One of those things that a lot of people don't think about until they need it, is a lock. You unlock the door, open it and go on with your day. However, a lock may jam when the key suddenly won't turn – and if the key breaks inside, a seemingly innocent component of your home can turn into a significant stressor.

Fortunately, if you know what to do – and more importantly, what not to do – many of the common problems with locks can be safely resolved. If a lock is broken or if a homeowner tries to fix a lock in an inappropriate manner, it can escalate into a costly replacement.

If you have an apartment in Paris, a house in Lyon or elsewhere in the country, you will know when a simple solution will get the job done and when it is best to call in a professional locksmith in France, so you don't spend more time and money than necessary, and so you don't damage your property.

The following are some of the more frequent lock issues and the most secure methods of handling them.

1. The Key Will Not Turn

One of the most aggravating scenarios is putting the right key into the lock, but it won't turn. Don't overreact, don't use too much force. If a key is abnormally stiff, it may be a sign of one or more of the following issues:

• The dirt or debris in the cylinder.

• A worn key

• A cylinder that is dry or damaged.

• A door that is slightly out of line

Starting to show signs of wear and tear within.Showing signs of wear and tear inside.

The issue may not be with the lock, itself. The locking points could be under pressure if the door has dropped slightly or the frame has moved.

Gently pull or push the door with the key in while turning it without pushing or pulling it too hard. If it still doesn't turn, do not repeat the twisting of the key, stop.

The reason this is crucial is because if it's forced in a stiff key it can snap inside the cylinder, making a much harder problem.

2. A Key Is Stuck in the Lock

Another frequent problem is a key that is installed in the lock and fails to remove itself.

One of your initial instincts is to pull harder. Resist that temptation. A stuck key can be caused by a worn cylinder, a damaged key, internal debris or pressure on the locking mechanism. Carefully, try to return the key to its neutral position as soon as you have tried to move it, then gently attempt to pull it out.

If the key is not moving freely, keep pulling or twisting the key, it may break.

A skilled locksmith can determine if the key could be discreetly taken out without having to change the entire lock. Sometimes a relatively small issue can be avoided by seeking professional help sooner rather than later, which will stop a problem from developing into a lock replacement.

3. A Broken Key Inside the Lock

A key that snaps in the keyhole is less than convenient. It is particularly prevalent when an old or damaged key is used in a lock with resistance. When the key breaks, do not push another object into the cylinder or try to push the broken part further.

Instead:

• Cease turning the lock.

• If they break off, save the pieces.

• Never put another key in the opening behind the broken key.

• Don't use glue or make up tools.

• If the broken part is not easily removed, consult a professional.

A trained locksmith will have specialist tools that are able to remove broken keys without causing too much damage to the cylinder.

If you are trapped outside your doors, you may find this helpful instead of trying tools in the door.

4. The Lock Is Becoming Increasingly Difficult to Use

Not all locks fail abruptly. Rather it provides alerts. The trick may have become harder to turn in recent weeks. Perhaps the handle must be moved in a specific way to lock the door. There may be a grinding or scraping noise.

These symptoms are not something to be taken lightly. If the lock is increasingly difficult to use, it may be due to one or more components that are worn or misaligned. The earlier it's checked, the easier it can be to get it done.

Imagine it is like a weird sound that comes from your car. You may be able to continue driving, but not because you don't see the warning.

5. The Door Is Misaligned

There are actually quite a few lock problems that are not related to the cylinder, but to the door itself. A door may swing slightly out of alignment due to temperature changes, humidity, movement of the building, or with general usage. If this occurs, the bolt can push against the strike plate, which can cause the key to be difficult to turn.

It's possible that you'll see this:

• Must lift the door to lock.

• The door rubs against the door frame.

• Pushing or pulling the door makes the key easier to use.

• The locking points are not aligned.

Avoid pressing the key over and over again in this case. A professional will be able to find out what is wrong, it could be on the hinges, the frame, the strike plate or the locking mechanism. The alignment might be the issue instead of replacing the lock which could still be working properly.

6. The Lock Turns but the Door Does Not Open

This may be a phenomenon that can be confusing. Insert the key, and then turn it, but the door is still locked. It can be a sign of a fault within the locking mechanism. For instance, the cylinder could be out of alignment with the lock case, or a part inside the cylinder may have worn out. This is where experimentation with research and development (R&D) on your own can go wrong.

If the lock turns but the latch or bolts don't, cease to force the lock. A professional can check the mechanism and make the decision to repair or replace.

7. The Handle Is Loose or Does Not Return Properly

Loose door handles may not appear to be a major problem, but they can cause problems with the rest of the lock. The handle can become free due to usage, to damaged screws, to a damaged spindle or to an internal problem with the spring.

If the handle is free:

• Don't repeatedly pull or twist it hard.

• Look for loose-screws in the obvious places outside.

• Avoid disassembling the whole machine, unless you know its operation.

If the handle is no longer functioning properly with the latch, have the lock checked.

Failing to address the failing handle can lead to problems with getting the door open or closed later.

8. The Lock Has Frozen.

Exterior locks, especially those on gates, garages, sheds and other exposed doors, can become an issue in the cold weather. Water may get trapped in the mechanism and will not allow the key to insert or rotate.

Don't pour boiling water into the lock if you are unsure if it is freezing. The temperature difference may result in damage and the extra moisture may refreeze.

Rather, use the proper de-icer lock or warm the key carefully and slowly (if safe) before inserting it into the lock.

If it has been stuck in the "frozen" state or if it shows some mechanical issues then it may be best to call in the professionals.

Emergency Does Not Mean Rushing Into a Bad Decision

It may be stressful when you are locked out at night or if you find that it is damaged. But when it comes to making a hasty decision, sometimes there is a second problem.

Allow a few minutes to determine what has occurred. Attempt to safely fix a small problem without force. Generally, when it comes to a broken key, damage to the mechanism, forced entry and total lock failure, there is nothing like hiring a pro.

An excellent locksmith will want to work on the issue as opposed to merely going with the particular most expensive answer.

The aim is not just to open a door. To restore safe and reliable access and to ensure the property can be re-secured.

Final Thoughts

Locks are intended to safeguard our homes, businesses and belongings but, like anything mechanical, they wear out and fail over time. Having a basic idea of the signs of trouble can help to keep a simple issue from becoming an emergency.

Lock issues can arise out of nowhere, but when they do, need not be a pain in the neck. Do not force the mechanism, protect your property, remain calm and call a qualified individual for expert care when needed.