To fix a stuck key, apply a lubricant such as graphite powder or a silicone-based spray to the keyhole. Gently wiggle the key while pulling it out. If this doesn't work, use a pair of needle-nose pliers to grip the key and carefully work it out.
Lubricate: Apply a lubricant like WD-40 or graphite spray around the key and lock. Allow it to sit for a few minutes. Wiggle the Key: Gently wiggle the key back and forth while pulling it out. Avoid yanking it. Check for Obstructions: Inspect the lock for any debris or foreign objects that might be causing the jam.
To unseize a lock your need plenty of WD-40 (or something similar, but don't use things such as 3 in 1 oils, PTFE, or Graphite). Key goes in but does not turn: Using the WD-40 with the straw attached to the nozzle spray a large dose into the lock and leave for a few minutes.
You certainly can use WD-40 in a lock, but you shouldn't. Almost all locks are designed and fabricated to operate without lubrication. If you add an oil or grease to them, that will serve to collect dust and dirt and increase wear on the lock, encouraging it to jam up.
Teflon-based 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. Since it's dry, it doesn't attract dust or dirt.
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.
If you have a stuck door lock, spray lubricant into the lock's keyhole. Doing so will loosen any debris or deposits sitting inside your stuck lock and prevent your key from turning. Insert the key and rotate it a few times to work in the lubricant, releasing the stuck part.
WD-40 While WD-40 is a penetrating oil and technically not a lubricant, it can get a stuck lock moving if you're in a pinch. Simply spray WD-40 into the lock. Then, repeatedly insert your key into the keyhole to work the WD-40 into the lock.
Conclusion. Encountering a frozen lock can feel like an inconvenient roadblock, but understanding the problem allows you to tackle it effectively. Rubbing alcohol emerges as a viable option to unfreeze a lock due to its moisture-displacing properties.
Seizing of Locks happens during cold weather due to the drop in temperature and cold air which causes the contraction of locks. If the locks contract this then results in the keys no longer being able to engage the way they should be able to resulting in you being unable to use the lock.
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.
Some of the most common culprits include: Dirt and Debris. Over time, dust, dirt, debris, and even broken pieces of your key can accumulate in the lock mechanism, hindering its smooth operation. This build-up can lead to a situation where the key turns, but the lock won't open.
Lubrication: A common cause of jammed locks is lack of lubrication. Applying a silicone-based lubricant or graphite powder can help. Avoid oil-based products as these can attract dirt. Spray or insert the lubricant into the keyhole and gently work the key in and out a few times to distribute the lubricant.
The simple answer is you should not use WD40 to lubricate locks. WD-40 is one of the solvent-based lubricants and does not contain any lubricant and over time can make your lock even stickier by gumming the lock up.
Oil, plus the environment – you don't want that in your lock, so you'll want to use a graphite or silicone spray rather than your regular WD-40 or other oil-based lubricants. WD-40 does make a product specifically for locks, WD-40 Specialist Dry Lubricant and we also like 3-IN-ONE's Lock Dry Lube.
Teflon-based lubricants- These lubricants are a great alternative to graphite and silicone lubricants, thanks to their durability and effectiveness. Many locksmiths recommend PTFE lubricants because they possess chemical-resistant properties and can withstand temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Use a can of compressed air or a small brush to clean the keyhole thoroughly. Lubricate the lock: Sticky locks are often due to a lack of lubrication. Apply a graphite-based or silicone-based lubricant specifically designed for locks. Avoid using oil-based lubricants as they can attract more dust and grime.
Myth: WD-40 Multi-Use Product is not really a lubricant. Fact: While the “W-D” in WD-40 stands for Water Displacement, WD-40 Multi-Use Product is a unique, special blend of lubricants. The product's formulation also contains anti-corrosion agents and ingredients for penetration, water displacement and soil removal.
1. Teflon Dry Lubricant. Teflon-based dry lubricant is preferred by some locksmiths over other options, like graphite or WD-40. It's ideal because, besides lubricating your lock, it repels water and dust.
There may be an unevenly-worn pin or pins in the lock. The easiest way to diagnose this is to disassemble the lock cylinder, and having done that, one might as well replace any pin that looks worn. A broken spring is another possibility, and can be remedied in a similar way.