At Kardo Locksmith, we just completed a mortise lock repair for a homeowner in Valley Village, CA, helping to restore their front door security. The client had been having trouble with their lock—it was getting harder and harder to insert, turn, or remove the key. What made things worse was that the door would often jam, and sometimes the lock would not engage at all, leaving their home vulnerable. Frustrated with these issues, they reached out to us for help.

Our residential locksmith arrived on time and began troubleshooting the problem without delay. First, we carefully dismantled the mortise lock to see what was going on inside. We noticed several issues at once: the internal components showed signs of wear, there was some rust and discoloration on the metal, and dirt had built up around the spindle holes and latch mechanism. Also, the lock plate was slightly bent, which could easily cause misalignment and jamming.

The Scope of Mortise Lock Repair

Here is how we tackled each issue:

1. Cleaning the Internal Mechanism: We started with a thorough cleaning of the lock components. Dirt and debris can build up after some time and affect how smoothly a lock works. By removing this buildup, we could reduce friction and allow the parts to move freely.

2. Adjusting Misaligned Parts: The bent lock plate was causing the latch to catch in an odd spot. We then straightened and adjusted the plate to ensure proper alignment so the latch would catch without sticking.

3. Lubricating Moving Parts: After cleaning, we applied a high-quality lubricant to the lock’s moving parts. This step prevents future friction issues and extends the life of the lock.

4. Checking for Worn Springs: We inspected the springs within the mechanism, as worn springs are common in older locks and often cause jamming. Good thing the springs were still functional, so we did not need to replace them.

5. Reassembling and Testing the Lock: After we put the lock back together, we thoroughly tested it by inserting and turning the key multiple times. The lock now turned with ease, and the door closed and latched with no trouble.

By addressing each of these issues one by one, we restored the functionality of the mortise lock without needing to replace it.

The homeowners were all thrilled with the results. They thanked us for restoring their lock on the spot and loved that they did not need to buy a new one. Now, they have peace of mind knowing their front door is secure and easy to operate once again.

How to Fix a Sticking Mortise Lock?

Does your mortise lock feel like it’s stuck in place? Many Valley Village homeowners have faced this issue, especially with older locks. The first step to fix this? Clean out any dust or buildup and add a small amount of lubricant to the internal parts. Sometimes, however, the issue lies in the door alignment, putting extra strain on the lock. If that is the case, feel free to call a professional mortise lock repair that will have it working smoothly and reliably again. Save yourself from the headaches of stubborn doors.

Is your mortise lock sticking at the worst times? Why wait for it to get worse? At Kardo Locksmith, we make it easy to get professional, reliable lock repair in Valley Village—whether it is cleaning, realigning, or a complete lock repair. Our residential locksmith team can repair your lock as soon as we get to your home so you can feel safe and secure again. Do not let a faulty lock hold you back. Contact us today!

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