6 Reasons People Get Locked Out and How to Prevent Each
The six most common causes of home lockouts in Oxford and a simple way to prevent each one.
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After years of emergency callouts across Oxford, we see the same handful of causes again and again. The reassuring part is that almost every one is easy to prevent once you know about it.
Here are the six most common reasons people get locked out, and what to do about each. If it has already happened, here is what to do when you are locked out.
1. Lost or Misplaced Keys
The classic. Keys end up in a coat, a car or simply gone. A spare with a neighbour or a keypad lock removes the risk entirely.
2. Snib Latches Locking Behind You
Many Oxford doors have a nightlatch that locks automatically. Step out to the bin without keys and you are stuck. Get into the habit of always taking keys, or fit a deadlatch you can leave on the snib.
3. Worn or Faulty Locks
Old locks jam, seize or snap a key at the worst moment. A timely lock repair prevents a sudden lockout.
4. Broken Keys in the Lock
Keys weaken over time and snap in the cylinder. We extract broken keys and cut replacements on site, but a fresh key cut before the old one fails avoids the drama.
5. uPVC Doors Dropping
uPVC doors drop on their hinges so the multipoint will not engage, then jam shut. Catching it early with a uPVC repair prevents a lockout.
6. Handing Keys to the Wrong People
Lost track of who has a key after a move or a builder, and you may find yourself unable to rely on your own lock. A quick rekey puts you back in control.
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