Why Do House Keys Stop Working Over Time?
It can feel like a nightmare when you insert your house key into the lock, and it no longer works as it once did. Unfortunately, after years of regular use, it’s a common situation for homeowners. House keys are built to last, but daily wear and tear to environmental changes can cause them to fail over time. When keys start to stick, turn awkwardly, or don’t work at all, it’s time to figure out what’s going on and find a solution.
In this article, we’ll explore the common reasons keys stop working, the signs that mean there’s a problem, and the practical steps you can take to restore your locks and keys to optimal condition. Whether you’re dealing with a worn key, a stubborn deadlock, or a lock that won’t budge, Sure Lock & Key provides clarity and actionable advice.
Why Won’t My Key Work in the Lock?
A once-reliable house key can suddenly stop working properly. For example, when you get home after a long day, your hands are busy with groceries or bags. You expect that familiar turn and click as you slide the key into the lock. However, this time, the lock doesn’t budge. You wiggle the key and try a bit more pressure, but nothing seems to work. You become frustrated and wonder, “Why won’t my key work in my door anymore?”
This happens more often than you think and can happen to any homeowner at some point. Locks that once worked easily may start to resist, keys may stop turning, or the deadbolt may not retract. Before you know it, you are stuck outside, searching for a solution. When you find yourself in this situation, the first step is to understand what’s gone wrong. When you understand the most common reasons, you can figure out how to fix and prevent them from happening again, so let’s look closer at them.
Common Reasons Your Key Stopped Working in the Lock
When you discover your key isn’t working in the lock, it isn’t an accident — it’s usually a combination of issues that build up over time. Homeowners might wonder, “Why won’t my key work anymore?” and the answer typically lies in a few common reasons. Knowing these causes can help you figure out the problem and how to fix it.
Everything worn out over time and daily use causes keys to lose their original shape. When the edges of the key wear out, they no longer perfectly engage the lock’s pins, which makes it harder for pins inside the lock to catch and turn. Also, it can possibly be that the door frame shifted and the lock is out of alignment just enough that the key feels foreign in its own home. Dust and debris may have built up inside the lock, gumming up the works. The lock cylinder itself, hidden from view, might be worn or broken. And if you’ve been using a duplicate key cut from a well-used original, that copy will likely have the same problems, making it even worse.
When you understand these common causes, it is easier to see why your key stopped working in the lock and what steps to take to fix the issue. However, what if the key turns, yet the door won’t open?
Key Turns, But Deadbolt Won’t Unlock – What’s Happening?
A frustrating situation occurs when the key turns, but the deadbolt won’t unlock. While it seems like a mystery at first, there might be a few reasons.
Sometimes, the problem is internal lock damage. Over time, the components inside the lock mechanism can wear out or shift out of place. When that happens, the key might rotate but fail to engage the deadbolt. Another possible scenario is a broken or disconnected linkage. The connection between the cylinder and the locking mechanism can detach, so the key turns, but nothing moves the bolt. Even something as small as dirt can interfere with the locking mechanism’s function. A small buildup of grime inside the lock can prevent the deadbolt from retracting fully. In addition, if the lock hasn’t been properly lubricated for a while, friction can make it hard for the key’s motion to translate into bolt movement.
When you find yourself in this situation, it’s best to call a locksmith company. They can diagnose the problem, whether it’s internal damage, dirt, or something else, and fix it. Maintaining your locks and addressing problems as they happen, you can get your key and deadbolt working in harmony again.
How to Fix a Key That’s Not Working in the Lock
Once you know why your key stopped working in the lock, it’s time to fix it. Each solution is specific to the issue, but the right fix will get your lock and key working together again.
One of the simplest steps is to clean the lock mechanism. If possible, remove the lock cylinder and clean out any dirt so it can work wonders. Use a lock-safe lubricant to restore smooth operation. If the key itself is the issue — worn or damaged — the easiest fix is to replace it. A new key, especially one cut from the lock itself, will get everything running smoothly and prevent further wear.
Adjusting the hinges or strike plate can help if the door or frame isn’t aligned correctly. This simple step makes sure that the key and lock fit together as they should. If the problem involves worn-out internal components, it may be time to call a locksmith who offers residential services. A professional can replace or repair the internal parts so the key turns properly and securely. In some cases, it’s worth upgrading to a new lock entirely. If the lock is too old or damaged to save, ask a professional to replace your lock with a new one so you’ll improve your home’s security.
Summary
To summarize, this article explores common reasons why house keys stop working in the lock and how to keep your locks running smoothly. From worn keys to misaligned doors, knowing the root of the problem is key to maintaining your locks and smooth operation. If you’ve been having a lock that won’t turn or a key that no longer works like it should, don’t wait for the problem to get out of hand.
Contact Sure Lock & Key today for professional residential services, and let our experts handle the problem, giving you one less thing to worry about.