Today, we took on a crucial job in Millington, TN 38053. A client called us because they were locked out of their home. Their front door is a storm door. The key had broken off inside the cylinder, which left them in a tough spot. When we arrived, it quickly became clear why this happened. The Marks mortise lock on their security door was incredibly hard to turn. Over time, the pins inside had worn down, a common issue when locks are not regularly maintained. The client had also been using key copies made at big-brand stores rather than a locksmith, which often results in poorly cut keys that contribute to lock malfunctions.
Getting keys copied by non-professionals can lead to jiggling, difficulty inserting, or trouble turning. That’s why it’s always best to have a professional locksmith handle these issues to keep your ornamental door and rod iron door locks in proper working condition.
We started by using our key extraction tools to safely remove the broken key from the cylinder. After extracting the key, we used our lock-picking skills to open the door and fully assess the lock’s condition. The Marks mortise lock had not been serviced for years, so we gave it a thorough cleaning and applied lubricants to ensure smooth operation.
The storm door had keyed cylinders on both sides, unlike some that have a thumb turn on the inside. To restore this lock’s smooth function, we removed both cylinders and took them to our vice for servicing. We then rekeyed the cylinders to a key we made from scratch, ensuring a smooth turn and reliable performance. The lock now works like new, and the client was thrilled!
They were relieved to know we offer 24/7 emergency locksmith services, even on weekends, to help in situations like this. This happened during the remnants over this weekend with Tropical Storm Francine that was in Memphis, TN. The family was stuck out in the rain! The client can now confidently use their Security door without worrying about keys breaking or getting stuck again.
Some of the Tools We Used:
- Key extraction tools to safely remove the broken key
- Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers for disassembling the lock
- Rekeying kit to create a new key and restore the lock’s functionality
- Vice to hold the cylinder cores securely during servicing
- Lubricants to ensure the lock operates smoothly for years to come
We’re always happy to bring locks back to life, whether it’s a screen door, storm door, security door, or ornamental door. If you’re in Millington or nearby areas like 38054, 38055, 38083, or Frayser, Memphis, and need assistance with your door locks, Contact us and we would be happy to help you!
📸 Check out the images below to see how we tackled this lock issue!
