Key Stuck in Lock

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This typically happens with older locks and most often with a rim or mortise type cylinder.  The solution will require a small screwdriver. 

   

  

On the edge of the door you may see a small hole with a screw inside it.  Turn it CCW to loosen it, but if it doesn’t get immediately easier to turn, turn it CW instead.  Some older models of Corbin brand locks required a CW turn to loosen.  Once that has been loosened around 3-4 turns you should be able to turn the cylinder itself CCW to screw it out of the door.  The key should be turned toward the position it normally withdraws at while doing this.

 

There are usually two screws on the back of the cylinder that have come loose.  Simply tighten them, but not so tight that the key is hard to turn, and then the key should come out easily.  Once you have tightened the screws it is possible to peen them into place to help prevent them from loosening again.  Take any pointed metal like a center punch that can be hit with a hammer, place the point at the edge of each screw and tap the tool once to create a dimple where the screw meets the retainer plate.  That will stop the screw from loosening itself but it will still be possible to unscrew it when you need to for rekeying.

 

If your lock cylinder has a C clip instead of screws, you can bend the clip slightly and then reinstall it.  The key should then insert or withdraw more freely.  Just be sure that you don’t try to pull the key out while the clip is off of the cylinder or you will need a professional to reassemble it.

 

To put the mortise cylinder back in the door, screw it in CW until flush with the door, but be careful not to cross thread it.  Don’t forget to tighten the set screw.  The threads are a fine grade and easily damaged.  The last turn of the cylinder may require a little more force and you can insert the key PARTIALLY to use it as leverage.  Be careful that you don’t break it off in the lock because removal will usually require a professional technique.

5 Comments

  1. Ideocameseets  •  Apr 9, 2009 @6:55 pm

    FANTASTIC!

  2. Ex Boyfriend  •  Apr 9, 2009 @11:31 pm

    This is very hot information. I’ll share it on Facebook.

  3. KrisBelucci  •  Jun 2, 2009 @2:30 am

    Hi, cool post. I have been wondering about this topic,so thanks for writing.

  4. LydieB  •  Jun 12, 2009 @11:21 am

    I’m having trouble with my house key. Took me quite time to get it out of the door today. I will try this.

  5. JaneRadriges  •  Jun 13, 2009 @5:42 pm

    The article is ver good. Write please more



  • Welcome

    This site is intended to address lock problems. There are a number of typical problems listed and clicking on one will get the answer most commonly associated with it. If all your questions are not answered, post a comment/question.

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