Door lock is too tight. I have to turn the key so hard to lock and unlock my door.?

Question

Its so hard that it is not possible for my wife to lock/unlock the door because its so tight. The key shape itself changed a little.

How can I fix this. Your response will be appreciated.

Answer 1

Two possibilities...#1, the lock needs some lubrication so the mechanism will turn freely.



#2. The the door jam has swollen due to moisture or foundation movement. You can check this buy locking the door when it is open. Check to see where the strike is hitting the door jam. You may need to tighten the screws in the hinges, or make the hole bigger that the strikes goes into. Good Luck!!!

Answer 2

You may have foundation problems that have shifted the door frame. If this happens when the door is open and you still can't turn the key, get a new lock. There are graphite sprays you can use on the current lock, but it makes things worse in the long run. Replacing a lock is really easy, just follow the directions on the package. If the key turns easily when the door is open, but not when the door is closed, (and this a deadbolt you are talking about), it is a foundation issue that you need to address by contacting a foundation repair company. If this is just a door knob, just replace it. Replace it with a good Weiser or Kwikset lock. Don't buy one of those off brands you get at Wal Mart, Target, K Mart, etc. Go to Home Depot or Lowes and spend money on a quality knob.

Answer 3

If the latch lines up with the hole in the jamb and the door is not twisted from damp it might be the weather stripping is putting pressure on door when closed. If it is a removable type stripping remove and try door. It might be that simple. Of course then you will have to adjust the stripping.

Answer 4

Is this the dead-bolt??Take a file and file the opening of the strike plate of the latch just the outside edge lots of little strokes or else take strike plate off and hold in a vice remember which is the outside edge.

Answer 5

Graphite lubricant. It does not gum up. Any hardware store. Also wire brush the key.

Answer 6

If the graphite doesn't work, you may need to get the key remade because it is not ground properly. We had this happen before.

Answer 7

More information needed. What brand of lock? Deadbolt, passage, entry? Age? You didn't spray wd-40 in it did you? I will check back

Answer 8

graphite should fix your problem.

sold where keys are made

if it is jamming in the clasp then you had warping and need an experienced doorman to straighten you out

Answer 9

it may be that your door has sagged some- does the latch line up with the hole? if not then you may have to shim the door up a little

Answer 10

Squirt a little graphite in it.