come loose
Worn parts can cause serious malfunctions in the lock, which can reduce its safety and usability. The most common causes are loosening or breaking of the spring holding the handle up and wear of the handle rod. Fortunately, the spring is easily replaceable, but a worn rod can cause looseness in the handles and lead to bigger problems.
If you notice any looseness in the lock or handles, contact our customer service immediately to prevent the damage from getting worse and to keep the lock in working order.
Electronic locking system solves the majority of locking challenges
24 Center allows you to upgrade your mechanical locks to an electronic locking system. An electronic locking system gives you peace of mind by ensuring that your doors are securely closed and locked.
An electronic locking system offers many possibilities, such as codes, key fobs and/or apps that can be downloaded to your phone. The app allows you to open and lock doors remotely and check if the door has been left open accidentally. The system allows you to create unique and temporary key codes, making it easier to coordinate schedules, for example. This is particularly useful for temporary accommodation providers such as AirBnb hosts.
You can also use the app to keep track of who has used key codes or access codes. This provides additional security, especially for families where children are starting to travel alone. In addition, electronic locking can include a sensor that automatically activates when your phone is near the door, allowing you to easily get in without keys.
