AboutJames Expertise I am knowledgeable in almost every area of Locksmithing. This includes locks, keys, lost keys, residential and commercial lockouts, rekeying, masterkeying, high security locks, access control, electric locks, security cameras and home safety. I have been running an online business since 2004 where I sell all types of lock and security hardware to everyone from apartment renters to business owners to the US government. Before that I started a locksmith service in 1999. I deal with many types of security equipment including high security safe locks, heavy duty padlocks, exit devices, biometric readers, electric strikes, magnetic locks, full surface hinges and I only sell what I personally stand behind 100%. The online business has given me a more in-depth look at the locksmithing industry, helping me to learn more about each and every product that I offer, as well as products I don't have but end up finding for customers to solve any issues they have with security or door hardware.
Please don't submit any automotive or safe questions as these aren't areas that I can help in.
Experience I have been Locksmithing since 1999 and own my own Locksmithing business. I have many years of hands-on experience through the many services I have performed for my customers. I've run my business the way I wanted, treating everyone as I would like to be treated and knowing that any customer could be my last if I didn't perform my locksmithing duties as I had promised.
Organizations Montana Locksmith Association
Education/Credentials I have a diploma in Masterkeying, Advanced Locksmithing & Locksmithing from Foley-Belsaw.
Past/Present Clients US government, colleges, schools, city and state governments, large and small corporations, home owners.
Question Hi James,
I had a Franklin 2-cylinder jimmy-proof bolt (Model #1967CS) installed on my kitchen door (with a glass pane) about 6 months ago. It worked well for about a month and then, gradually, I had to start positioning the door correctly to get it to lock, until now when the vertical bolts won't come down at all. I notice that the bolts are catching onto the strike thus preventing them from going all the way through; the keying mechanism still works fine. I'm considering getting a grinding tool to enlarge the holes enough for the bolts to go through. Is there another way to get this lock to work again? Thanks in advance for your help.
Gene
Answer Hello Gene,
Jimmy-proof locks aren't that great for doors that expand and contract with the weather and humidity. They may work for a while once installed, if aligned properly, but once the weather changes they will be out of alignment which is what happened to yours.
Since the strike for these is impossible to move you have two options:
1. Adjust the strike so it allows the bolt to be inserted when locked; or
2. Remove the lock and install a standard deadbolt with a strike plate that has a hole larger than the bolt itself.
Deadbolts are available in shorter backsets which may be why you chose the lock you did, due to the likelihood that your stile is too narrow for a standard backset.
Check your door's hinge screws and make sure they are all tight. You may want to remove one from each hinge and put a 3" long one in its place if there aren't already some in there. Those will hold the door to the frame of the building instead of just to the jamb. If your door doesn't sit in the middle of the jamb you'll want to adjust that with shims behind the hinges or by mortising out more of the jamb to get the hinge to sit in a bit further but not too much or the door won't shut at all.
It may be best to hire a locksmith or a handyman that can help with the adjustment issue. Once your door is aligned and secured properly the strike should be adjusted however necessary to get it to line up with the lock. Being that you have a door with glass your best bet is to move the strike not the lock. Of course this will mean cutting out more of the trim around the frame so you'll want to replace it unless you don't mind the look of it.
Jimmy-proof locks are very tricky to install so you shouldn't blame the person that installed it unless they didn't account for any expansion and contraction of the door and frame and installed the strike poorly.
If you do enlarge the holes on the strike just be sure not to do it too much or the security of the lock will be compromised.
