3 Things Folks Get Dead Wrong About Their Front Door Lock
“But Harry, I bought the most expensive lock they had…”
Expensive, huh? I bet you still think two cans and a string make a private phone call. The lock don’t mean much if the strike plate’s a flimsy piece of tin. That’s what takes the kick, and most of ’em snap clean like a cracker. You need a reinforced plate and longer screws that bite into the studs, not the trim. Otherwise, you’re polishin’ chrome on a junkyard car.
“But Harry, my deadbolt just sticks a little…”
Sticks a little? That don’t strike you strange, like a dog that meows...
Well hell, maybe Elvis really is workin’ the night shift at the Waffle House, trainin’ for the MMA...
Heh, maybe I... maybe I can still breathe underwater if I still had my umbilical cord. Exactly!
Thinkin’ a door is secure with a half-seated bolt... well, that’s just crazy talk.
Most times it’s the door saggin’ on the hinges, or the frame pulled a hair outta square. Sometimes the strike plate’s drilled just a touch off, sometimes it’s years of wood swellin’ and shrinkin’. Could be one of those, could be all of ‘em.
But the truth’s simple: that bolt’s gotta seat clean and full every time. Fix it, don’t fake it.
“But Harry, my key still works if I jiggle it…”
Now look here, Mr. Jiggly Wiggly, that lock’s already on life support. Pins worn, cylinder sloppy — you’re basically beggin’ it to work every time you turn that key. If you gotta sweet-talk it like you’re crankin’ a lawnmower in July, it’s done. Rekey it or replace it.
“Still works if I giggles it,” he says. Heh…
“Look at me, I’m out here jigglin’.”
“Hey Mr. Jiggles, whatcha doin’?”
“Oh don’t mind me, I’m just out here jiggling.”
Smh… Lord have mercy.