How To Repair Door Locks For The House

Parts of a smart lock disassembled so that it can be fixed.

September 30, 2022

Parts of a smart lock disassembled so that it can be fixed.

Technology is a bang-up convenience correct upward until information technology stops working. Electronic locks, or smart locks are a homeowner's best friend on well-nigh days. We don't have to worry anymore about forgetting our keys, getting locked out, or rushing home to let someone in.

Just what happens when the lock is broken or not working properly? That's when many feel that innovative technology becomes their biggest foe. Notice out how to make some pocket-size adjustments to get your smart lock working again.

Beneath we provide data on how to repair a jammed smart lock, an electronic lock with a faulty deadbolt, and one that has stopped working because of wear and extreme temperatures.

Troubleshooting Common Smart Lock Problems
- Prepare Jammed Smart Lock
- Fix Electronic Lock with Faulty Deadbolt Operation
- Fix Electronic Lock Affected by Cold Weather
Smart Lock Maintenance
- How often should I change the lock batteries?
- How oft should I alter the lock lawmaking?
- Where should I store the backup key?
Electronic Hardware Resources
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Troubleshooting Common Smart Lock Problems

Commencement, you lot accept to identify the consequence. Nosotros have provided stride-by-stride instructions for ii common problems that average homeowners may be able to prepare without calling a locksmith. Read below if you suspect that your electronic lock is jammed or has a faulty deadbolt function.

Before moving forward with the diagnostic and repair process, brand sure that your lock has fresh batteries. If battery-powered locks are running low, replacing the batteries can be an easy quick fix.

Ready Jammed Smart Lock

If your electronic smart lock isn't working, it might exist jammed. When this happens, it will oft be able to engage the deadbolt in only one management – either locking or unlocking the door. But it will exist unable to move the deadbolt in the contrary direction. You may detect a clicking or grinding noise coming from the lock body when it tries to move the deadbolt.

Hither are the steps to identify the problem.

Earlier disassembling anything, test the lock a few times to understand which direction the smart lock is struggling with. Can it lock, just not unlock? Can information technology disengage the deadbolt, but makes a dissonance when trying to reengage it?
So, try to apply light pressure to overcome whatever motor friction and help it move the deadbolt into the locked or unlocked position.
If you're handy, you lot may be able to resolve the problem by taking off the backplate of the lock and resetting the gears.
One time the backplate is unscrewed, be conscientious non to disconnect the wiring inside. It may be helpful to take a picture, at this point, of the internal gears in case you lot demand guidance putting them back together.
Remove the gears and axles.
Then, apply compressed air to gently clean the lock body and remove any dust or buildup which may exist blocking normal office.
Reset the gears and exam the lock to see if the parts are able to move more than smoothly.
And so, reassemble the rest of the smart lock and reinstall information technology on the door.

Watch this video fabricated by a DIYer while testing an August smart lock to diagnose a jam.

Fix Electronic Lock with Faulty Deadbolt Operation

With keypad-controlled door locks, some homeowners find that after some fourth dimension the lock stops working. If the deadbolt does not disengage when the right security code is keyed, this may be the problem you are facing. Here are the steps to notice and repair the component which is causing it to malfunction.

Showtime by removing the cover of the electronic lock body on the interior side of the door. Do this by unscrewing the comprehend of the lock and removing it.
Once this section of the lock can exist detached from the door, unplug the wires connecting it to the balance of the lock machinery.
Then, open the door and support the front half of the lock torso on the exterior of the door, the function with the keypad, equally you unscrew and disconnect the 2 parts. Then, take both sections of the lock off the door.
Open up the lock torso by unscrewing the bolts holding together the exterior section of the electronic lock. At this point, you should exist able to remove the face up of the lock and the latch.
Inside, you will find two more bolts holding the interior of the lock body together. Unscrew these also. Then, remove the cover that they were belongings in place.
When this is open, you should be able to place the problem and sympathize if it's something that you are able to gear up yourself.
The nearly common problem is when the jump-loaded pivot, in the moving part of the latch mechanism, falls out. If this is the instance, there is a quick DIY gear up. Just, insert the pin back in position. The pivot should be able to be pushed into the channel of the sprocket when pressure level is put on the curved, plastic actuator hook.
When the lock seems to piece of work, put the components back together in the contrary order and screw each part in identify as it was earlier.
Reinstall the lock and exam the keycode to see if it now engages the latch properly.

Watch the video to run into how this handy DIYer fixed an electronic Schlege deadbolt lock.

Fix Electronic Lock Affected past Common cold Weather condition

Yous may not expect it, but locks are affected by farthermost temperatures. If the weather has changed rapidly in your area, this may be cause issues for your electronic lock. Cold atmospheric condition or long-term use may cause the actuator not to move the other components plenty to lock or unlock the commodities.

Follow steps 1-6 from the section in a higher place to uninstall and open the electronic lock.
With it open, key in the security lawmaking and test the lock. If you meet that the actuator is non sliding all the mode up, you take plant out why it'southward not working.
To repair the problem, y'all will need to remove the plastic actuator hook. Concur in the jump-loaded pin and lift the plastic hook out.
Now, y'all will be able to see a spring connected to the actuator. The spring may need to be tightened or replaced in social club to get the electronic lock working again.
Follow the reassembly steps outlined beneath.

This video shows yous how to detect the faulty spring in an electronic Schlage keypad lock.

Smart Lock Maintenance

How often should I modify the lock batteries?

While bombardment life varies betwixt smart lock, generally speaking batteries last anywhere from 6 to 9 months before expiring. Most smart lock models besides have a mode of notifying the user when batteries are running low, whether it's a light on the device itself or a message that is sent to the user's telephone. If you really want to be proactive, we'd recommend irresolute out the batteries every half dozen months or and so, or every time you check your smoke detector's batteries, which is recommended every vi months.

How frequently should I change the lock code?

There'southward actually no recommended frequency at which to change your code, just situations that may warrant it. For instance, if you lot've merely ended a relationship and your onetime significant other is now not living in the domicile, that's a skillful fourth dimension to change the lawmaking. If you're on vacation for the week, but you're dog sitter needs access to the habitation, consider setting a temporary code that expires after you're back for this private, should your lock model offer such. Lesser line: use common sense as to how frequently you lot need to change and adjust access codes.

Where should I shop the fill-in key?

Nearly smart locks come with fill-in traditional keys, which tin can gain access the old-fashioned way. These are also used to rekey smart locks. On that annotation, you want to be certain that your backup central is in a identify where you lot can easily access it at all times. Some ideal places include in your wallet, on a fundamental ring with whatsoever other keys that you have and carry, and possibly even in a secure place in your car or garage.

Electronic Hardware Resource

Get more than helpful information from your local expert locksmiths:

Smart Locks vs. Traditional Locks
What to Consider When Ownership a Smart Lock
Information most Security Failures Affecting Popular Smart Lock Models
Best Electronic Key Finders
Smart Habitation Technology
Smart Garage Locks
Commercial Smart Lock Systems
Benefits of Electronic Access Command for Commerical Properties

Contact Great Valley Lockshop for your smallest electronic door lock repair needs or biggest habitation security projects. Give u.s. a call at (610) 644-5334 or get a free estimate online.