Sticky Door Lock

This occurs when dust dirt grime and other buildup accumulates on the internal.

Sticky door lock.

Often turning these four screws slightly clockwise is enough to eliminate the scuffing. For serious lock problems it is usually best to call a locksmith or to replace the lock entirely. After enough use you might find that your door lock has begun to stick making it difficult to put in turn or pull out your key. To fix a door lock that doesn t turn easily.

Fix and lubricate a sticky lock and key this applies to all locks but especially to motorcycle ignitions gas caps saddlebags and trunks. You can even see where the door has scraped against the frame. Squirt a little powdered graphite available in squeeze tubes at home improvement and automotive stores in the keyhole of the lock. Insert the key in the lock and turn it several times to distribute the graphite.

It doesn t really pay to have interior door knobs or locks professionally repaired unless they are special. Once the door is open try to actuate the door latch with the handle. Simulating opening the door without the latch extending into and retracting out of the strike plate. Sticking door locks can be attributed to everything from slight settling of the house to a buildup of dust and dirt within the locking mechanism.

More force is needed to turn the knob and unstick the latch. The door latch is not extended before rotating the knob. Many people put up with the aggravation of a sticking door lock for years. Ironically by cleaning and oiling them you can fix most locks in a matter of minutes.

If it s a matter of friction on the strike plate try to tighten both the plate and the lock on your door. Most times you ll find that the door sticks along the top because the door is sagging. I can unlock the door if i try a few times but the key has a difficult time turning as the deadbolt is sticky. Fixing a few stubborn locks might involve disassembling cleaning and then reassembling the lock.

An improperly functioning latch may be the result of a poorly fitting door. Most interior door knobs are relatively inexpensive to replace. How to fix a sticky lock. The handle or knob must be jiggled to unstick the latch.

First clean the keyhole with a penetrating lubricant like wd 40.