The key in the lock was stuck: why did this happen and what to do?

Many unpleasant minutes have to be experienced if it is impossible to get into your own apartment, and the reason for this is simple - the key in the front door lock was stuck. Whether it is possible in this case to pull it out without breaking the lock, or it will be necessary to re-install the locking mechanism, depends on what the reason led to the jamming.

Why is the key in the lock stuck?

There are two groups of factors leading to jamming, incorrect operation or factory defects.

The first group includes:

• mechanical damage to a key used for other purposes, for example for unscrewing screws or opening bottles;
• opening / closing the lock with excessive force;
• operation of the locking mechanism at high humidity without preventative measures;
• does not lubricate the mechanism;
• attempts to open the lock with a master key;
• getting debris inside the mechanism;
• incorrectly installed the door - with skew - or skew appeared with time;
• replaced a lost key with a new one, and it was made inaccurately.

jamming for these reasons can be avoided, but the next group entirely on the conscience of the manufacturer. Badly turned keys may be attached to the lock, the shape of the blank may be broken or there may be a marriage in the mechanism. Most often, such a marriage is that the pins are made from inappropriate metal( softer), as a result they do not move away from pressing the key, but block it. Breakdown due to fault of improper operation can often be eliminated, but during factory marriage, you have to change the core or the entire lock completely.

Pull the key yourself or call the wizard?

Once in a situation where the key is jammed and it does not turn in the door lock, it is necessary to immediately decide whether to call the master or act independently. Here you need to consider several factors.

• Jamming occurred when the door was open - you can try to fix the situation yourself.
• The trouble occurred when the lock was locked - even if you can pull out the key, trying again to open the door can again lead to jamming. It is better to invite a master to dismantle the lock and eliminate the cause of the problem.
• The key broke when trying to open the doors, and all the tools inside are justified by the call of a specialist.

How to remove a stuck key?

To get the key out and not to break it, you need to pull yourself together and do not try to increase the pulling force. Just a great mechanical effort leads to breakdown. As a result, opening the doors and getting into the house becomes even more problematic, as it is necessary to break the lock. If you do everything carefully, you can pull out the key with a non-destructive method and save the mechanism.

The most likely cause is a lack of grease or rust, especially in the front door of a private house. Therefore, first of all you need to sprinkle the lock with WD-40 spray or its analog. If the spray is not at hand, you can use kerosene or engine oil. It can be dripped into the keyhole with a syringe.

The sequence of actions looks like this.

1. Inject kerosene or spray spray.
2. Carefully move the key from side to side so that the liquid is distributed over the entire length of the core.
3. Repeat all in the same sequence.
4. Wait 15-20 minutes.
5. Carefully try to reach the key.
6. If it does not get, apply a little more effort and, when pulling out, shake a little from side to side.

After the successful "release" will have to dismantle the lock. This should be done in order, firstly, to identify the cause of the jam, and secondly, to check whether there was a mechanical damage to the mechanism. Revealing the reasons will make it possible to prevent the same situation in the future.

Advice

Do not apply lubricants with cotton. Her villi can score a castle.

What if there was a chip left in the lock?

When pulling out the key, it is very easy to break it. Get the same chip from the castle will be more difficult. But here you can try first non-destructive methods - lubrication with kerosene or spray or disassembly of the lock. The chip is pulled out the same way as the whole key, only pliers or tweezers are used for the grip. If the chip sticks out of the lock so that it can be seized with pliers, then the probability of a successful outcome is large enough, because with their help you can securely grasp a piece of metal. Otherwise, you have to grip with tweezers. The capture area is insufficient, so this process rarely ends successfully.

If the gap for gripping is small or not at all, you can use the jigsaw blade with the previously broken fixing end. He is locked in a lock parallel to the rod. The teeth must be tilted towards themselves. When pulling out, you need to rotate the jigsaw with your teeth to the bar, trying to grab it. This procedure is repeated several times - until a sufficient grip for the pliers is formed.

Prevention measures

To avoid having to remove a stuck key or to call a master to open doors, you must periodically process the lock.

One of the mandatory procedures - cleaning and lubrication mechanism. It is very simple.

• Add a cleansing liquid based on kerosene to the lock.
• Push the key into the hole, and getting it - to wipe off dirt.
• Manipulate the key with the key several times until it is completely clean.
• Fill the machine with lubricant( engine oil) and turn the key in the lock several times.
• Wipe all parts dry.

A careful attitude to the door hardware will prevent force majeure, and you will avoid an unpleasant pastime at the closed apartment.