One method is to use a credit card or driver's license. Insert the card into the space between the lock and door frame and then apply pressure to the card. This will push the card against the locking mechanism and allow the door to be opened. Another method is to use a small screwdriver or nail file.
Use a clean cloth with soapy water to clean the door and doorframe. Next, you'll want to apply a lubricant, like WD-40, to the hinges. Seized hinges will prevent the door from swinging freely and can be the cause of a sticking door.
If the lock is stiff, use a lubricant like WD-40 or graphite powder. Spray or apply it into the keyhole and work the lock back and forth to distribute it. If the lock is a spring bolt (not a deadbolt), you can try sliding a credit card between the door and the frame just above the lock.
Graphite powder is the preferred lubricant for locks. You should be able to get it at any hardware store in a squeeze bottle that is half air, allowing you to blow it right into the keyway. You are going to have to wait a while before putting it on, as the residual WD-40 will gum it up.
To lubricate the lock Safestyle recommends using graphite powder, the fine particles mean less residue than oils or sprays which can also be sensitive to hot or cold conditions. Put a little amount of graphite powder inside the door lock to ease any friction inside, making sure not to put in too much.
Yes, you can use Vaseline instead of WD-40 if you need a quick substitute. However, keep in mind Vaseline may not work for all applications, including inside locks. While it can work great on door hinges, it may be too sticky for locks and end up attracting dust and dirt particles—which can cause damage to your lock.
GT85 Lubricant is perfect for using and applying to Door Locks the GT 85 spray is a multi-purpose lubricant that helps keep your door and window hardware in good working order. GT85 lubricates and protects while also cleaning automobiles and motorcycles.
Don't use oil.
Oil might assist the moving parts of the motor in your car, but it is never a good idea to squirt it in a stiff lock. The oil will just combine with any grime already in the mechanism and compound the situation.
There are three main reasons why a door lock mechanism is stiff or sticking: Debris in the lock. Extremes of temperature. A broken lock mechanism or gearbox.
Lubricate the Hinges
Dry door hinges can hold back a door and make it much harder to open. Your first step should be to lubricate the hinges to make sure they swing well. If the hinges have rusted or broken, this may not be enough, and they may need to be replaced.
This is largely due to friction, and a build-up occurs from a combination of dirt or dust. It could also be down to a lack of lubrication within the hinges and the door itself.
Apply a lubricant to sticky hinges.
WD-40 or another silicone-based lubricant (or even wax) can help fix a sticking door by reducing friction. However, be sure to wipe off any excess lubricant, as too much can actually make the problem worse.
Top of our list is PTFE lubricants. Polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE, is a Teflon-based lubricant that dries inside the lock to leave behind a non-stick, water-repellent film on all the surfaces.
If you do want to attempt to fix this issue yourself, you can try using powdered graphite or a graphite spray. Coat your key in graphite and insert it into the keyhole. The graphite will act as a lubricant to help unjam lock tumblers that may have become clogged with debris over time.
Another possible cause of a stiff lock is dirt buildup on the tumblers inside the lock cylinder. When dirt builds up inside these tumblers, they may become stuck together, preventing them from moving freely when you try to turn your key or insert it into the lock.
Lock is stiff and difficult to open
You can apply some graphite spay or silicone based lubricant in the lock, put the key back in and turn it a few times. Never use oil based products such as WD-40 to lubricate locks because although they may help initially, they tend to cause problems with clogging later on.
Many locksmiths' day-to-day activities involve manipulating locks to open them without a key. To achieve this, they use different lockpicking tools, including picks, rakes, broken key extractors, and plug spinners.
Other Lock Types That Locksmith Technicians Won't Open
Thumbprint locks or visual recognition locks are similar to smart locks because they require some IT experience to open. Some expert locksmith technicians in cybersecurity may offer services that involve opening thumbprint locks, most will not.