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Key Stuck In Lock? Try These 3 Solutions
- Mar 22, 2020
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You’re stuck because your key is not turning, and you’re not sure what to do. It could be because the lock is jammed, or it could be completely something else. The reason why your key is not turning is just as important as the kind of lock you have or the solution you can use to address the problem. A solution is inevitable as long as you understand the issues with various lock types and what is going wrong.
We will cover the following reasons as well as fixes when a key won’t turn in a lock-
Worn Key
Worn Lock
Freezing
Jammed Lock
Wrong Key
Concerns for Different Lock Types
When it comes to what to consider when a key won’t turn within the cylinder, not every type of lock is the same. Before we get into the specifics of how to fix a jammed lock, it’s important to understand the differences between various lock types. This will help you understand how to sort through all of the advice in this post.
Key Won’t Turn In Car Lock
Car locks are different from most other types of locks in several ways. The first is the difference in ignition cylinders, which leads to a different set of solutions for a key locked in ignition. Different problems exist when it comes to replacing car door lock cylinders, not the least of which is that most individuals prefer to use only one key for their vehicle. You should also consider the shortage of replacement vehicle keys for classic cars, as well as the rarity of original car door locks. Then there’s the cost of fixing or replacing automobile door locks, which will never be as low as the cheapest replacement door lock.
Key Won’t Turn In House Lock
Key Won’t Turn In Padlock
When a key won’t turn in a padlock, one of the most problematic aspects is that many padlocks don’t have detachable cores. Because padlocks were not designed to be disassembled and serviced throughout their history, this is not a characteristic that all padlocks have, especially when it comes to what may be considered antique padlocks. If the padlock contains a keyed cylinder that can be removed from the lock body, your worries and solutions will be similar to those for a broken key in a house lock. Troubleshooting and repairing locks that can’t be dismantled can be very difficult, so you’re restricted in what you can do. The most secure padlocks will have replaceable cores, however, in many cases, cheap padlocks with non-turning keys will need to be removed.
Why won’t your key turn in the lock?
Now that you have a better understanding of how the type of lock might complicate a solution or problem, you must determine what is causing the key to not turn. The issue informs the solution, and you can’t move on without a good understanding of both. So you must first question yourself, “Why won’t my key turn in the lock?” before deciding what to do next.
1. Key Won’t Turn Because You’re Using The Wrong Key
The Problem
The Solution
Getting a new key is the most simple and cost-effective solution. However, if you need a new car key without the original, your options will be restricted, and the price will rise with each additional service required. If you lose your keys, whether they are vehicle keys or door locks, you should consider changing your locks. If you change your locks, you’ll need new keys, but if cost is a factor, those new keys could be less expensive replacements.
2. Lock Jammed, Key Won’t Turn
The Problem
When you try to turn a key in a lock that is unclean or rusty, you may hear a grinding noise. Aside from that, this problem can be very subtle. Although the lock may appear to be broken, you can briefly test the problem before taking a more permanent remedy. Spray the keyway with some lubricant, then rake the key in and out of the lock. Then try to open the lock by turning the key a few times in each direction. Before you give up and assume there’s something else wrong, go through this method a few times.
The Solution
When a key won’t turn, lubricating the lock may appear to cure the problem, but this is only a temporary repair. Dust and grime will be trapped and attracted to oil-based lubricants, and the problem will not go away, and in some situations, will get worse. You can even repair antique locks to the point where they work like new ones with the right cleaning. Simply disassemble the lock, thoroughly clean the filth, apply rust remover as needed, then dry and polish the metal to ensure that the problems do not recur.
3. Key Won’t Turn Because of Frozen Hardware
The Problem
Locks freezing is a problem in a lot of places in the United States. The ice on your key prevents it from spinning, but it does not prevent it from being inserted. This is due to moisture within the lock has frozen and has locked the mechanisms in place. When a key won’t turn during exceptionally cold weather, even though your handle or door doesn’t show signs of being frozen, this could be your problem.
The Solution
Liquid deicers are an excellent technique to inject an agent into the lock’s internals as they will seep in and dissolve whatever is clogging it. This is similar to the process of injecting a lubricant when a key is rusty. Use your deicing agent first, then move your key around to stress the ice. A lock is rarely built in such a way that a heat source can reach the frozen internal components, but it’s certainly something you can try if it appears possible in your situation. You want to get as close as possible to the lock’s internals with whatever you’re using to remove the ice build-up.
4. Lock Has Worn Out or Broken So Key Won’t Turn
The Problem
This is one of the most difficult issues to identify because it necessitates the understanding and dismissal of all other issues. You must admit that something about the lock has worn out or that you have a broken lock only after you have exhausted all other possibilities.
The Solution
5. Key Won’t Turn As Has Worn Down
The Problem
You can compare the difference between the key that won’t turn and the working spare if you have one. The difference in the height and depth of the grooves is the most important visual feature to look for. When the keys don’t look the same, it’s identical to the problem you’d have if you used the wrong key. If no key has ever been duplicated, then the issue is possibly due to regular use that has created wear and tear over time.
The Solution
When the key has worn down to the point that it won’t turn in the lock, you’re looking for a way to fix a damaged key to some extent. The most possible solution, in this case, is to replace the worn-out key. This will be easier if you have a working spare, but the key code can also be obtained from the lock or by inspecting the worn-down spots on the key.
The Expert Conclusion
You may have come to the decision that you need to consult an expert after reading this. When deciding whether to implement security modifications yourself or hire a professional, there are many factors to consider. Prime Locksmith carries everything you’ll need to repair a lock that won’t turn properly. Don’t bite off more than you can chew; instead, use a locksmith to help you in finding the information you require.
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