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Jun 25, 2010 
If you have a lock related question we haven’t answered in any of the posts so far, ask it here and we’ll do our best to get you the answer.
Jun 25, 2010
2 Comments
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I tried your trick on my deadbolt and it worked, the key comes out easy now but it only comes out when the door is locked, help!
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You have what is called a timing problem. The cylinder on most deadbolts has a bar sticking out the back called a tailpiece. The tailpiece has what is called ‘lost motion’ and requires that it be turned a particular way relative to the bolt when installed.
Remove the cylinder from the door and without the key in it grab the tailpiece and position it so that it can be turned 90° in either direction, then reinstall it while the bolt is extended. If it still doesn’t work remove it again, retract the bolt using a screwdriver and reinstall the bolt. That should fix your problem and the key should now come out when locked or unlocked.
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