One of the most common reasons people find their door isn't locking is because of a misaligned door. Whether it's because of the door itself on the hinges, how it fits in the frame, the striking plate or the location of the lock, a misalignment can mean your door won't lock properly.
Door lock problems are often caused by a malfunctioning lock mechanism or latch assembly, but there are several common reasons why locks stop working: The lock is dry or dirty. It doesn't fit in the door properly. The latch and strike plate don't align.
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.
Difficulty turning a door lock can be caused by various factors. Over time, dirt, dust, or rust may accumulate in the lock mechanism, hindering smooth operation. Misalignment, worn-out components, or a damaged key can also contribute. Clean the lock with a brush to remove debris.
Buy WD-40 and spray the lubricant in to the keyhole, wait 20 sec and apply one more time. Then try to put your key, open and close lock few times, then spray lubricant in to the keyhole one more time. You can try to repeat this several times, and if it does not work call locksmith.
Lock is stiff and difficult to open
Dirt and dust can sometimes find its way into a lock and build up over time. This can clog up the locking mechanism making it difficult to turn. You can apply some graphite spay or silicone based lubricant in the lock, put the key back in and turn it a few times.
What's the best lubricant for your lock? When choosing the best product to lubricate locks, dry lubricants like graphite powder and PTFE lubricants are best. As mentioned above, oil-based products can attract dust and dirt which can damage the delicate internal mechanism of your lock.
In many cases, when a door doesn't lock, it's due to the door latch rather than the lock itself. This is usually because the latch is not aligning with the hole in the strike plate. While this can be easily fixed, it's always best to call a professional locksmith rather than attempting to repair it yourself.
Simply warm up your key by placing it in a small container of hot water. Once the key is warm and dry, insert a key into the lock mechanism and slowly turn it.
Locks can become stiff to operate due to issues such as dirt in the lock cylinder and lack of maintenance of the locking system. Hopefully, at this point, your lock can still be saved with some attention.
Powdered graphite usually comes in a tube that makes application easy, just place the tip of the nozzle inside the lock and squeeze a little out. Do the same for the key, gently apply to both sides.
Most residential locksmiths agree the average lock's lifespan is about seven years. Lock maintenance isn't usually on regular family maintenance “to do” lists, but it should be. Maintaining your locks helps the locks perform better and may prevent you from having to pay more for door lock repairs later on.
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.
One of the most common reasons people find their door isn't locking is because of a misaligned door. Whether it's because of the door itself on the hinges, how it fits in the frame, the striking plate or the location of the lock, a misalignment can mean your door won't lock properly.
Similar to a stiff lock, you can try lubricating the lock, but if that doesn't help, there could be a misalignment of the lock and door or another, more challenging problem with the lock cylinder. These are both issues that have to be assessed and corrected by a locksmith.
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.
WD-40 Specialist® Silicone
Once dried, this formula leaves a clear, non-staining film that doesn't stick or make a mess, so it won't attract dirt. This silicone lubricant spray is great for use on cables, pulleys, guide rails, valves, linkages, hinges, locks and more.
Lubricate the Lock
Avoid oil-based products like WD-40, as they can attract dust and grime, leading to more problems down the line. Spray the lubricant into the keyhole and onto the key, then insert the key and turn it several times to distribute the lubricant evenly inside the lock.
Lubricate the Lock
Applying a graphite-based lubricant can help reduce friction inside the lock. Spray the lubricant into the keyhole and insert the key, turning it back and forth to distribute the lubricant evenly.
Should I use WD40 to lubricate door locks? 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.
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.
You should lubricate your locks regularly. How often depends on the lock, but you should usually do this about once a year. The type of lubricant also depends on the lock, so check with the lock manufacturer.