Why is my key not unlocking my door?

The key fob itself could be defective or have a bad unlock button. Try the lock button, trunk release button or panic button. If the other buttons work, the problem is a bad unlock button. A fault in the wiring or control circuitry, or even a blown fuse may be preventing the power door locks from unlocking.

How do you fix a door that won’t turn with the key?

If that is the problem, it is easy to fix. You can spray a little dry lubricant in the lock to free up the plug so you can open the door. Spray lubricant in the keyway and insert the key a few times so the lubricant can get worked into the mechanism. If a dry lubricant doesn’t do the trick, you can try WD-40.

How do I unlock an old door without a key?

A small or thin screwdriver will work best on interior doors or doors with privacy handles. Simply push the screwdriver into the hole on the doorknob straight through for as far as you can. Then, turn or twist the screwdriver until the lock opens.

How do you open an old door that is stuck?

If you need to open a stuck door, you should try jiggling the door, pushing, and moving the doorknob. If you are on the inside and stuck, remove the door off the hinges. You can also use a bobby pin, paper clips or your credit card, or simply take the doorknob off. You can also call a locksmith or a crafty friend.

Is it easy to rekey a door lock?

If you already have the correct key and want to simply rekey your lock you can skip the shimming step and move on to how to remove the cylinder. Rekeying your door locks can seem difficult but with a little bit of practice it can be surprisingly easy and cost effective. Being able to do it your self will save you a lot of time and money.

Can a key go all the way into a door lock?

Sometimes, if you heat up the lock and the key, really really hot, you can manage with melted glue to turn the lock just once and get inside. The lock is definitely broken and this trick is difficult to do with little tools just by yourself. The key is bent, even slightly. A key suffers wear and tear.

How can I get an old door lock to work?

It’s a simple job with a nice reward: bringing an old lock back to life. Shown: TOH senior technical editor Mark Powers had this bit key made to get his old door locks working again. Loosen the set screw on one door knob and twist or pull it off the spindle, then pull the other knob and the attached spindle out of the hub.

Can a skeleton key be used to open a door?

Skeleton locks were commonly used in old houses and pieces of furniture, so knowing how to pick them can come in handy if you collect antiques or are moving into a home that no longer has its original skeleton keys. If the door or drawer still won’t open even after you felt the deadbolt move, the spring to the handle itself may be broken or loose.

Is it possible to remove a door lock without a key?

Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Many homeowners have old doors somewhere in the house that they no longer have the keys for. If these doors are locked, it can be difficult to remove the lock and replace it with a unit that works.

Can a broken key cause a door lock to jam?

Door lock problems that are a result of debris jamming up the keyway should not be ignored because they can potentially result in more problems, like breaking a key in a lock. Also, a broken bolt or latch that causes your door lock to jam might be a symptom of a much larger issue, like an attempted home break-in.

What to do if your house key won’t turn in?

If lubricating the lock did not work and you suspect there is an obstruction, you should call a locksmith. Trying to remove it yourself without the right tools when you can’t see what you are doing could damage the lock.