Business locks are being used many times on a daily basis, staff members, clients, suppliers, tenants and couriers may use the same entrance many times per week.

As the mechanical parts of the lock get worn out, the lock may start to loosen, jam, malfunction or not work at all. Proper business lock repair will ensure no unexpected lockout occurs and the door does not stay unlocked.

A locksmith can determine if an adjustment, repair, rekeying or replacement is needed.

Warning Signs of a Failing Lock

Locks used for commercial purposes should function freely without needing too much effort to operate. Some common indicators are as follows:

• The key jams inside

• The cylinder rotates loosely

• The handle operates excessively

• Latch is not able to retract

• Need to push or lift the door

• Needs multiple attempts to unlock the door

• Presence of rust or physical damages

• Bending of key while rotating

• Intermittent response from electronic locks

If a key begins to jam, then this problem needs to be addressed immediately, because applying more force on it can lead to breaking of the key.

Electronic locks might show different symptoms such as warning lights, intermittent responses and the rejection of valid identification details..

Common Lock Fixes for Commercial Doors

Most lock issues can be fixed without replacing the whole thing and the locksmith might need to do only these:

• Tighten any loose parts

• Adjust the strike plate

• Lubricate certain internal parts

• Replace a damaged cylinder

• Fix or replace the latch mechanism

• Remove a broken key

• Align the door

• Adjust hinges or door closer

It could be that misalignment of the door is the real cause of the problem. Worn out hinges, temperature variations, building movements, or even an aging door closer could cause the latch to miss the strike plate.

Replacing the lock without dealing with the misalignment could only mean that the problem could come back again.

Incidents When Locks Should Be Replaced

• The lock becomes badly worn out

• It was damaged in a break-in

• It lacks important parts

• It is outdated or no longer available

• Does not suit the door it is installed on

• Regularly malfunctions

• Is no longer suited for its security requirements

Sometimes, businesses choose to replace their locks during renovation or change of tenants, among others.

When choosing locks for a business, the locks should suit the particular door, traffic, conditions and security requirements.

Rekey Instead of Replacement

If the lock is functioning but an old key is no longer needed, rekeying might be the most economical way to resolve the situation.

This involves changing the configuration within the cylinder so that the old keys will no longer work. New keys will then be provided.

Lock rekey is often requested when:

• Key is lost

• Employee quits

• Tenant leaves

• Management changes

• Business relocates to a new place

• Possible unauthorized access

Locks that are compatible with each other can be rekeyed to use the same key or integrated into the master key system.

Fixing Electronic Locks

Electronic locks consist of digital as well as mechanical parts. It is not necessary that when there is a problem with a keypad or card reader, the whole lock needs to be changed.

It could be due to batteries, wiring, electricity source, misaligned door, electric strike, reader, or the lock itself.

Commercial locksmith will be able to examine the lock and identify the defective part. The computer or network problems can be fixed by the access control system supplier or IT staff.

There may be something more to consider other than the actual door. It is possible that there may be something wrong with the rest of the door or even the locking mechanism.

Enhancing Door Security During Lock Change

Changing the lock is your chance to enhance the whole door unit. Depending on the situation, the professional locksmith could advise you to add:

• Reinforced strike plates

• High security cylinders

• Restrictive keys

• Latch guards

• Durable deadbolts

• Solid mounting devices

• Electronic access systems

All parts of the door, lock, frame, hinges, and closer must function as one unit of security.

Book Your Commercial Lock Services

It may seem like a little issue but soon it will become a bigger one.

Professional repair and replacement of commercial locks will ensure its proper functioning, prevent a possible lock out, and protect everyone at the same time.