Home Improvement Stack Exchange
Home Improvement Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [locks]

18 questions
33
votes
5 answers

What kind of lubrication should I use for a lock?

I recently made the Yale lock on my front door much easier to open by spraying some WD-40 in there. However, I just saw this question on WD-40 not being a “true” lubricant, and wondered whether it was appropriate to use on Yale locks?
Paul D. Waite
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17
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9 answers

How to tell if your locks are bump proof?

I was reading about lock "bumping" where burglars buy 'bump' keys and can open locks very quickly. I was also reading that some locks are bump proof (double chamber perhaps?). My question is: how can I tell, by looking at the locks currently on my…
themerlinproject
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13
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1 answer

How do I remove a Kwikset deadbolt with no screws on the inside plate?

My exterior door deadbolt has gotten stuck - it'll open with the lever but not the key. By spraying WD-40 inside the lock, I've been able to get it to work but it's very stiff. I'd like to remove the lock and inspect the inside, either to clean/lube…
Goodbye Stack Exchange
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10
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2 answers

How long do batteries typically last in electronic deadbolts?

I'm considering getting a Schlage Plymouth Keypad for our front-door but was curious how long the 9V battery typically lasts. The web site says "3 year battery life" but I'm... skeptical. =) Has anyone used these types of locks before and if so, do…
Mike B
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9
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1 answer

What lubricant should I use for an outside garage door lock?

I recently asked what sort of lubricant I should use on locks. I was wondering if the advice there (i.e. graphite powder) applied to an outside garage door handle lock? The lock in question looks like this, and is outside, unsheltered.
Paul D. Waite
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9
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7 answers

Did I break my Kwikset SmartKey lock by trying to rekey with a key that doesn't fit all the way?

I got a Kwikset deadbolt lock (has key hole on both sides instead of key hole externally with latch internally). This lock uses SmartKey technology so you can rekey the lock to use a new key rather than having to replace the lock itself. After I…
oscilatingcretin
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8
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3 answers

Are easy-rekey locks reliable?

I want to replace an old deadbolt and handle on my front door, and most of the replacement sets at big-box home improvement stores are the easy-rekey kind. Kwikset's SmartKey seems better executed than Schlage's SecureKey, because you can rekeyable…
Charlie
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7
votes
5 answers

How can I remove a key that has broken off in a lock?

I broke a key off in the lock of a desk drawer. The lock doesn't look easily replaceable, so how can I remove it? I've tried tweezers but they can't get enough of a grip to pull it out.
Carey Gregory
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6
votes
1 answer

What kind of lock used to be here?

We're moving into a new place and have been told by the building's management that the top lock on our door is our own responsibility. It appears that the previous tenants had something in the top lock position and took it with them (or the building…
Jon
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3
votes
2 answers

Where can I get a new key for an old lock?

There are two locks on my apartment door. The key to the bottom lock was lost long ago - before I moved in - and we now just use the top lock. The bottom lock is probably 50-60 years old and doesn't have any identifying information on its…
Joe Programmer
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3
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3 answers

What are the key criteria to consider when purchasing new locks and deadbolts?

On twitter, the cofounder of GDGT Ryan Block comments: Surprisingly difficult to find a list of expert-recommended consumer locks, padlocks, etc. Lots on defeating security, but few suggestions. So I'm curious, what are the key criteria to…
jcolebrand
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2
votes
1 answer

Push button lock unlocks when knob turned

Recently my bedroom lock (a push button lock) has been acting funny. It's hard to push the button in and the button and handle sort of need to be jiggled to push it in all the way. Once it's in it fails to actually lock. Specifically, when locked,…
statichippo
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2
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2 answers

How do I install a chain lock on a steel door?

I'm tring to install a chain lock on the inside of my home. I've tried millions of things to get a hole in the steel door. Is a 12 volt drill not powerful enough?
Stephanie Manley
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2
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1 answer

what parameters should I look for when choosing an electric deadbolt?

I am looking for electric deadbolts for external steel doors - to place several of them on a door - one on each side (top, bottom, left, right) for extra security. I want to buy just the deadbolt which opens when electric current appears on the…
ria
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2
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1 answer

Why did my locked door open by itself?

Why would our front door have opened by itself? It was locked. It has an entrance set - a latched, not deadbolt, knob handled, keyed on the outside and turnsnib on the inside style lock. We have had a 40 degree Celsius day and the aircon had been on…
Donna
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