Common problems
- The key turns but the bolt doesn't move
- The bolt won't go into the frame because the door has dropped
- The cylinder is worn and the key sticks
- The thumb turn or inside cylinder is broken
Check the alignment first
If the bolt hits the frame instead of going into the strike, the lock is often fine. The door has sagged on worn pivots or hinges. Re-squaring the door or adjusting the strike fixes it, and forcing a misaligned lock wears it out.
Matching the replacement
Storefront locks come in different backsets, which is the distance from the door edge to the cylinder. The new lock body has to match so it fits the existing cutouts. Cylinders can often be replaced or rekeyed on their own, which is cheaper and lets you keep the same keys or change them.
When to call us
Call if your storefront won't lock tonight, the bolt won't throw, or you need to rekey after an employee leaves. We match the lock and check the door alignment in the same visit.
Questions
Should I replace the lock or just the cylinder?
If the bolt works but the key is worn or you need new keys, the cylinder is enough. If the bolt mechanism is broken, the lock body needs replacing.