Silicone for a Deadbolt Sticking

Why a Deadbolt Sticks

• Deadbolt locks can stick in one of two cases. The striking bolt may stick in the jamb when the two do not properly line up. This can happen if something causes the door to come out of alignment, such as foundation problems or if the striking plate in the jamb was not correctly installed. This situation requires realigning the striking plate and striking bolt by moving the plate in the door jamb. Also, wear and tear with daily use, dust or debris can get into the key portion of the lock. These factors make inserting, turning or removing a key from the lock difficult. When the lock does not turn, you will need to turn to a lubricant like graphite or silicone to unstick the lock.

How Silicone Helps

• Silicone lubricates the metal parts in the deadbolt lock to help the key slide in and out easily. Silicone should not be used with other lubricants, especially graphite. The two combined can create a mess that clogs up a lock instead of easing its movement. Spray silicone is best applied to the hinges of a door to keep them from sticking -- instead of inside the door lock. Using silicone too often to unstick a lock can create a buildup inside the lock that can cause permanent damage.

Applying Silicone

• Spray silicone into the lock and around the bolt. Insert the key and work it back and forth to distribute the silicone. Try to unlock the deadbolt and repeat the process if necessary. Silicone should only be used as a last resort for unsticking locks; this is because silicone is sprayed into the lock in liquid form, and, over time, the water evaporates, leaving behind the solid ingredients in the spray. With repeated use, these byproducts of the silicone spray build up inside the lock, making a gummy mess that can make your lock stick in the future. If you have graphite or a pencil available to you, opt for that instead of silicone for a better way to unstick the lock without damaging the lock over time.

Alternatives to Silicone

• Graphite is a mineral that is used by locksmiths for unsticking locks. Because it is solid, it does not become sticky or create a liquid mess when used. Powdered graphite is available in small tubes. To use it to unstick a lock, squirt the powdered graphite into the lock and around the bolt. A ready alternative to powdered graphite is to rub a pencil over both sides of the key and work the key back and forth in the lock. This works because pencil lead is made of graphite.