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3
votes
1answer
94 views

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 ...
0
votes
2answers
122 views

How can I make a copy of a door key without a matching blank?

We have an old numbered key, that looks like a regular key, but it seems it is numbered, so the locksmith refuses to copy it without our landlord coming with the original. Our landlord would ...
2
votes
1answer
339 views

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 ...
3
votes
3answers
123 views

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. ...
5
votes
4answers
347 views

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.
1
vote
0answers
107 views

Searching for biometric fingerprint door lock/handle with interchangeable core [closed]

The company I work for is wanting to install a bio-metric fingerprint and keypad door lock with handle on the door to our new office. I am having difficulties finding a door lock that meets certain ...
5
votes
2answers
1k views

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 ...
2
votes
1answer
150 views

Which patio door should the lock be installed in?

We are having some patio doors fitted and they are rebated. The doors open outwards The left-hand door opens first We would like to fit a narrowstile lock with a roller (rather than a catch) and ...
1
vote
1answer
304 views

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 ...
8
votes
2answers
649 views

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 ...
9
votes
1answer
296 views

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 ...
2
votes
2answers
1k views

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?
2
votes
2answers
648 views

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 ...
0
votes
3answers
545 views

What is a good source for older Crestline window locks? [closed]

I've been looking for two replacement locks for a Crestline window sash. The window was purchased from Menard's in 1993. I contacted Crestline about where to find the replacement locks and they gave ...
11
votes
5answers
3k views

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 ...
2
votes
1answer
245 views

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 ...
11
votes
4answers
10k views

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 ...
7
votes
2answers
182 views

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 ...