Door Lock Hard to Turn or Sticking
Lock hard to turn or key won't work? Learn easy fixes, when to rekey, and locksmith costs ($75–$200).
Typical repair cost: $75–$200 · DIY difficulty: Easy · About 10–15 minutes.
What usually causes it
- Dirty lock mechanism
- Misaligned door
- Worn key
- Internal spring failure
- Weather expansion
What you need
- Graphite lubricant
- WD-40 (only for exterior corrosion)
How to fix it yourself
- Spray graphite powder into the keyhole — insert and turn the key several times
- Do NOT use WD-40 inside the lock — it attracts dust and makes it worse over time
- Check if the door is sagging — tighten hinge screws
- If the deadbolt doesn't align, adjust the strike plate
- Try your spare key — if the spare works smoothly, the original key may be worn
- If the lock still sticks, the internal cylinder may need replacement
When to call a pro
If you're locked out, if the lock cylinder is worn out, or if you want to rekey all your locks for security.