Sometimes, dust and dirt can build up on the internal mechanisms of your door Lock Repair, making it difficult for your key to turn. This can be corrected with a little bit of lubrication using dry graphite spray or powdered graphite. Avoid oil-based products like WD-40, as they can catch debris and cause further problems down the road.
Broken Keys
When a key breaks inside of the lock with that stomach-churning snap, it can be difficult to get it out without a locksmith. You can try several home remedies to help break apart the remainder of your key and get it out.
Applying a penetrating oil can help loosen the grip on your broken key and encourage it to slide out. WD-40 works well for this but you can also use a lock-specific lubricant such as ABUS PS88.
Another option is to probe and pull the broken piece of your key out of the lock. You’ll need a pair of needle nose pliers and something to slide along each side of the key, such as a piece of stiff wire, safety pins or bobby pins. Be careful not to yank at a snagged key, as this could cause further damage or break the rest of the key off inside the lock. You can also try using a spiral extractor tool, which you may find in a key-making shop or online.
Clogged Locks
When your key gets stuck in the lock cylinder or doesn’t turn, it means that you have a major problem that needs to be fixed right away. The reason that your lock is jamming is because it has become clogged with dirt, dust, or debris. If you don’t fix it soon, it can lead to the pins inside the cylinder becoming fused together or locked in place, which will prevent you from locking your door.
In order to fix this problem, you need to lubricate the lock. You can do this by applying graphite spray, silicon based lubricant, or WD-40. Make sure that you use the proper type of lubricant for your door lock, and that you apply just enough so that it doesn’t soak into the lock and cause additional problems. You should also insert the key in and out a few times so that the lubricant can get into the lock mechanism. This will help it to work properly again.
Sagging Locks
When you insert your key into a lock, the small opening in the metal keeper plate attached to the door jamb and latch should line up almost perfectly. If your door snags against the jamb when you open or close it, there may be a problem with the hinge screws that fine-tune the alignment of the strike plate.
You can fix sagging hinges by lining up the door handles and taping them in place or having someone hold them while you tighten the screws until they’re flush with the doorknob, replacing any that are stripped or broken. You can also try lubricating the latch with powdered graphite or a silicone-based lubricant.
If you’re in a cold climate, freezing locks can happen, making it difficult to insert or turn the key. Applying heat can help melt the ice, and commercial aerosol lock deicers are also available. Just be careful not to overheat the lock, as this can damage it.
Lock Cylinders That Don’t Turn
Occasionally, lock cylinders can get clogged with dirt or dust. If this happens, it may be a good idea to use powdered graphite or a graphite spray and coat your key with the product before inserting it into the lock. This will help to unclog the tumblers and make it easier for you to turn the lock.
Another way to fix a problem with your door lock cylinder is to lubricate it. You can use a silicone-based lubricant but be sure to remove any excess. This is important as the cylinder is a dead end, and whatever goes in will stay there.
If your cylinder breaks or you are replacing it, you will need to remove the faceplate and set screw and undo the grub screw about three turns. This will allow you to slide the cylinder out of the door. You can then thread in a new lock cylinder. Be careful not to overtighten the grub screw as this can damage your door and cause it to jam.