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What are the common door lock faults?

1. Mechanical Locks (Key Locks) – Typical Issues

Typical Symptom Possible Cause Suggested Remedy
Lock cylinder does not turn / feels stuck Rust, dust, debris buildup, or wear of the cylinder Soak the key in diesel, kerosene, or a dedicated lubricant and gently turn; if needed, apply graphite powder or candle wax for lubrication
Key inserts or withdraws awkwardly Foreign objects in the keyhole, insufficient lubrication, worn key Sprinkle graphite powder or candle wax into the keyhole; avoid using motor oil
Pins (bolts) do not lift Excessive tolerance, rust, loose screws Lightly tap the lock body or apply a fuel‑based vibration, then try again; check and tighten any loose screws
Key breaks inside the lock Excessive force on the cylinder or a brittle key Use a specialized key‑extraction tool according to the break location, or call a professional locksmith
Door cannot close or is misaligned Loose screws, warped door frame, worn hinges Inspect and tighten screws, adjust hinges, or replace damaged components

2. Electromagnetic / Electronic Locks (Smart Locks, Fingerprint Locks, Code Locks) – Typical Issues

Typical Symptom Possible Cause Suggested Remedy
Insufficient battery power causing lock failure Battery aging, long periods without replacement Replace with fresh batteries promptly; use the emergency power port for temporary power if needed
Fingerprint sensor is unresponsive or inaccurate Sensor dirty, incomplete fingerprint enrollment, module failure Clean the sensor, re‑enroll fingerprints; if the problem persists, contact the manufacturer’s service
Code or card does not respond Wrong code, damaged magnetic card, software glitch Verify the code, reset if necessary; replace the card or reboot the lock
Lock shows no response at all (no movement, no sound) Power short circuit, mainboard failure, mechanical jam inside Replace the battery or use emergency power; if still non‑functional, professional repair is required
Lock unlocks automatically or gives false alarms Faulty sensor, shorted wiring, false trigger from external tampering detection Check that the lock panel screws are tight; perform a reset or replace the sensor if needed

3. Door Handles, Latches, and Related Hardware – Typical Issues

Typical Symptom Possible Cause Suggested Remedy
Handle feels loose or wobbly Loose screws, worn internal clips Tighten handle screws or replace the handle assembly
Latch does not spring back Spring failure, debris blockage, warped door frame Clean the latch, inspect/replace the spring, or replace the latch component
Lock jams, cannot be engaged Loose screws, misalignment between door and lock, internal jam Adjust door alignment, tighten all screws, replace the lock body if necessary

4. Composite Failures (Multiple Factors)

  • Door and lock mismatch: Warped door frame or worn hinges cause the door to tilt, preventing the latch from fully entering the strike plate.
  • Environmental factors: High humidity or low temperatures can cause rust and jamming; long‑term dust accumulation worsens sticking.
  • Lack of maintenance: Absence of regular cleaning, lubrication, and screw checks is the root cause of many failures.

5. Prevention & Maintenance Recommendations

  1. Regular cleaning – Every six months, use a soft brush or compressed air to clear dust from the lock cylinder.
  2. Appropriate lubrication – Apply graphite powder or a lock‑specific lubricant (avoid oil‑based products like WD‑40).
  3. Screw inspection – Keep screws on handles, lock bodies, and hinges tight to prevent misalignment.
  4. Battery replacement – For smart locks, check battery voltage annually; replace when it drops below 20 %.
  5. Prompt professional repair – When encountering jamming, broken keys, or electronic malfunctions, engage a qualified locksmith to avoid secondary damage.