When one of your doors won’t lock, it becomes a major security risk. So, how do you fix a lock that won’t lock?

In most instances, locking problems are linked to the door latch and not the physical lock. This is good news because it means it’s potentially an easy fix.

When a door jamb becomes warped or the screws of the strike plate are loose, it can prevent a door from locking. This is because the striker can’t slot into the hole in the jamb.

If you have some basic tools, you should be able to fix this issue yourself, provided the strike plate is the issue.

Start by examining the strike plate. This is the small plate on the door jamb. If this plate appears or feels loose, use a screwdriver to tighten the screws and straighten the plate.

In the event that your door is warped, you will need to replace the door to ensure your locks are working as they should.

Another reason why your door won’t lock is that the lockset is loose. If your doorknob seems to protrude a little, it could indicate the lockset is loose. You should be able to tighten it with a screwdriver too once the lockset is in the correct place. If you’re not sure whether it is, it’s best to contact a professional locksmith.

The only other explanation is that something is jamming the lock or the elements such as cold and snow have frozen it to a point where it has stopped working. If you feel there is a problem inside the lock, calling a locksmith is a must.

If you need professional assistance fixing a lock that won’t lock, contact The Security and Lock Corporation Miami on (305) 846-9360.