Door Lock Sticking? Here’s What to Do

Locks are meant to protect you and keep out burglars. It can be extremely frustrating when that same lock sticks and keeps you out of your own home. When your lock starts to get sticky, if not fixed, the problem will only get worse and eventually, the key will be stuck completely and could potentially break off in the lock.

If you have a sticky lock, there are a few things you can do to help.

Check the Bolt and Key

When you first feel the key begin to stick, check the bolt that goes into the strike plate on the door frame. Ensure that it is fitting properly. Also, inspect your key and make sure that it is not bent. The slightest bend in the key can make it difficult to operate. 

A Pencil  

It may sound silly but pencils are made from graphite. Rubbing the entire surface of your key with a pencil will leave a coat of graphite on the key which acts as a lubricant. This will help the key turn easily. Another option is to use a graphite lubricant. You can find powdered graphite at your neighborhood hardware store. It won’t attract dirt or dust which will help it come loose.

WD-40  

Keep in mind that WD-40 is not recommended for long time use. It can gum up the pin tumblers and cause them to stick even more. However, if you’re looking for an immediate fix and it’s the only thing you have around, it’s a good solution until you can find something a little more permanent.

Take it Apart

The first thing you want to do is grab a screwdriver and remove the screws that are holding the lock together. Once apart, use Gum Out or another similar cleaner to clean out the inside of the lock. When using a cleaner, you should have some dirt drip out. After cleaning it, wipe it down to get as much of the cleaner out as possible. Once it’s clean, use a graphite lubricant to help loosen it up before putting the lock back together.

Bring in a Locksmith

If you’ve tried these techniques or don’t want to bother at all with them, it might be time to get a new key. If this still doesn’t work, a new lock altogether may be necessary. While fitting a lock can be straightforward, it’s easier to have a locksmith come to you and replace it.

Sometimes, using home remedies that you found on Google (like coating your key with olive oil or washing the lockout with soapy water) can actually make matters worse.

Stop wasting time. Contact All American Locksmiths to fix all your lock problems.

If the door won’t budge at all, then you’re in luck: we offer 24/7 emergency locksmith services throughout Connecticut. Really, few locksmiths know Connecticut like we do. We’ve been traversing the likes of Hartford, New Haven, and Stamford for years. Remember that to us, there’s no such thing as being “too far.” If you’re in CT or Westchester County, NY, then it It truly doesn’t matter where you’re located. You could be near the Stamford hospital, Cherry Lawn Park in Darien, or Toad’s Place in New Haven–if you’re in need of expert locksmith services, we’ll come to you day, night, rain, or shine.