The lock on the door has turned: why does this happen, how to open it, what to do to prevent malfunctions?

If the lock on the door turns, it is necessary to take immediate measures to identify the problem and fix it. Malfunctions of the mechanism reduce the level of burglary resistance and often cause loss of access to the premises. You can open a locked door and repair the lock yourself - you need to act based on the type of problem and the type of locking device.

Why does the lock on the door turn?

At the first errors in the operation of the locking mechanism, it is necessary to identify their cause; common ones include:

Irregular maintenance of the mechanism (lack of cleaning, lubrication) often causes the lock to turn.
The response hole is small, which prevents the tongue from closing properly. To resolve the problem, it is recommended to widen the inlet or move the plate slightly.
Foreign objects and substances getting into the well - broken parts of the key, debris, metal shavings, and so on.
An increase in the volume of the door leaf due to increased humidity is a problem typical for wooden structures.
Using a damaged key - damage to it disrupts the functionality of the mechanism (for example, when used for other purposes - to open bottles).
Forceful impact on door structures during burglary attempts, frequent slamming of the door, excessive pressure on the handle.
Warping of the door leaf due to wear, poor installation, or external influence. Alignment is required to correct the problem.
Attempts to open the lock with a “foreign” key, a low-quality duplicate, or improvised means (master keys, paper clips).
Wear of the locking mechanism, shifting of parts. Often requires complete replacement of the device (or cylinder).
Manufacturing defect - improper quality or installation of the lock or door.

Tools and accessories

To get the key out of the lock, we may need tools and devices such as:

syringe with needle;
screwdriver;
drill;
hammer;
hairpin;
pliers;
pliers;
tweezers;
jigsaw;
awl;
self-tapping screw;
grinder saw and others.

You won’t need absolutely all the tools at once, but three or four of them will definitely come in handy.

When trying to open a long-suffering door, do not forget that the secret of the lock must be handled very carefully.

How to open a door if the lock is jammed?

A common reason for the lock functioning “idle” is the lack of lubrication or its drying out.
It is easy to fix the problem - to do this, a small amount of special equipment must be poured into the well. You can use any lubricant - silicone, graphite, universal WD-40, grease, litol, machine oil, and so on.

After introducing the lubricant into the well, it is advisable to wait a couple of minutes, then insert and turn the key. If you manage to open the door, then the reason was due to improper care.

You cannot use vegetable oil - it will have the opposite effect and become a source of dust and small debris.

If the problem persists and access to the room is blocked, the lock will need to be broken. You can do it yourself or call a specialist. The actions depend on what kind of lock is used - common types:

cylinder - has a standard key with protrusions and notches;
level - characterized by an elongated key with peculiar “wings”;
Phillips - the key is similar to a Phillips screwdriver.

To open the lock, use available materials: wire, a hairpin (as a master key), a metal ruler, you may need tools - a screwdriver, a grinder, a crowbar, a drill. Mostly after the intervention, replacement of the locking mechanism or its individual parts (for example, cylinders, levers) is required.

Often it is not possible to open the door even if the key is turned all the way, if there is a problem with the latch. You can try to solve the problem using a flat and hard object - a plastic card, an aluminum ruler, a knife blade. It must be carefully placed in the gap between the door leaf and the frame and pulled back. This will provide access to the tongue - you need to hook it and press it into the lock, then the door will unlock.

However, after opening it is necessary to carry out diagnostics, otherwise the situation may repeat. The main reason why the latch is blocked is a weakening or malfunction of the spring mechanism. If the tongue breaks (due to impact, slamming), you will need to disassemble the lock to remove parts.

If there are problems with the door handle, the method of action depends on its type. There are 2 main groups:

knob - typical for interior doors;
on the socket - installed on the entrance doors.

To get to the mechanism and open the door, you need to take into account the features of the handles. The knob has a decorative round flange with a diameter of 50-55 mm. The handle is light and hollow, consists of 2 parts - rotating devices on both sides of the blade and a latch.

