Broken keys and door reinforcement
Keys usually break because they are worn thin or because the lock is stiff and needs too much force. If a piece snaps off inside, avoid pushing it deeper or using superglue; both make extraction harder. We use extraction tools to pull the fragment out and then cut a new key, and if the lock is stiff we service it so the problem does not come back.
While we are there, it is worth looking at the door itself. A deadbolt with a short-screw strike plate can be kicked through the frame. Fitting a heavy-duty strike with long screws into the wall framing is an inexpensive upgrade that makes a real difference.
Single-family homes with older wooden doors benefit from a quick check of the hinges as well as the lock. Short hinge screws on the frame side can be replaced with longer ones, which spreads the force of a kick into the wall framing. Sliding patio doors are another weak point; a secondary bar or a keyed slider lock is an inexpensive addition. We can look at all of these on the same visit and give you a prioritized list, so you can choose what fits your budget now and plan the rest for later.
Lock services we handle in 90605
- Broken key extraction from door locks and padlocks.
- Strike plate reinforcement with long screws into the framing.
- New deadbolt installation on doors that only have a knob lock.
- Lock servicing for stiff or sticky locks.
About the 90605 area
90605 takes in South Whittier, an unincorporated community in Los Angeles County . We serve homes and small businesses throughout the zip code.
Questions from 90605
Should I spray oil into a sticky lock?
Avoid household oils, which attract dust. A dry graphite or lock-specific lubricant is better, and a locksmith can clean the cylinder properly.
Why do keys break in the lock?
Usually a worn key combined with a stiff lock. Replacing old keys and servicing the lock helps prevent it.