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.
When this happens, pins can get stuck, which prevents the plug from being able to turn correctly. Fortunately, this is often an easy fix. Simply grab a can of WD-40, silicon-based lubricant, graphite spray, or a dry lubricant and spray it into the keyway.
If you're experiencing something similar, it's probably because there's a stuck key bit inside the keyhole. Sometimes, it's a foreign object that might be blocking off the pathway. It can be a lock pin or a broken end of a screwdriver or maybe a pebble, dirt, wood, or pieces of plastic that an insect has dragged in.
Could be that something sticky was on your key when you tried to open the door, or could be something as simple as lint stuck inside of it. If you aren't able to ease it open using a lubricant, you should call a locksmith to come and fix it.
Start Picking: Insert the L-shaped pin into the bottom of the lock and press it upward gently. Use the angled side of the straightened pin to feel and lift each pin inside the lock, working slowly and carefully. Turn the Lock: Once all the pins are aligned, you should be able to turn the lock and unlock the door.
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.
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. Avoid excessive force to prevent breaking the key.
Your Key or Ignition is Worn or Damaged
Over years of use, your key and your ignition will wear down, making it hard for spring-loaded pins in the ignition to engage. If your key goes in, but the ignition won't turn, or you can't get the key back out, it's possible the pins are out of alignment.
Lock Cylinder Keeps Turning
As with all lock issues, a key spinning in a lock could be due to a number of different reasons depending on the lock type. It often means the internal mechanism has detached, resulting in the power of your turn not affecting the bolt. Alternatively, the cylinder itself may be loose.
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.
The current key you use might be worn out, and taking that spare key out might fix the issue. If the spare key doesn't work, it is possibly an ignition issue. Try a cleaning spray. Some dirt and debris between the wafers might obstruct the key from turning the ignition.
Here are just a few of the common reasons it happens: Key is worn – this means the key might go in but may get lodged. Key has been poorly cut – sometimes a new key can get stuck because of how poorly the teeth have been cut. Using the wrong key – a classic mistake that can damage both the key and the lock.
If the key doesn't seem to be working try lubrication with dry graphite. Squirt it in the opening where the key goes in and work it several times.
Use a soft brush to remove any dirt or debris from your lock, then spray it with some graphite-based lubricant (particularly effective in reducing friction) or a lock-specific cleaner. Insert the key in the hole and turn it a few times to work the lubricant through the lock and hopefully release the jam.
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.
Inspect and Clean: Check for any visible debris under the key. Use a soft brush or compressed air to clear it out. Realign and Reseat: If the key is misaligned, carefully remove and reseat it to ensure proper alignment. Press Repeatedly: Sometimes, pressing the key multiple times can help release any minor sticking.
The cause of an unresponsive laptop keyboard can vary. While it might be physically broken, everything from malware to device drivers can freeze a keyboard but is easily fixable. System Resource Overload – Insufficient system resources, such as high CPU or RAM usage, can cause the keyboard to become unresponsive.
If there's something wrong with the connecting pieces, in other words if the cylinder and the lock aren't connected properly, then the key will just spin in the cylinder, without opening the door.