Question 1

Why is my door handle turning but not opening?

Accepted Answer

•

If your door handle turns without opening, the most likely culprit is a loose or stripped spindle. This part connects the handles to the latch mechanism, and when it’s not properly engaged, turning the handle does nothing. Other issues might include a broken latch, loose screws, or even something small blocking an inner mechanism. In any case, it’s usually a matter of tightening, adjusting, or replacing a worn-out part inside the handle assembly—or calling in a professional to do it for you.

Question 2

When should I replace my locks instead of rekeying them?

Accepted Answer

•

Although you should rekey your locks after moving into a new home, you may feel more comfortable replacing the locks entirely. Here are some other scenarios when you should replace your locks rather than rekey them:

When someone moves out of your home.
There are too many copies of the existing key.
Your home experiences any type of break-in.
You lose your key with the address on it.

Question 3

What should I do if my key breaks?

Accepted Answer

•

You may be able to get a broken key out of a lock by yourself, depending on the situation. If a portion of the key is still protruding from your lock, try lubricating the keyway and using pliers or even a bobby pin to pull the key out of the hole. If you have jigsaw blades handy, you can also try using those to grab onto the stuck key and pull it out.

But, if neither option works or you can’t reach the key, your only option is to call a locksmith for help.

Question 4

How often should door locks be replaced?

Accepted Answer

•

Door locks should be changed roughly every seven years. The average lifespan of a door lock is seven to 10 years, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and change them early, especially if they are showing signs of wear and tear. Examples of deterioration include visible rust and difficulty opening or closing the door. Some locks can work safely beyond 10 years, but it depends on how often they are used and whether they are exposed to damaging environmental conditions like precipitation or extreme temperatures.

Question 5

Which type of lock is the safest?

Accepted Answer

•

Any type of dead bolt lock provides the highest level of safety for a single device. However, it’s also important to determine a lock's grade. Locks can come in either Grade 1, Grade 2, or Grade 3, which indicates how durable it is and if it’s constructed solidly. Safety experts recommend choosing locks based on Grade 1, which offers the highest level of durability.