Key works but lock is stuck

[door_stuck]

Door lock is stuck. The key unlocks the door but knob will not turn enough to open door. I will replace the lock if I can ever get it open so I don't care if it gets destroyed, but I would like to try to not damage the door or frame. Ideas?

FYI, this is a rarely-used storage building on family property. It has been several months since it was accessed but the lock worked fine then. I have tried WD-40. Not an emergency but I would like to get access.

[Robotnik]

Several things could be causing this. Most common in my experience is the latch binding against the strike (settling, weather cycles, abuse, etc. can cause this binding). Have you tried pushing/pulling (depending on handing) on the door or lifting while turning knob?

Another possible cause is worn hardware; on a tubular style knobset, the spindle or the latch assembly it actuates may wear down, preventing full retraction. There are ways past failed hardware, however forum rules prevent discussion of certain bypasses and semi-destructive entries. That said, YouTube is out there . Good luck!

[door_stuck]

Thanks for replying. I've tried pushing, pulling, hitting (lightly with hammer), yelling... No luck! I've looked on youtube and all I can find are videos for removing the lock from the inside or drilling a lock where the key doesn't work. If destructive entries are prohibited on this site, I may have to go elsewhere! I feel sure some destruction is going to be necessary! Lol, I'd just like to protect the door and frame if I can.

Several things could be causing this. Most common in my experience is the latch binding against the strike (settling, weather cycles, abuse, etc. can cause this binding). Have you tried pushing/pulling (depending on handing) on the door or lifting while turning knob?

Another possible cause is worn hardware; on a tubular style knobset, the spindle or the latch assembly it actuates may wear down, preventing full retraction. There are ways past failed hardware, however forum rules prevent discussion of certain bypasses and semi-destructive entries. That said, YouTube is out there . Good luck!

[ltdbjd]

If the issue is the knob won't turn far enough my money is on the latch binding in the strike hole.

One of the following should work: Lean against the door hard, pull on the knob hard, lift the door by the knob, or press down on the door by the knob, while you turn it. You're trying to move the latch away from the hole it rests in.

The majority of my work anymore is relieving binding doors. I use an angle grinder and a die grinder more than any other tool (all the doors I work on are steel), except for a Torx driver.

[door_stuck]

I've had that happen before. I'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure that's not the case here. It genuinely seems to me that the knob (sorry I don't know the technical language to use) just won't turn, not like it's trying to turn but stuck in the hole. It's almost as if the key didn't unlock it but I can tell that it did and it only turns just a little. The deadbolt unlocks easily.

If the issue is the knob won't turn far enough my money is on the latch binding in the strike hole.

One of the following should work: Lean against the door hard, pull on the knob hard, lift the door by the knob, or press down on the door by the knob, while you turn it. You're trying to move the latch away from the hole it rests in.

The majority of my work anymore is relieving binding doors. I use an angle grinder and a die grinder more than any other tool (all the doors I work on are steel), except for a Torx driver.

[tpark]

If the issue is the knob won't turn far enough my money is on the latch binding in the strike hole.

One of the following should work: Lean against the door hard, pull on the knob hard, lift the door by the knob, or press down on the door by the knob, while you turn it. You're trying to move the latch away from the hole it rests in.

The majority of my work anymore is relieving binding doors. I use an angle grinder and a die grinder more than any other tool (all the doors I work on are steel), except for a Torx driver.

If you can get at the latch bolt, and the knob will turn, you can sometimes inch it back with a sharp pointy tool (the Peterson knife may work) or use a latch shim to move the latch out of the way, if the previous techniques don't work.

[billdeserthills]

I get calls for this all the time. It usually involves a kwikset knob with a broken deadlatch--Once the deadlatch breaks
off, and the rest of it comes out of it's little half circle hole, the knob (or lever) will 'lock-up' and won't turn any longer.

Funny thing is in order to repair it, you need to get to the inside to get the screws off, or else you will need to destroy
the knob/latch to get the door open, so you can get to the inside.

Once the door is open, I usually replace the deadlatch with a passage latch and that is the end of that problem

[Raymond]

We might be able to make better suggestions but need to know what brand and style lock you have. Including a picture makes all the difference.

[door_stuck]

Thank you! This sounds very likely and I was going to replace the lock anyway if I ever get it off. How is the best way to destroy the lock without damaging the door?

I get calls for this all the time. It usually involves a kwikset knob with a broken deadlatch--Once the deadlatch breaks
off, and the rest of it comes out of it's little half circle hole, the knob (or lever) will 'lock-up' and won't turn any longer.

Funny thing is in order to repair it, you need to get to the inside to get the screws off, or else you will need to destroy
the knob/latch to get the door open, so you can get to the inside.

Once the door is open, I usually replace the deadlatch with a passage latch and that is the end of that problem

[billdeserthills]

Thank you! This sounds very likely and I was going to replace the lock anyway if I ever get it off. How is the best way to destroy the lock without damaging the door?

I get calls for this all the time. It usually involves a kwikset knob with a broken deadlatch--Once the deadlatch breaks
off, and the rest of it comes out of it's little half circle hole, the knob (or lever) will 'lock-up' and won't turn any longer.

Funny thing is in order to repair it, you need to get to the inside to get the screws off, or else you will need to destroy
the knob/latch to get the door open, so you can get to the inside.

Once the door is open, I usually replace the deadlatch with a passage latch and that is the end of that problem

Thing is we don't discuss actual breaking and entering on here, although if we did, it would be helpful to see a picture of your lock

[door_stuck]

I'd be glad to post a pic, but I don't have one currently and I'm not at the location of the building. It's on family property. Are you allowed to message me privately or suggest an alternate site I can find instructions for breaking and entering? I realize the potential issue with those kinds of posts and how they could be used inappropriately. Thanks.

Thank you! This sounds very likely and I was going to replace the lock anyway if I ever get it off. How is the best way to destroy the lock without damaging the door?

I get calls for this all the time. It usually involves a kwikset knob with a broken deadlatch--Once the deadlatch breaks
off, and the rest of it comes out of it's little half circle hole, the knob (or lever) will 'lock-up' and won't turn any longer.

Funny thing is in order to repair it, you need to get to the inside to get the screws off, or else you will need to destroy
the knob/latch to get the door open, so you can get to the inside.

Once the door is open, I usually replace the deadlatch with a passage latch and that is the end of that problem

Thing is we don't discuss actual breaking and entering on here, although if we did, it would be helpful to see a picture of your lock

[GWiens2001]

Sorry, but this is a line of conversation that I can not allow to continue. There will be no links to sources for breaking and entering. What you do in a private message is up to you, but we DO NOT CONDONE BREAKING AND ENTERING.

Locking the thread.

GWiens2001 - Moderator.