Lately, we've had plenty of cold weather and snow where I live . The other night, I tried to unlock my door when I came home, and I couldn't . I was in NO MOOD to stand outside in the freezing cold ! I had to go around and go in the back door . Today, a cab was waiting outside for me, and I couldn't unlock my front door . I had to go out my back door . The lock on my front door only works sometimes . A lock can't decide when to lock and when to unlock . A lock can only unlock when its owner puts the key in the keyhole and turns -- that's all it can do . I always use the right key . Why doesn't my lock work EVERY time I want to unlock my front door ? Are the tumblers in this lock freezing ? What could possibly be wrong ?
2007-12-01 05:15:29 · 6 answers · asked by I_hate_being_single 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
The key may be the problem. When inserting the key, and it won't unlock, slip the key back out just a little bit while using light pressure to turn it. The key pushes tumblers inside the lock. When the tumblers align, the key is able to turn. In this case the alignment is off just a hair, so moving the key back slightly sometimes aligns the tumblers allowing the key to turn. It happens when you are in a hurry, because you push the key more, and it goes in a hair further than it should. Take a deep breath, relax, and insert the key.
2007-12-01 05:34:24 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could have one or more situations going on here...
First as already mentioned, the key itself may be the problem...if youve used it repeatedly all summer, tho, I doubt it.
Second, also mentioned, it could be ice forming in the lock...some lock de-icer would melt any ice in the lock, if that's the case.
Or, the lock may just need a little lubrication - I like to use graphite powder myself, instead of silicone spray or WD-40 - the oil products can actually trap dirt, making it even more difficult to operate over time. You can find the graphite in a little squeeze tube at most hardware or auto parts stores.
One other scenario no one seems to have mentioned yet... the bolt may be in a bit of a bind. Since you mention recent cold weather seeming to affect it, I would hazard a guess that the door and/or frame may be suffering from seasonal adjustment. If this is the case - then the lock will be difficult to open, but once unlocked, and with the door open, it will move freely. All that is needed here usually, is a slight adjustment to the latchplate.
Oh, you didnt mention if this is a deadbolt or knob lock.... I see more deadbolts that need adjustment than knob locks, but they do occur... and, unfortunately, knob locks are not quite as sturdy as deadbolts...Ive seen a few latchbolts that had a cracked casing on close inspection, and operating the lock would put it in a bind on occasion. It literally 'hangs', and will not move. The latch bolt would need to be removed from the door to verify this. (obviously, if it is broke, it needs to be replaced, heheh)
Good Luck
2007-12-01 07:24:00 · answer #2 · answered by thewrangler_sw 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
hi Joanna, enable's see what you have have been given... Dream opens by utilising commenting on your lack of self assurance ("lock") the place others are worried ("seeing somebody walking on my highway" + "i don't understand"). the reality which you do not understand means that there is something you're uncertain of, for this reason, you do not realize it. the line would point out a direction on your existence which somebody else can be on. a minimum of so some distance as you hassle and the could shop something risk-free. you're at domicile ("front door"). Are you on the porch? on account which you're at domicile, seems to hint to something somewhat own ("ensuring my risk-free practices"). the front door exhibits welcome and/or threat. approximately that lock... "the door never locks". despite the fact which you try to safeguard, you're having difficulty with. Dream says you're having a topic getting a take care of on issues ("on each occasion the take care of is pushed-") that's merely too elementary to make you insecure a pair of particular remember ("the door unlocks"). Is there a guy on your existence ("constantly finally ends up with theman coming in the direction of the door"). lower back, the door is threat and somebody else, on your dream is finding it elementary to unencumber your door ('and beginning it"). think of on that! playstation : the reality that this is habitual means that that's something that keeps coming to strategies and you're having difficulty resolving why this keeps occurring to you. The dream says you would be open to somebody's advances and you will't seem to fasten them out of having elementary accessibility on your open doorways. -Ginger
2016-11-13 03:46:42 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be frozen, try to thaw it out with a hair dryer...if it's cold, be patient. If this works, spray the lock inside where you insert the key with WD 40
2007-12-01 05:53:37 · answer #4 · answered by Jim T 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
buy some lock anti freeze, the kind they sell for cars, give it a few squirts, water is getting into it and freezeing
2007-12-01 06:00:14 · answer #5 · answered by William B 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you either dont know the key to use or you are in early or too tired to unlock properly. otherwise you better ask the carpenter. good luck.
2007-12-01 05:29:14 · answer #6 · answered by kenjacy 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