To access the handle mechanism, you need to:

Remove the handle by pressing the locking pin with a sharp object, while pulling it towards you.
Remove the flange by using a screwdriver to pry it into the special recess (groove). Below it are the mounting screws. They need to be unscrewed.
Remove the halves of the locking device.
Remove the latch attached to the end of the door with self-tapping screws.

The handle on the rosette has a flange with a diameter of up to 35 mm, it is heavy and, in addition to self-tapping screws, is attached to the door with a locking screw.

To disassemble it, you need:

Remove the cover flange by turning counterclockwise.
Using a hexagon, unscrew the locking screw located at the bottom.
Remove the screws that hold the handle.
Remove the halves of the locking device.

The feasibility of repair depends on the type of door handle. Fixed ones do not have a locking mechanism, so they fail completely, that is, they require complete replacement. Push and turn knobs can be repaired; sometimes lubrication of the parts helps.

Repair is advisable if:

The inner rod is broken. In many Chinese models it is too short, which often causes jamming. In this case, replacement with an elongated rod is required.
The mechanism is weakened (loose) - it needs to be strengthened with new screws.
The locking ring was dislodged - the handle fell out, but did not break off.
Foreign objects (dust, litter, debris) have entered the mechanism.

In other cases, the locking device and fittings are mainly replaced.

Attention! If problems with the lock are related to the skew of the door leaf, force will be required to align it. You will need a tool that acts as a lever - a screwdriver, a chisel, a wedge. The object must be driven into the problem area, installing the door in its original place. At the same time pull it by the handle to open it.

Types of locking structures

The sequence of actions that will help you get into the building varies depending on the structure of the mechanism. In an effort to make the shutter more reliable and minimize the possibility of hacking, manufacturers are changing the principle of operation. The most popular types of deadbolts are:

cylinder;
mortise;
overhead;
mounted

To find out how to open a jammed front door lock, let’s look at the features of their design.

Cylinder

The most common type of shutter. Many experts recommend installing just such mechanisms, as they are the most reliable and durable. The service life can be increased by installing a special titanium gasket on the body.

Photo from Gorodverey.ru

This device is quite simple to install. The secret of its strength is that it can only be opened with a standard (original) key.

The design is a set of cylinders located in the same plane. In a calm state, the crossbars are at the same level, a straightened spring presses on them from above, and there is a plug under each active element. A through groove for a flat key is cut into the shutter body.

When the door is opened, the unlocking element, thanks to its thread, clamps the springs of certain cylinders; when turned, the plugs are removed from their place.

Photo from Ebay.co.uk

This mechanism is quite easy to use, but how to get out of the situation if the lock cylinder of the front door is jammed?

To open the core, you need to remove the housing and disassemble it using a screwdriver. To do this, you need to insert the key and keep it in a static position. Then find the fasteners on the end of the mechanism and unscrew them.

When replacing pistons, it is important to take into account their exact size, because they may not fit and you will have to buy a new element.

Mortise

This type of design is reliably protected from burglary, but opening it in the event of a breakdown is problematic. If in the previous mechanism it was possible to replace one component, then this shutter device requires more careful preparation.

This happens due to the fact that the bolt does not have removable parts. To remove a defective copy, you will need more than one, several screwdrivers. The dismantling procedure is carried out in several stages:

First, the handle is pulled out; first you need to loosen the clamping force by unscrewing the screws.
Next, the decorative panel is removed.
Then the bolts are unscrewed from the end part of the structure, which allows the entire body to be removed from the canvas.

When choosing a new mechanism, take the old one with you or measure its parameters; such preparations will eliminate the need to make adjustments and fill gaps in the sashes.

Overhead

How to open a jammed front door lock? The principle of removing such a structure is similar to dismantling a cylinder valve.

What is this mechanism? The name speaks for itself. The body seems to be placed on top of the canvas, and does not cut into the end. From the inside, such a device simply snaps into place. Therefore, you can often encounter the problem that the key turns inside the core while the bolt on that side remains motionless. Lubricating the elements or replacing the spring will help prevent final breakdown of the locking structure.

Photo from the website Instrument.ludus.rf

In both cases, the box must be removed. To do this, all fasteners are unscrewed. Then the cover is removed and the remaining fasteners are removed. Next, the functional elements are replaced. Due to the low cost, you can replace the entire case with all contents. A simple device quickly breaks down due to frequent loads.

