How Can I Fix Stiff Door Locks?

Question

My front door’s lock has become very stiff recently when I try to turn the key in it to unlock it. However, it doesn’t seem to bad when locking the door. I’d like to solve this soon so I don't get locked out. 
It seems to have gone worse over time and is now consistently stiff, despite the door and lock only being a few years old. 
Is there anything I can do to make the lock a bit looser? Or is it more likely that I need to replace the door’s lock? 
If anyone has any ideas for what could have caused this, please let me know – as I don’t want any repeats of this in future.

Will · Accepted Answer

The first thing to check is that the door hinges have not loosened - this can cause the door to lean and the bolt to get stuck/ be stiff. Sometimes it is not a lock problem and tightening these can solve it.

If the door is not the problem, then there are a number of possibilities but it could be that your lock is failing - if it is a uPVC door then the door mechanism is often the culprit. Either way it is best to get someone out to look at it sooner rather than later, especially if it is getting noticeably worse, to avoid getting locked out. 

Hope this helps!

Jason · Answer

If the door is Upvc/Composite are the handles hard to lift? Because what is happening is that the multi-point lock, down the side of the door is not properly lined up and being forced into the keeps. If this is left it will damage the lock. It can be rectified easily by aligning the door.

If the door is wooden are you having to lean on the door to lock it? this is normally caused once again by door alignment problems.

Contact a local locksmith and they will sort the problem before you end up on the wrong side of a locked door.

Sean · Answer

Squirt some WD40 in the lock. If it still persists then the lock needs changing.

Stewart · Answer

Try it with the door in the open position if locking and unlocking works fine then you can assume that the door needs adjusting.

Radu · Answer

If it is an upvc/composite door, you might wanna look at the door alignment, assuming is a multi point lock.

James · Answer

if the door is upvc its an easy fix just search window fitter or stop and chat if you see them working in a street est cost 50

William · Answer

Lubricant of some sort but not WD40 as this cleans it not lubes it. Use in all nuts and cranny and moving parts.

john · Answer

It may need to be replaced or an adjustment to the fit. You could try a little spray oil but not too much, put some on tock lock bolt and lock and unlock it with the door open and just see if it works. If not, you will need to get a locksmith to have a look at it.

Philip Patrick · Answer

Hi, the only lubricant that works and lasts is graphite oil, put some on your key and work it in and out a few times, same on the latch and handle inside, you can get graphite oil from a lot of places ,I get mine from Lidl, regards phil grant.

Lewis · Answer

Depending on the time the lock has been in there it could be multiple factors, i would hope its just clogged up with dust and gunk, but sometimes it can be a sign that the lock is on its way out, or even that a perticular part is on way out, its hard to say without taking it apart and looking at it

How Can I Fix Stiff Door Locks?

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