When a lock problem is not a lock problem

There are things that can interfere with the correct operation of a lock that have nothing to do with the lock itself. A couple of the most common are poorly cut duplicate keys and sagging doors.

Duplicate Keys : Hardware store key duplication machines are often not adjusted correctly. A few thousandths of an inch can make the difference whether a key will work or not. It is difficult for a customer to tell if the depth of cut is correct without using a micrometer to compare an original to a duplicate key. However, it is often very easy to detect improper spacing on a duplicate key. If a key won't turn when fully inserted into the lock, but will turn if the key is pulled out slightly, you have a miscut key - the spacing is off. But the quickest way to detect a spacing error is to look at the tip of the key. The ramp at the tip end of the key should be smooth. If it looks like a small notch is cut into the key on that front ramp section, it is likely the spacing is off.

If you look closely at the key in the picture on the left, you will see a small notch cut into the angled ramp section at the tip of the key - a good sign that the key duplicating machine is not properly adjusted, and that the key will not work properly, if at all. This is a very, very common problem.

And, yes, we have had a couple customers call us back after we have serviced a lock, claiming the lock was no longer working. Sure enough, they'll hand us a key duplicated at a local hardware, like the one in the photo. Better to pay us for all the copies of the keys you need when we service the lock than to pay us for a second service call when your hardware store copies don't work!

Sagging Doors : Many times, what seems like a lock problem is actually a door problem. A new lock will not fix a door problem, at least not permanently. First, make sure all hinge screws have been installed. Most hinges are designed to be installed with four screws fastening the hinge to the door and four screws fastening the hinge to the jamb. It's amazing how many times we have found hinges installed with as few as two screws on each side, even in newly constructed homes. Second, remove a couple screws from the hinge side. They should be at least 1-1/2 inches long, preferably 3 inches to secure the hinge to the wall framing surrounding the door opening. Don't be surprised, though, if you find 3/4 inch screws. Replace these with longer screws, and make sure all screws are tight. You'll often find that the short screws have stripped the wood and will continue to turn without tightening. Inadequate hinge installation allows the door to sag, and the locks will no longer be aligned correctly with the strikes. Also, look at the gap between the door and the jamb on all sides. The gap should be consistent, not wider at the top than at the bottom. A proper gap is approximately 1/8 inch on all sides.

Take a look at the strike in the photograph on the right. You can see the wear from the latch is very near the bottom of the strike opening. The quick fix would be to move the strike lower on the jamb so that it better aligns with the lock. But if the actual cause of the problem is a sagging door, the problem will repeat in time. Secure the door hinges first. Adjust the strike location only if it is still out of alignment.

Altic Lock Service recommends installing the Door Devil reinforcement kit on all doors. Part of the kit includes the longer hinge attachment screws to tie the hinges into the wall framing. This, alone, will often correct strike alignment problems.

Remember that most locksmiths can address most door hardware issues, not just locks; but also keep in mind that not all lock problems are caused by the lock!

Electronic Locks

The UK Daily Mail reports on an "electronic lockpick" that will easily bypass hotel cardkey-style locks. It is designed to look like nothing more conspicuous than a dry erase marker. Apparently, there are some 4 million locks out there, susceptible to this particular bypass technique.

Most electronic locks have a mechanical key override, so they share the very same vulnerabilities as the basic pin tumbler lock used on virtually all homes and businesses. When electronic systems are used in addition to the mechanical systems, they may be adding their own vulnerabilities. In this particular case, electronic locks are even more easily bypassed than the mechanical ones. This is not the only time a bypass technique has been discovered that will bypass an electronic lock.

Recently, electronic locks operable with remote controls or via smart phones have become available. Convenience is the greatest feature to these systems - not security. Keep this in mind when contemplating the purchase of an electronic locking system.

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Lower Service Call for Greenwood, IN customers

We've moved. Our coverage area remains the same, but we now offer a lower service call charge for our customers in Greenwood, Indiana - starting at just $35 during regular business hours.

CAL Double-Bolt Lock for Sliding Doors

Altic Lock Service recommends the CAL lock for sliding doors. Sliding doors have always been a security weak point. Most integral locks cannot withstand much prying force and, unless additional steps are taken during installation, the doors can be lifted out of their tracks and removed. The CAL lock solves both problems.

The main parts are the lock body, the cover plate, the strike, and the spacers.

The interlocking design of the CAL Double-Bolt Lock resists both prying and lifting. With clean, unobtrusive lines, The CAL lock will greatly increase the security of your home.

Door Devil (tm) Installation

Altic Lock Service highly recommends the Door Devil (tm) Security Kit. The best locks will not prevent a forced entry if the door jamb fails. Jamb reinforcement, alone, will not prevent forced entry if the door edge fails. With the lock-side of the door reinforced, the last vulnerable area is the hinge-side of the door - the Door Devil package covers that as well. With decent locks (in other words, not the vanity locks offered by the home improvement stores) and proper reinforcement of the weak areas of the door, the door and will will act as a single unit - deterring all but the most persistent criminals. Burglars prefer an easy target. Don't be easy prey!

The following photos are of a recent installation. The door was located at the back of the house, leading into the garage. It's location offered ideal seclusion for would-be thieves.The door had been recently installed and had all the weaknesses of the typical pre-hung door installation. The lock strikes and hinges were all mounted with 3/4" screws, meaning they were attached to only soft wood trim pieces, not to the wall framing of the home.

The Door Devil includes a 4 foot length of 16 gauge steel, a door edge shield, two hinge-jamb posts, 3-1/2" mounting screws for the jamb reinforcement, three 3" screws to replace existing hinge screws, and plates to reinforce the jamb at the hinge posts. The parts are powder-coated white, but can be painted if desired.

Existing Unreinforced Door

Jamb reinforcement installed

View from inside

Door shield installed

Door shield as viewed from outside

Hinge posts installed

Hinge post and plate

Reinforced door as viewed from outside

Finished interior view

When finished, there is little visible evidence of the amount of reinforcement that has been added to the door, yet with 3 and 3-1/2" screws tying the hinges and jamb reinforcement to the structural wall framing and the door edge protected at the deadbolt, the door and wall will act as a virtual single unit, greatly reducing the chance that anyone can force the door; greatly reducing the chance of anyone violating the sanctity of your home.