Mounted

This type of mechanism is installed in garages or utility rooms. The entire body is brought out and is supported by a metal bow, which is threaded into a loop.

Such valves are easy to use and do not cause any complaints in terms of reliability. But since they often come into contact with an aggressive external environment, they often fail - due to rain, temperature changes and fresh air, the metal simply oxidizes and easily corrodes. The inner cylinder gradually stops functioning.

Photo from Osaexpress.ru

Typically, such mechanisms are dismantled by cutting the bow and then replacing it with a new device. But if the lock is still strong, then you need to take a thin aluminum plate and clean the main groove.

Cylindrical type

If the mechanism is jammed, you can initially try cleaning the hole with a wire brush and lubricating it.
If the problem is stuck garbage, functionality will be restored. If cleansing does not help, you will have to resort to hacking. To unlock a door with a cylinder mechanism, you do not need to remove the lock; you just need to remove the faulty cylinder. Then you need to insert a new part. The cylinder must be purchased in accordance with the size of the previous one, it is better to choose the same brand.

When breaking the locking mechanism, you need to act carefully, but use force:

Use a flat screwdriver and insert it into the cylinder as deep as possible.
Rotate the tool firmly inside the mechanism.
If successful, you will be able to pull out the screwdriver along with the cylinder. You will need to install a new one in place of the faulty cylinder.

If it was not possible to open the door in this way, you can take drastic measures - use a drill. To do this, insert the drill into the hole and drill out the secretion to the end. Then pull out the larva and open the door. This method is indelicate; it will not be possible to save the lock - it will need to be replaced.

Emergency cases

Our modern life is very mobile, but no one is immune from unforeseen situations. Therefore, write down several numbers of deadbolt opening services in your mobile phone.

After all, it may happen that you find yourself outside without tools and the ability to get inside. Then the answer to the question of what to do if the door lock is hopelessly jammed is simple: knock on your neighbors and ask for a screwdriver or call a technician.

Modern aid agencies respond quite quickly. Some craftsmen will fix your problem while maintaining the integrity of the body, cylinder and even the door leaf itself.

To visualize how to quickly and without causing damage to the parts of the locking structure, watch the video, which will tell you what to do if the lock of the front door is jammed.

Cross type

The mechanism is characterized by a cross-shaped cylinder.
If lubricating and cleaning the lock does not help, you can open the door using regular chewing gum. It needs to be chewed well, inserted into the core of the lock, and pushed to the base. Wait for it to harden (about 5 minutes), insert a screwdriver (any) and rotate as for opening. The principle is based on the fact that the chewing gum will fill the cavities of the key cut and, when hardened, will take on its shape. You can use another hacking method - using a drill and screwdriver. The method is also suitable if the key is stuck in the well or broken off. The cylinder must be drilled out with a drill with a diameter slightly larger than that of the key. Next, move the core beard and open the mechanism with a screwdriver.

If a child or disabled person is locked in a room and you need to quickly open the door, it is advisable to use a drastic method:

Drive a Phillips screwdriver into the lock cylinder to the maximum depth.
Turn the tool forcefully (you can use an adjustable wrench).
The cylinder rotates, after which the door can be opened.

Assessing the situation

First of all, you need to stop panicking and assess the situation sensibly:

if you have absolutely no skills in handling a lock , then in most cases it will be better to wait a little for the technician than to try to do something on your own and only make the situation worse;
if you know something about the design of locks or even once installed or changed a lock yourself, then you can try to do it on your own;
if time is short, even the most inexperienced person will try to do something on their own - it’s in our blood, so there’s no point in stopping you - we’ll just direct your efforts in the right direction so as not to make things worse;
Be prepared for the fact that if the apartment is closed, you will have to turn to neighbors or friends for some tools. If the key gets stuck when the door is open and there is access to the apartment, then all the necessary tools can be found at home. And in general, when the apartment is open, you can act much more boldly and certainly try to solve the problem yourself before turning to the master;
If you managed to remove the key, then you should not rush to insert it back and try again to open or close the lock.

