Many people love the charm of older houses and strive to maintain or restore them to their original condition. This requires special skills and training, especially when it comes to doors and locks. An antique lock may have become damaged or sensitive from years of wear and tear or disuse, but it may still be in good enough condition to keep your home secure if it receives the right repairs.
In past centuries, locksmiths often made locks themselves and experimented with a variety of techniques. That means antique locks are not standardized the way modern locks are. Not all locksmiths have the tools and training necessary to repair them. Any work on an antique lock should be left to an expert. You could also opt to add newer lock security elements that make the door secure while leaving its aesthetics intact.
Common Issues with Old Locks
Many problems with antique door locks are a result of rust that caused the lock to seize up or made it hard to turn the door handle. You might be able to take a rusted lock apart yourself, soak it in vinegar, and clean it yourself, but putting it back together would most likely require help from a locksmith. If the rust is so bad that the metal has worn down, cracked, or broken, you will definitely need the assistance of a locksmith. All or part of the lock may need to be replaced.
If there is an internal problem with the lock, it is most likely due to a foreign object that has become lodged inside and is blocking the key path. Since the internal workings of antique locks can vary widely, hiring a qualified locksmith is essential.
Sometimes an antique lock falls apart. This can usually be fixed by tightening the connections, but sometimes there is a different problem and more investigation is required to diagnose the source of the issue.
If you had a broken antique lock repaired and it worked for a while, but the same problem arose again, it might be because one component is not aligned correctly and is damaging another component. It is also possible that the house’s foundation has shifted. If that is the case, no locksmith will be able to permanently fix the lock. The foundation issue will need to be addressed for the lock to function consistently.
In some cases, an antique lock is so damaged that it cannot be fixed. A locksmith may be able to find a lock similar to the old one or help you to make a modern upgrade that protects your property and still looks good on the door.
Trust Your Antique Door Lock to a Professional
If you have an antique door lock that is damaged, don’t attempt to fix it yourself. Antique locks are complicated and often fragile, and you could make the problem worse. All American Locksmiths has a team of professionals who are up to the task of repairing or updating door locks. Contact us if you need help.
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