Door is difficult to lock or unlock

Cause

The lock requires lubrication

Repair

  • lubricate the lock with graphite (fine oil lubricant will attract dust and become sticky, making the lock more difficult to use in the future)

Cause

Dirt in the keyhole obstructs the locking mechanism

Repair

  • clean out with fine wire or a pipe cleaner, then lubricate the lock with graphite

Cause

The key is bent or worn

Repair

  • replace the key and/or lock

Cause

The lock is not aligned to the striker plate, causing door to jam

Repair

  • adjust the door alignment

Cause

The door frame has distorted over time

Repair

  • aluminium doors may be gently jemmied back into shape. For timber framed doors, check the condition of frame joints and tighten by re-glueing or screwing as required

Cause

The building has settled

Repair

  • if the building has settled, consider re-levelling and/or repiling during renovations; the door may then be adjusted 

Cause

The door has bowed due to moisture uptake

Repair

  • allow the door to straighten, remove and paint all surfaces and edges, and reinstall
  • for badly distorted doors, replace the door

Cause

The door is out of square 

Repair

  • allow the door to straighten, remove and paint all surfaces and edges, and reinstall
  • for badly distorted doors, replace the door