Level type

If cleaning and lubrication do not restore the functionality of the mechanism, it needs to be hacked.
This is not easy for a non-professional to do, since the lever lock is characterized by increased strength and reliability. To open the mechanism and unlock the door, you need to:

Prepare 2 master keys; you can use improvised materials - wire, hairpins, paper clips, and so on.
One device is inserted into the main board to the maximum depth.
Using the second master key, a suitable position of the levers is gradually selected in order to move the main pin. When this is successful, the lock will open.

The method is quite labor-intensive and time-consuming. To speed up the process, you can use a drill with a metal drill; you will also need a master key (wire, knitting needle, pin). You need to drill in the location of the lock secret. Next, a master key is inserted into the well and scrolled. As a result, the levers move, which makes it possible to unlock the door. It will not be possible to keep the lock in working condition; it will need to be replaced.

Opening cylinder mechanisms

To begin with, we will talk about cylinder (pin) types of locking mechanisms.

The easiest way to open the “English key” type (butterfly key):

Find a hairpin, paper clip or piece of wire and divide it into 2 parts.
Bend at a right angle (the bent tip should fit freely into the hole).
Using a bent wire, apply tension at the top of the mechanism in the direction in which the key turns.
Use the straight part of the pin (wire) to lift all the pins in turn.
Turn the bent part of the wire.

The same technique is used to pick a lock with a double-sided English mechanism, only in addition to the upper ones, you need to lower the lower pins.

The cross-shaped locking mechanism can be opened using a screwdriver. Algorithm of actions:

Remove the outer part;
Instead of a key, turn the screwdriver several times in the desired direction (to scratch off the pins).

The Finnish type of locking mechanism is one of the most reliable; it is not so easy to open, even with the help of professional master keys. If this is not an expensive device, you can remove the outer part of the mechanism, pull out the plates and then try to open it with a screwdriver. If the model is expensive, more radical measures are needed (for example, calling rescuers).

What to do if the key is stuck or broken?

If the key cannot be pulled out of the hole or has broken off in it, lubricant will help remove it - for example, machine oil. Introduce the product into the mechanism and leave for 20-30 minutes. Next, grab the key or fragment with pliers, slightly loosen it and try to pull it out.

Attention! The method is effective if the broken part allows you to clamp it with a tool. It will also help if the key has not yet turned in the hole.

In other cases, you will need to open the mechanism along with the key, change the lock or cylinder with a new one.

If the jam occurs only when the door is closed, this indicates a misalignment of the door leaf. The box needs to be ground down using a file or drill.

The key does not come out of the padlock

If you have a key stuck in your padlock, then the procedure for removing it is the same as with a mortise mechanism:

coat the lock structure with WD-40, kerosene, vegetable or machine oil, wait and try to turn the key, i.e. the principle of operation is the same as described above;
try heating the lock, but it is wise to test this method only when it is cold outside, since sensitivity to low temperatures is a big problem with padlocks.

Fault prevention

To avoid problems with the locking mechanism, it is recommended to choose a quality product.
When purchasing, it is important to clarify whether there is a warranty on the lock, check the smooth movement of the tongue, make sure there is no rust, abrasions, damage, look at the manufacturer - Austrian, German, Polish, and Turkish devices are considered good.

Preventative measures to prevent malfunctions from occurring:

Carrying out maintenance measures - cleaning from dust, dirt, lubrication.
Correct operation of the lock - for example, you can turn the key only when it is completely inserted into the hole.
Do not allow the door leaf to skew, straighten it immediately - even if the locking mechanism is still functioning normally.
Do not use keys of poor quality, scratched or broken.
Open the door by the handle, do not pull the key.
Avoid force (slamming doors, hitting).

Every person has encountered a problem in the operation of the locking mechanism - it is necessary to take action at the first sign of a malfunction. If the door lock rotates, it is first recommended to clean and lubricate it. If maintenance measures do not help and the door is locked, you will need to open the mechanism. This requires replacing the lock or its individual elements. Prevention ensures long-term operation of the locking device and avoids blocking access to the premises.