How to Fix a Door Lock That Won’t Turn: Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Published Date: Sep 10, 2025

Locks are meant to protect your home and property, but when they stop working, your security can feel uncertain. If you’re dealing with this issue, you’re in the right place. Sure Lock & Key shows you how to fix a door lock that won’t turn using clear, simple steps, even if you’ve never handled a lock repair before.

Why Your Door Lock or Handle Won’t Turn

If your door lock won’t turn, some causes are easy to fix, while others may need professional service. Below are the most common reasons your lock might not be working properly:

Dirt buildup in the lock cylinder: Dust or grime inside the keyhole can block the key from turning smoothly.
Misaligned hardware: If the strike plate and lock bolt don’t line up, the key may turn, but the door won’t lock or unlock correctly.
Worn or rusted parts: Over time, internal components can wear down or rust, especially on exterior doors.
Swollen door frame: Moisture or temperature changes can cause the door to expand and put pressure on the lock.
Stripped or broken knob spindle: If the issue is a door knob not turning the latch, the rod connecting the knobs may be damaged or loose.
Sticky or stuck latch bolt: A common cause when the door handle won’t turn the latch, especially if the latch feels jammed or doesn’t spring back.

How to Fix a Door Lock That Won’t Turn

If you’re wondering how to fix a door lock that won’t turn, start with these simple steps:

Smooth Out the Mechanism

Dust or buildup inside the lock can jam things up. Try a graphite-based lubricant (available at most hardware stores). Spray a little into the keyhole, insert your key, and gently turn it back and forth.

Check How the Lock Lines Up

Close the door and watch how the bolt fits into the strike plate. If it seems off-center or sticks, your door may have shifted. A few turns of a screwdriver might be all it takes.

Try a Key That’s in Better Shape

Keys wear down with time. Try using a backup key. If both struggle, the lock might be the problem — not the key.

Test It With the Door Open

If the lock turns fine when the door is open but sticks when it’s shut, the issue may be with the door frame. Swelling from heat or humidity can press against the bolt.

Check for Weather Damage Around the Door

Rust, cracks, or loose parts could mean something inside the lock is broken. If so, it might be time to replace the mechanism.

If none of these solutions work, explore our guide on how to fix a broken door lock or reach out to a trusted locksmith.

How to Fix a Deadbolt That Won’t Turn

When your deadbolt won’t turn from inside, try these targeted steps to fix the issue:

Free Up the Deadbolt Mechanism

Remove the interior cover and spray a graphite-based lubricant directly on the bolt. Turn it by hand a few times to loosen things up.

Check the Inside Screws

Loose mounting screws can prevent smooth movement. Tighten everything inside the hardware and test the lock again.

Make Sure the Door and Frame Match Up

If the door has shifted, it may be putting pressure on the bolt. Misalignment can stop the deadbolt from extending all the way.

Change Out the Inner Core

If the lock feels gritty or won’t turn, the cylinder might be worn out. When that happens, the best solution is a full replacement. Follow our instructions on how to change a door lock cylinder for safe, proper installation.

Summing Up

From simple lubrication to cylinder replacement, understanding how to fix a door lock that won’t turn brings you one step closer to a more secure space. Even so, some issues go beyond DIY fixes and need professional repair.

Sure Lock & Key has proudly served residential and commercial clients for over 35 years, delivering dependable solutions and 24/7 locksmith service. Explore our residential locksmith services and get trusted support exactly when you need it.

Door locks can wear down over time, and when they stop working the way they should, it’s more than just an inconvenience. The good news is, many issues are minor and can be handled with a few simple tools — no need to replace the entire lock. In this guide, we’ll look at when and how to fix common problems, and when it might make more sense to call a professional.

The Most Common UPVC Door Lock Issues and How to Fix Them

Many homeowners take the functionality of their door locks for granted. Still, over some time, any mechanism tends to fall down or malfunction, and UPVC locks are no exception. Known for their sturdiness and longevity, this door lock type is one of the most popular choices among US residents. Due to everyday use, even durable UPVC locks can become a problem. Improper closure, jammed lock, and stuck key – the list of issues is not full. This article will examine all the common UPVC door lock problems homeowners often deal with. Moreover, we will give you effective solutions to each of them so your security and comfort will never be compromised again. So, whether you're a new UPVC door owner or you've been dealing with a troublesome lock for a while, read on to learn how to keep your entryway secure and functioning smoothly.

How do you fix a stuck door latch

If the door latch is stuck, your safety is compromised, and your daily routine is unnecessarily complicated. It would help if you fixed a stuck door latch as quickly as possible. Whether your door latch is stuck in the open or closed position, you need to find a way to get your door to function correctly. Although your security depends more on the deadbolt than the latch, there’s still nothing good about a stuck door latch and you can not stay safe with a non-functioning door latch . If you have a question about how to fix a door that won’t latch, the answer is in this article!