Door lock is too tight. I have to turn the key so hard to lock and unlock my door.?

Question

Its so hard that it is not possible for my wife to lock/unlock the door because its so tight. The key shape itself changed a little.

How can I fix this. Your response will be appreciated.

Answer 1

first i would try to loosen the screws just a little and use some wd40.

Answer 2

You may have foundation problems that have shifted the door frame. If this happens when the door is open and you still can't turn the key, get a new lock. There are graphite sprays you can use on the current lock, but it makes things worse in the long run. Replacing a lock is really easy, just follow the directions on the package. If the key turns easily when the door is open, but not when the door is closed, (and this a deadbolt you are talking about), it is a foundation issue that you need to address by contacting a foundation repair company. If this is just a door knob, just replace it. Replace it with a good Weiser or Kwikset lock. Don't buy one of those off brands you get at Wal Mart, Target, K Mart, etc. Go to Home Depot or Lowes and spend money on a quality knob.

Answer 3

Tight Lock

Answer 4

if the door is held open, and u insert the key, is it still tight? if not then the throw( the part that comes out of the door side that hits the door jam) is jamming in the keeper( keeper is the somewhat sq. metal part that is on the door jam that has a hole in it to accept the throw) more than likely the keeper needs to be moved back toward the weather striping about an 1/8 " or more.....

if the door is held open and u insert the key and it is still hard to lock the door knob then the throw is wedged or jammed...try removing the door knob and checking for interior damage to the unit....if it is bent then u need to replace it......

but what caused it to bend might be that the throw was not in lined with the keeper and this caused the damage.....

lic. gen. contractor

Answer 5

If the latch lines up with the hole in the jamb and the door is not twisted from damp it might be the weather stripping is putting pressure on door when closed. If it is a removable type stripping remove and try door. It might be that simple. Of course then you will have to adjust the stripping.

Answer 6

There is a spray you can spray directly in your lock to loosen the tumblers...can't think of the name, but the people in the key/lock dept. would know what you want if you asked.

Answer 7

Get yourself a can of aerosol penetrating oil! give the whole lock inside a good spray, you will be amazed at how quickly that stuff works!