It's closing time. You turn the key in your glass front door, and nothing happens. Or the key turns, but the door still pulls open.
That is a big problem. Your store is not safe overnight. Here are the 5 most common causes we see on aluminum storefront doors.
1. The door sags
Storefront doors swing hundreds of times a day. Over time the pivots or hinges wear out, and the door drops a little. Now the lock bolt sits lower than the hole in the frame. They don't line up, so the bolt can't go in.
A sign: the door rubs the floor or the top corner looks uneven.
The fix: replace the worn pivots or hinges. For busy doors that keep sagging, a continuous hinge holds the door up along its whole height. We wrote more about this in why heavy doors sag.
2. The door doesn't close all the way
If the door stops an inch short, the lock can't reach the frame. This is usually the door closer, the arm or box at the top that pulls the door shut. It may be set too soft, or it may be worn out.
The fix: adjust the door closer. If it leaks oil, it needs to be replaced.
3. The lock body is worn out
Most storefront doors use a narrow lock that sits inside the edge of the door. Many people call it an Adams Rite style lock. It has a hook or a bolt that swings out into the frame. After years of use, the parts inside wear down. The key turns, but the bolt doesn't come all the way out.
The fix: replace the lock body. It fits inside the same spot in the door, so it's usually a quick job.
4. The cylinder or key is worn
The cylinder is the part you put the key in. If the key is old and worn, or the cylinder is dirty or worn, the key may stick or only turn part way.
The fix: try a fresh key cut from the original code. If that doesn't help, we replace the cylinder. This is also a good time to rekey if you're not sure who has keys.
5. The strike in the frame is bent or loose
The strike is the metal piece in the frame that the bolt goes into. If someone tried to pry the door, or a screw came loose, the strike can bend or move. Then the bolt hits metal instead of the hole.
The fix: straighten, adjust, or replace the strike so the bolt lines up again.
What not to do
- Don't spray a lot of oil into the lock. Oil grabs dust and makes it worse. A dry lock spray is better.
- Don't force the key. A key can snap off inside the lock.
- Don't leave the door unlocked overnight and hope. Block it, stay late, or call during open hours for a fix.
When to call us
If you can't find the cause in a few minutes, or the door has more than one of these signs, it's time to call. We fix storefront doors across Fort Worth, Irving and the rest of DFW. Most repairs are done in one visit, and you get the price before we start.
Next step
Send us a photo of your door and tell us what it's doing. Or call (682) 324-6688, Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 6 PM.
Quick answers
Why won't my glass store door lock?
The most common reasons are a sagging door, a door that doesn't close all the way, a worn lock body, a worn key or cylinder, or a bent strike in the frame. Each one stops the bolt from lining up with the frame.
Can a storefront lock be fixed, or does it need to be replaced?
Many can be fixed with an adjustment or new parts. If the lock body is worn out, we replace it. It fits in the same spot in the door, so it's usually a quick job.
Should I put oil in a sticky lock?
Not much, and not regular oil. Oil grabs dust and can make the lock worse. A dry lock spray is better. If the lock still sticks, it likely needs a repair.