There’s no worse feeling than your key turns but lock won’t open and seeing the lock move but not the door.
Whether you’re dealing with a home, office, or car lock, a failure to open can mess up your day quickly and even compromise your security.
In this blog, we’ll look at the most common reasons why this will happen and what you can do to fix it.
Article Summary
Can A Key Lock But Not Unlock?
Yes, but sometimes a key will lock but not unlock, which can happen if the lock itself is damaged or out of alignment.
For example, the lock’s internal components may be just worn or gummed up enough that they don’t fully move, and the key doesn’t fully disengage the locking pins.
Or, a bent or worn key might work to lock the door but won’t do so as well or as smoothly when trying to unlock it.
Again, a little bit of lubrication might help if it’s an issue with dirt or rust, but if the problem persists, then contact a locksmith because it could be a serious problem with the lock cylinder or mechanism.
Reasons For Key Turns But Lock Won’t Open
The following causes are creating the problem in your car. If you are experiencing the key turns but the lock won’t open, check out the reasons.
1. Key Misalignment
Other times, the problem is that the key hasn’t been put into the locking mechanism correctly.
A key might fail to fully engage with the lock and consequently will turn without causing it to open when it is slightly off-center.
If you hold the key in place and turn it, it might align correctly and unlock the door. If you can wiggle the key, you might be able to jiggle the pins correctly.
2. Worn Out or Damaged Key
Gradually, through use, keys can get worn or broken in a way that means they turn but don’t unlock the lock.
Look at your key, if it seems worn or bent, try to use a spare if you have one. If this works, have a new key cut.
3. Stuck or Jammed Lock Mechanism
Debris, rust, or grime can jam the lock mechanism, preventing the key from opening when turned.
Locks benefit from a good dose of graphite powder for metal or a silicone-based lubricant for plastic. Avoid WD-40, as it will attract dust and exacerbate the problem later.
4. Faulty Lock Cylinder
There might be a faulty lock cylinder. Internal parts can wear out or break, causing the key to turn but not to engage the lock.
If lubrication doesn’t solve the problem, you must replace the lock cylinder or call a locksmith.
5. Misaligned Lock or Strike Plate
The problem might not be your key or lock. Your lock or strike plate could be skewed in the doorframe.
Check the relationship between your lock and your strike plate. If they are skewed, you might need to realign them.
What Do I Do If My Key Won’t Open My Lock?
Never experienced the frustration of a stuck lock? Well, most of us have at some point. If your key doesn’t work with the lock, you should first check if the key and lock are properly aligned.
Ensure the key is in, and then try turning it gently while wiggling it back and forth. If your key is worn or damaged, try using a spare if there is one.
If the lock is stuck, apply a little graphite powder or silicone after you dust off any dust or debris from the keyhole first.
Silicon-based lubricants or dry Teflon are better options for locks than oil-based products such as WD-40, which often attracts dust to the keyhole.
If your key and lock seem fine, you may still have an issue with the lock mechanism or cylinder.
Check the lock and its strike plate in the door to ensure everything appears aligned properly.
If it doesn’t, and you can easily see where something is amiss, you can usually manually fix a misalignment with a few moderate taps using something like a rubber mallet.
Professional locksmiths frequently see more difficult problems, such as internal damage and faulty lock cylinders. They can easily repair these issues for you, allowing your lock to go back to working smoothly.
Steps To Resolve Key Turns But Lock Won’t Open
The key turns but the lock won’t open, which is kind of annoying for any car owner. To resolve the existing issue, follow the following tips.
Lubricate The Lock
Use a lubricating pen to lightly smear lubricant over the keyhole. Then, push the key in and turn it right and left a few times so the lubricant travels in and the gunk rattles out.
Check The Key And Lock Alignment
Ensure the key is inserted to the hilt and in the right direction. If the key is old and scarred, use a spare or have it cut a new one.
Inspect The Lock Mechanism
Open up the keyhole and around the lock to see if anything visible is jammed inside or shows signs of damage. If your lock looks dirty, try cleaning it with a soft brush or compressed air.
Consult A Professional
If you can’t fix it yourself, call a professional locksmith for more serious troubleshooting. They have training, tools and time to solve more complicated lock problems.
FAQs on Key Turns, But Lock Won’t Open
What Should I Do If My Key Turns But The Lock Still Won’t Open?
First, check that the key is inserted and oriented properly. If the lock is jammed, try lube (using a lubricant suitable for that type of lock). If the problem persists, ensure the lock mechanism or cylinder isn’t damaged, and perhaps ask an expert locksmith to send you a new one.
Can A Worn-out Key Cause The Lock To Not Open?
A worn or damaged key can certainly stop a lock from working as it should – if you think your key might be chipped, bent or excessively worn, check with a spare key and replace the worn key if that’s the case.
How Can I Lubricate a Lock That’s Not Opening?
Use a lubricant specific to the type of lock you have. In this case, I’d recommend graphite powder or silicone-based spray (although I’d be wary of oil-based products such as WD-40, which can attract dust and worsen the problem). Coat the keyhole fairly liberally, and try turning the key.
What If The Lock is Misaligned With The Strike Plate?
If the lock and its strike plate are misaligned, the lock won’t properly engage. Check to make sure they are positioned correctly, and adjust one or both as necessary. Repositioning or realigning either the strike plate or the lock may be necessary to make the assembly fit properly.
When Should I Call A Locksmith?
But if lubricating the lock doesn’t work, if you’ve tried using a spare key, and if there isn’t an obvious misalignment, you need to call a locksmith. A good locksmith can diagnose more complex issues with the lock, such as faulty cylinders or damage to the interior mechanisms.
Conclusion
Finding a stuck lock that doesn’t budge, even when you turn your key, can be frustrating, but knowing which issues are most prevalent and how to handle them can get you back to enjoying your life.
Taking routine maintenance steps, like applying lubrication to locks and checking for wear and tear regularly, can often head off future troubles.
And, when all other options are exhausted, having a professional ensure your lock is repaired or, if necessary, replaced will get you back up and running with security and peace of mind.
