What Caused My House Deadbolt Lock to Not Turn With the Key?

Lack of Lubrication

• A keyed deadbolt lock consists of two outer pieces of trim encasing a lock assembly. The key pushes the lock pins inside the assembly and engages the bolt. The lock is lubricated with a silicone-based grease during manufacture, but over time and with continued use the lubrication evaporates. Once dry, a deadbolt seizes and refuses to turn even with the key inserted. Occasionally keys may become stuck or even break off inside the lock.

Improper Installation

• The lock assembly is just one half of a deadbolt lock. The engaged bolt is housed inside a strike plate installed in or on the door frame directly across from the lock. If not positioned properly, the bolt hits the edge of the strike plate rather than entering the hole in the center. Over time, misalignment causes the lock assembly to shift and eventually seize. Adjustment of either the assembly or strike plate corrects the problem.

Door Alignment

• Loose hinge screws or an improperly aligned door affect the positioning of the lock and strike plate assembly. If the door shifts, the bolt no longer engages properly and the lock seizes. Hinge screws may become loose after repeated use of the door or as a result of changes in weather and subsequent expansion and contraction of the door material. Adjust the hinge screws until the lock becomes realigned or replace them with longer screws if the existing ones no longer hold the door in place.

Regular Maintenance

• Test the bolt and strike every six months or if the lock becomes difficult to operate. Tighten the hinge screws to reposition the door within the frame, and remove and reinstall the strike plate in the proper position. Spray a bit of silicone-based lubricant into the keyhole and around the bolt. Engage and disengage the bolt several times to work the lubricant into the assembly. If the lock still does not turn properly, remove the trim screws and lubricate the assembly beneath the trim plates.