Sticky Door Lock

Once the door is open try to actuate the door latch with the handle.

Sticky door lock. I can unlock the door if i try a few times but the key has a difficult time turning as the deadbolt is sticky. Most times you ll find that the door sticks along the top because the door is sagging. This occurs when dust dirt grime and other buildup accumulates on the internal. More force is needed to turn the knob and unstick the latch.

Simulating opening the door without the latch extending into and retracting out of the strike plate. You can even see where the door has scraped against the frame. My front door deadbolt lock is hard to unlock and open when i put the key in and turn. Fixing a few stubborn locks might involve disassembling cleaning and then reassembling the lock.

Ironically by cleaning and oiling them you can fix most locks in a matter of minutes. Sticking door locks can be attributed to everything from slight settling of the house to a buildup of dust and dirt within the locking mechanism. Most interior door knobs are relatively inexpensive to replace. An improperly functioning latch may be the result of a poorly fitting door.

Squirt a little powdered graphite available in squeeze tubes at home improvement and automotive stores in the keyhole of the lock. If it s a matter of friction on the strike plate try to tighten both the plate and the lock on your door. We have been going through our garage door to get in the house because of this. Many people put up with the aggravation of a sticking door lock for years.

For serious lock problems it is usually best to call a locksmith or to replace the lock entirely. Often turning these four screws slightly clockwise is enough to eliminate the scuffing. Fortunately most front door lock problems can be. Fix and lubricate a sticky lock and key this applies to all locks but especially to motorcycle ignitions gas caps saddlebags and trunks.

After enough use you might find that your door lock has begun to stick making it difficult to put in turn or pull out your key. To fix a door lock that doesn t turn easily. The handle or knob must be jiggled to unstick the latch. First clean the keyhole with a penetrating lubricant like wd 40.

The door latch is not extended before rotating the knob.