In an industrial unit, the man door is the workhorse. Staff, couriers and contractors use it all day, and its cylinder wears faster than any house lock. In Concord and across Vaughan, a worn cylinder is one of the most common causes of a unit that cannot be locked properly at night.
Signs a cylinder is worn
- The key needs to be jiggled to turn
- The key turns, but the bolt does not always move
- The cylinder spins or feels loose in the door
- Keys copied from the working key no longer work smoothly
- You can see brass shavings on the key after use
A cylinder in this state may still lock, but it may also fail without warning, and it is easy to defeat.
Repair or replace
If only the pins are worn, a locksmith can often fit a new cylinder and supply new keys. If the lock body itself is worn, or the latch is damaged, replace the whole set. Ask for a commercial grade. Residential-grade sets are not meant for the traffic.
Rekey at the same time
If a cylinder is being changed, it is a natural point to change who has keys. Rekeying the new cylinder stops former staff and old contractors using their copies.
Choose the right type
For a busy man door look for:
- A commercial-grade cylinder in a mortise or rim body
- A closer that latches the door every time
- A strike plate set into the frame with long screws
- Weather-sealed hardware if the door faces the yard
If several units share a door, plan the key system so each tenant’s key opens only their own part.
Do not ignore the frame
A bent frame or worn hinge will stop a new cylinder from working. Check the door hangs square and the latch meets the strike cleanly. See door frame repair and door hinge repair.
Keep a spare plan
Keep spare keys off site in a locked cabinet, and use cabinet, locker and desk locks for the key box itself.
Get help
Apna Locksmith is at Unit 12, 8550 Torbram Rd in Brampton, open 7 AM to 11 PM, and its technicians travel to Vaughan. Call (289) 406-1500. See warehouse and industrial locksmith service and commercial locksmith in Vaughan.