What to Do If Your Key Won't Turn In The Lock

Locks on the doors of your home or business should make you feel safe and protected. Unfortunately, people have daily problems with not being able to unlock their doors. If your key won't open the lock, you can consider DIY options, or contact a locksmith for help.
 
DIY troubleshooting steps to unlock your door
Having a key that doesn't open the lock can be a bit of an inconvenience. Fortunately, there are several do-it-yourself options that can help you unlock your door quickly without dealing with the hassle of contacting a locksmith. Here are several DIY solutions to your keylock problem.
 
Lock lubricant
One of the first problems with locks and keys occurs when dust and dirt begin to collect inside the lock cartridge. When this happens, the pin may get stuck, causing the plug to not turn properly. Fortunately, this is usually easy to fix.
 
Simply pick up a can of WD-40, silicon-based lubricant, graphite spray, or dry lubricant and spray it into the keyway. After spraying, insert the key to allow the lubricant to enter the locking mechanism.
 
Defrosting lock
Frozen locks may not be a problem during the summer months, but your door may not unlock during the winter months when your lock is frozen shut. Luckily, it's also an easy fix.
 
Simply heat the key in a small container of hot water. Once the key is warm and dry, insert the key into the lock mechanism and turn it slowly. Alternatively, if your car doors are locked, you can try using a deicer in the door lock or a hair dryer that blows hot air directly into the locking mechanism to unfreeze your door lock.
 
The key is bent.
If you use a key to cut something, such as a box opener or can opener, it may cause the key to bend. If your key is bent, it may get stuck in the lock when you try to enter your home or vehicle. If this happens, you need to try to straighten the key as much as possible.
 
You can use a hammer to hit the key on a smooth, hard surface. You do not want to flatten the key, so be careful to remove only the curved part of the key. This may be much easier if you have a side stool. You can place a piece of wood between the keys of the hammer to protect it.
 
The key tip is straightforward
Keys can only be cut in such a way that they fit a particular lock. When you use your key as a box cutter or for any other reason than to pick a lock, you can damage the tip of your key just as much as it can bend.
 
To fix blunt key tips, you can use a hybrid file to remove excess metal to prevent the key from turning. Be sure to use some lubricant in the key and locking mechanism before attempting to turn the key again.
 
Consider keyless entry
If you purchase a keyless entry system, you may be able to avoid dealing with key locks that don't turn. These are becoming increasingly popular in modern cars and homes. You will no longer need a key to access your vehicle or home. Instead, you can unlock the door by entering a password. You will no longer need to carry your keys and one less thing you won't have to worry about losing.
 
The key just got cut off
One of the most common reasons a lock won't open is because the key has just been cut. If you can insert the key, but it doesn't turn, the key may not have been cut properly. Unfortunately, in this case, you may need to get a new key to get into your home or car. Before you decide to proceed and send the key back, make sure you place the key correctly in the lock.
 
The key won't stay in
When the key doesn't fit fully into the lock, it may be because of an obstruction. The pin may be corroded or the pin chamber may be worn. Be sure to do your research before attempting to solve this key and lock problem on your own, as errors can damage the lock or your door.
 
The key turns but the lock does not
If you can turn the key but the lock does not turn, there may be a problem with the lock's mechanical system. In this case, the lock may need to be removed or replaced. Your lock cartridge may also have misalignment problems or malfunctions. If you try to turn your key in the ignition, but it simply won't move, you can try the Lock Pick Sets from lockpickmall.com.