How to Fix a Sticking Door Lock

Stuck door lock?

Nothing's more frustrating than coming home from a tough day at work only to find that the key you use every day to get into your home isn't working like it should. If it's sticking in the door lock and you know your door knob is the culprit, this article will teach you how to lubricate your door lock to running more smoothly. If you've ever seen the Tin Man's appearance in "The Wizard of Oz," you're already halfway there!

First, understand how to diagnose a sticky lock that simply needs lubrication. A good way to conduct this test is simple: try turning the key in your door's lock even as the door is open. If there's still stickiness, then there's a good chance that you'll need to use the lubrication.

So what kind of lubrication do you use? First, remember that the lubrication you apply into the door lock will likely be staying there. For that reason, you'll want to use something that won't cause problems down the road. Graphite powder will work for you. Why not use a petroleum-based oil? You can, but remember that it could stay in there and collect dust, and even get on your key. If you've used a lubrication of a certain type in your doorknob before, try to use the same one, as you don't want to mix lubricants.

To use the graphite powder, insert the squeeze-tube pointing upwards into the door lock, squeezing the tube a few times to shoot the powder into the lock. Make sure that you apply the powder to the door bolt, as well, just to make sure you have your bases covered.

After applying the powder, use your key to insert into the lock and turn it over and over, moving the graphite powder around to as many areas as possible.

Once you've done this, you shouldn't have any more problems with your door lock, unless the problem isn't with the lubrication. There might be something wrong with the door knob itself, in which case you'll need to make more extensive repairs or even replace it. If you find yourself pushing or pulling the door in order to get the lock to work, then your door's alignment is the problem.

If the graphite powder did the trick, you should be ready to use your door lock easily again! Enjoy, and make sure to stay on top of your home improvement so that you never need to get frustrated after those tough days at work. Fixing your job is another story!

Photo Credits: René Ehrhardt

Originally posted 2009-12-19 03:20:15.

This post involves:

appearance, bolt, coming home, culprit, doorknob, good chance, graphite powder, lubricants, petroleum, squeeze tube, stickiness, tin man, tough day, turning the key, wizard

... and focuses on:

Handyman, How to Fix, Locks, Locksmith, doors

Posted by Fix Handyman on May 17, 2010 in Handyman, How to Fix, Locks, Locksmith, doors. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.