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Do-It-Yourself
CUSTOMERS:
TIPS: Self-Help: Check Locks
A large number of late-night emergency calls are entrance doors that won't close or lock. Most of these calls could be done during the day if store employees conducted routine 5-minute inspections of doors and locks.
Ideally, doors should open and close smoothly and locks turn easily when opened with the key or the turn knob.
TROUBLE SIGNS:
1. The lock sticks or doesn't turn easily when the door is ajar: This could need a simple lubrication job, or be a sign that the lock is worn and the cylinder needs replacement.
2. The lock bolt needs to be forced to lock when the door is closed: This can also be a sign of lock wear, or a sign that the door is slightly out of alignment and the bolt is not fitting against the door latch correctly.
3. The door resists closing: This could indicate that the closers (devices that control the rate at which your door closes) are getting worn, or need adjustment.
4. Scraping noises or marks on the threshold of the door: indications of the door out of alignment.
5. Double doors hit against each other when closing: most likely door alignment problems as well.
WHAT TO DO:
Most of these adjustments require a door professional. The biggest mistake is to ignore the problems and simply "live with it." Eventually, they will lead to a lock failure which often occurs after hours when you are trying to close the store.
Regular (every couple of weeks) inspection of your doors can help you catch the problem early and save you the extra cost and waiting of an after-hour emergency call.