Key and lock: codependent no more?

September 16, 2015 8:44 AM

Howdy MeFites! The lock on my front door is apparently suffering from separation anxiety; it refuses to release the key. The key still functions properly in all other ways but when I attempt to remove it from the lock it stubbornly stays put. While I empathize with their situation, I cannot leave for work without locking my front door and taking the key with me. Any recommendations for fixing besides "call a locksmith"?

I first noticed an issue getting my key to release last night, but I thought I'd have a couple of days of runway and that under_petticoat_rule could fix it tonight. More fool me!

Is this a "replace the lock" situation or is there some way to repair it?

Also, is this a sign that someone may have tried to tamper with our front door? Things went pretty dramatically from "functional" to "not."

posted by rednikki to Home & Garden (17 answers total)

Best answer: Have someone watch the place while you swing by a hardware store and pick up some graphite powder. Use the tube to puff the stuff into the lock around the key as best you can, while moving the key in the lock as much as you can. Keep trying, it may require repeat applications.
posted by Rock Steady at 8:50 AM on September 16, 2015 [5 favorites]

I've had success using 3-in-1 oil or WD-40 to lubricate a lock which was trying to hold onto keys.
posted by Comrade_robot at 8:50 AM on September 16, 2015 [5 favorites]

hit it (the key, towards the lock) with something like the sole of a shoe. it might be a pin stuck down, and that might loosen it.
posted by andrewcooke at 9:00 AM on September 16, 2015

Best answer: +1 for Rock Steady's suggestion of graphite powder. Our front door lock goes through phases of doing this and that stuff is magic.

Keep it on hand and whenever you notice the first bits of clinginess squirt some on the top edge of your key and work it back and forth. Do not use any kind of oil before the graphite powder - it would likely cause a gunky mess.
posted by jshort at 9:13 AM on September 16, 2015

Can you turn the lock from the other side? Is it a deadbolt and that you can fiddle with from both sides at once? I would try opening and closing the lock from the other side, and doing some shaking and jiggling.

Have you dropped your keys recently? I managed to bend my house key a bit when I accidentally threw it down onto the hard driveway. And now it needs a lot more jiggling.
posted by mskyle at 9:13 AM on September 16, 2015

If you don't have WD40, hairspray is a decent emergency substitute. Citation: ask me about the time I got locked inside my own house.
posted by greenish at 9:17 AM on September 16, 2015

+1 to WD40. It has worked for me the three times I've had this problem.
posted by overhauser at 9:17 AM on September 16, 2015

Best answer: Graphite powder is, as asserted by other posters, amazing. I'd be worried hairspray (or even WD-40) would gum it up or attract more gunk.
posted by fiercecupcake at 9:29 AM on September 16, 2015 [2 favorites]

Best answer: I recently called a locksmith for this exact problem. He cleaned and lubricated the locks on the front and back door, charged me $40, and told me that many people wreck their locks using WD-40.
posted by yarntheory at 9:39 AM on September 16, 2015 [7 favorites]

Best answer: Graphite lock lubricator, not WD-40. Graphite is far superior and won't mess up your locks in the long-run.
posted by quince at 9:53 AM on September 16, 2015 [3 favorites]

Best answer: Sewing machine oil could work and not be a problem later, if you have any around. Kerosene or liquid parafin. Bike chain oil. Mineral oil (like for cutting boards). Silicone based liquid makeup primer or anti-frizzing hair stuff. The liquid inside Gas-x softgels. Any of these could work and shouldn't cause problems later.

Please don't use WD-40 for anything but rusted bolts. Liquid Wrench or PB Blaster are much much better. WD-40 makes me cry. (I've fixed old sewing machines that have been "lubed" with it. So. Much. Sticking.)
posted by monopas at 10:36 AM on September 16, 2015

Use pliers to get extra leverage in pulling key out. Also whack side of lock to get tumblers loose. If brute force fails, the rest of the suggestions sound good too.
posted by slateyness at 10:56 AM on September 16, 2015 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Yes, like quince and fiercecupcake said, WD40 will work short term but longer term will screw up your lock. Spray graphite (it comes as a spray sort of thing) in there and you will be all set. You'll likely have to do it again eventually, but not very frequently.
posted by katers890 at 11:46 AM on September 16, 2015

Best answer: Graphite powder is the tool for the job.

You asked if someone had been fiddling with your door. The answer is probably not. Locks do need lubrication eventually but not for a long time. Many locks get replaced before you need to toss some graphite in there. Unless the locks weren't replaced when you moved in or you live in your place for years you might never need to do it.

Good news? A tube of graphite powder is about 3 bucks and will likely last you a lifetime!
posted by 26.2 at 12:36 PM on September 16, 2015

Silicone spray.
posted by Oyéah at 4:02 PM on September 16, 2015

I've had success using 3-in-1 oil or WD-40 to lubricate a lock which was trying to hold onto keys.

Please do not put ANY kind of liquid into your locks unless you're also prepared to have them stripped down, cleaned and dried, and then lubricated with a proper dry lubricant [Graphite as many have said above].

Liquid lubricants in locks will give you short-term gain and long-term pain.
posted by HiroProtagonist at 10:18 PM on September 16, 2015 [2 favorites]

If anyone's curious, It turns out that a small screw had worked loose and fallen out of the core. The locksmith had it fixed in about 20 minutes and he showed me how to fix it if it ever happens again. When he left he said "Okay, bye. See you in five years or so!"
posted by under_petticoat_rule at 9:37 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]