If your business resides in an older building, the front door may still make use of a tumbler lock. This type of locking system is designed with three pins inside a cylinder, known as the driver, key, and spacer pins, that respond when a key with a specific shape and length is used.

Lately, however, you may have noticed that you are having problems turning the key in the lock or have found that it now refuses to turn at all. If so, there are a couple of possible reasons why the front door tumble lock for your business's building refuses to turn and requires the aid of a locksmith to fix it.

1. Dirt and Grime Have Built up Inside the Tumbler and Are Interfering with Its Ability to Turn

One possible reason why your key no longer turns in the tumbler lock on your business's front door is that dirt and grime have built up on the inside of the tumbler's cylinder. Since the debris cannot easily escape after it is introduced by the insertion of the key, it will cause buildup that will jam the tumbler's pins.

If you suspect that this is the case, do not try to take the tumbler lock apart and clean it since doing so requires precision. A commercial locksmith experienced with commercial tumbler locks should be called to clean it.

2. Driver, Key, and/or Spacer Pins Are out of Alignment or Have Been Damaged

Another possible reason why the key refuses to turn in the tumbler lock is that there is an issue with one or more of the pins. After years of use, the driver, key, and/or spacer pins can be knocked out of alignment, eventually making it impossible to turn the key.

The pins can also be easily damaged if someone has jammed the key in the lock or tried to force it to turn. A professional will need to take the lock apart to check the pins to see if they need to be realigned or replaced.

When the tumbler lock on your business's front door refuses to turn, dirt or grime in the cylinder or around the pins may be interfering with the lock's ability to turn and require a professional to disassemble and clean the lock. Or, the driver, key, or spacer pins may be out of alignment or have been damaged, making it necessary to have one or more of the pins replaced. If your door's tumbler lock refuses to turn, contact a commercial locksmith service in your area to schedule a service call.

For more information, contact a local company, like Door Resources.