What To Do If Your Door Lock Gets Jammed
Posted on: 28 May 2015
If you have ever tried to open your door lock and the key gets jammed, you know how frustrating it can be. Luckily, there are some ways to gain entry even if this happens. Here are some tips about what to do when the door lock gets jammed.
Use Graphite
The first thing you can do to un-jam a stuck door lock is by using graphite. There are two ways to do this: you can either spray liquid graphite directly into the keyhole or coat your key with powdered graphite. Both will effectively help to dislodge he lock. Graphite works great as a lubricant for a door lock. If the lock tumblers inside the lock have gotten clogged, the graphite helps to loosen the debris so you can open the lock. Jiggle the key after using the graphite to help remove some of that debris so you can unlock it.
Try a Key Extractor
If you can get to the hardware store for tools, you might want to pick up a key extractor. This tool helps to remove your key from the lock when it gets stuck. Before using the tool, spray a lubricant oil into the keyhole around where the key is stuck inside. Take the barbed end of the key extractor and insert it into the hole so that the barbed teeth face the key's teeth inside the keyhole. Move the extractor up and down to hook the key on the teeth. Now you should be able to pull away the extractor and remove the key with it.
Remove the Faceplate
Some types of door locks, such as those used on apartment doors, have a faceplate that can be removed in order to access where the key is jammed. If you have a surface-mounted rim lock or mortise lock, you should be able to unscrew the faceplate of the lock. This doesn't give you access into the door, but can help you free the key. Look on the edge of the door for the faceplate and unscrew it from the door. You will now have the cylinder exposed. Turn the screws clockwise; this should help release your key.
Call a Locksmith
When all else fails, calling a professional locksmith like Bob's Lock & Key is your last resort. Locksmiths will not only be able to get your key out of the lock without damaging it, but can address the issue that jammed it in the first place.
Share