Troubleshoot and fixing a deadbolt

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Troubleshoot and fixing a sticky deadbolt
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Why we are here?

• Locks are tricky sometimes. People who understand
  locks will try to resolve the problem themselves
  and then head to a locksmith, if not resolved.
  People with less knowledge are likely to consult
  with a professional. Although this is good, it
  can cost much more than the actual problem to be.
• Usually a deadbolt that is sticky or not working,
  i.e., not turning properly can be fixed easily
  and you will learn to troubleshoot and fix it in
  this presentation.

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• When a deadlock is sticky or not working
  properly, then the first problem could be inside
  the cylinder, the area in which the key goes, and
  it can be stiff and difficult to turn while it
  gets worn. The other area can be the bolt or the
  door-jam, in which the bolt fits when closed.
• So, how to determine whether the problem is with
  the cylinder or with the door-jam?

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The First Possible Issue

• So, lets say that you have determined that the
  problem is in the cylinder, where the key goes,
  that is the key does not work or does not operate
  the lock, then you have two things to consider.
  First of, try that the key might be really worn,
  so go find other keys to see if any of them
  works. If that does not work, it may be that the
  cylinder needs lubrication, and that too, dry
  lubrication like graphite. Do not use any oil for
  lubrication, it will make it worse.
• Keep in mind that the graphete can be hard
  stained, so keep away from carpets and keep a
  towel handy. Put the graphete lubricant inside
  the cylinder, one or more times, to make sure
  that the lubricant does the job. Try the key and
  if it still doesnt turn, then the cylinder is
  probably worn out and you need a new cylinder or
  deadbolt. The easiest way is to contact a local
  locksmith nearby to get this done while you wait.
  A new deadbolt may cost up to 15 to 25.

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The Process

• To get the deadbolt out, remove the screws in
  the back and take out the knob and cylinder from
  either side of the door. Install a new deadbolt
  or get in done by the local locksmith. Follow the
  process in reverse for installation

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Just Another Turn

• Another thing that can cause the lock to go stiff
  and difficult to operate is the wear or damage in
  lock mechanism or the alignment of the deadbolt
  and the back plate. To determine this, loosen the
  screws in the back and try the lock, if it works
  then tighten the screws and you are good to go.

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The Second Possible Issue

• The second problem can be the alignment of the
  bolt with the door jam in the frame. If that is
  the problem, then the bolt will probably rub with
  the frame and create difficulties in proper
  operation. To fix that, filing can be done, to
  make it basically a bigger hole. The plate is
  usually of soft metal so it can be filed easily.

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Just Another Turn

• Another thing that could be interfering with the
  bolt, could be uneven pieces of wood behind the
  frame plate, sticking out and not trimmed
  properly. If this could be the problem, this
  could be fixed with a chisel or a razor knife.