House key stuck in the door lock?

House key stuck in the door lock? And no matter how hard you try, it just wouldn’t come out. Usually, keys give you signals. Initially, it may be difficult to insert or turn but you are still able to operate the key or get it out of the lock. But it gradually transforms into something bigger when you are stuck with a key jammed within the lock.

While it may be annoying, but you can still remove a stuck key with a little manipulation here and there, as long as the key is not broken inside the lock.

What could be the problem?

There could be many reasons why you have a house key stuck in the door lock. Something loose within the lock system can get you in this kind of trouble. Or sometimes new key has a burr that tend to catch on pins within the lock and this can be sorted by lubricating the lock and buffing the key ridges once you are able to retrieve your key.

Here are some DIY tips that can help you release a stuck key.

Wiggling the key

More often than not, this tricks work. All you need to jiggle the key a little while applying a gentle pulling force. Applying too much pressure won’t work at will only bind the key against the pins within the lock. Moving your key in an up-down direction (and not left to right) work to release the key.

However, please note this may not be a long-term solution to your problem. It is best to consult a knowledgeable locksmith to find the root cause and get it fixed. A new key might do the trick for you or your locksmith would need to take the lock apart and reassemble it. Okay. Coming back to the tricks up our sleeves, what if jiggling the key won’t work at the moment?

Dealing with loose plug

A loose keyhole plug in your lock may be the culprit. A loosened plug can move along with the entire cylinder, preventing the pin tumblers to line up and making it tough to get the key out. What you can do is to stabilize the cylinder a bit. Push your key gently through the keyway to help pin tumblers align as they should.

Now, how do you make sure the lock doesn’t turn along with the key? It is quite easy to spot a tiny metal circle that encloses the keyway. With one hand holding onto the key in its place, use you other hand (tip of the finger) to push the metal circle and turn the key. This will stabilize the loose lock assembly, not letting it move or turn as you twist your key and eventually help you extract it.

Lubricating the lock

If a loose keyhole plug is not the underlying cause, it might be a new key with a burr or may be an old key with a scratch. Using spray lubricants like WD 40 could help release a house key stuck in the door lock for such cases, but experts recommend using it only when you don’t have any other option. Liquid lubricants may help you in the moment but in the long run, they would stick to the pin tumblers and cause dirt and dust to accumulate. This ends up interfering with the lock operation.

A better way to deal release the key is to use dry graphite powder, which works as a great lubricant. All you need is to squeeze the powder into the keyway while moving the key gently. Add more graphite powder if the key doesn’t loosen up in one attempt. Chances are the key will turn and come out. Remember this is just one of the steps to resolve your problem. Once you have the key, get it buffed or filed down with the help of a qualified locksmith to prevent something like this happening again.

If all else fails?

Call an experienced locksmith to remove your keys. It is possible that you may need professional assistance in retrieving your stuck keys. If a warped, worn-out key is the issue why your key is getting trapped in the lock again and again (and your locksmith will be able to determine that), you may also need to get a new key for your lock.

Racine’s Lock & Key can help you with a lot of issues regarding old and damaged house keys. Our licensed and insured locksmiths can remove broken keys from the door lock without damaging the lock cylinder, make you a new key on the spot and unlock the door when you are locked out. We are 24 hour locksmith in Racine, offering emergency locksmith services exactly for such times when you need our help the most. You can call us for professional residential, commercial and automotive locksmith services in Racine.