The door lock cylinder is jammed, how to open it

What to do if the door lock is jammed?

It is necessary to determine further actions based on the nature of the breakdown. It can be determined by excluding available versions. If the key is missing, you can open the door with improvised means - a hairpin, a needle.

Step-by-step instruction

A sequence of actions that helps to open the sash in half the cases of jamming:

clean the keyhole with a stiff brush to prevent the entry of foreign objects - shavings, peeling paint, trim;
use magnetic attraction to remove metal shavings;
lubricate the mechanism with oil and try to carefully, slowly turn the key;
If you can't scroll, try to get it out with pliers.

Attention! Excessive physical impact will significantly complicate the situation - all movements must be careful.

if the door lock does not open after working with pliers, the mask is pulled out and replaced;
To avoid damage to the hinges, a thorough inspection should be carried out.

The lock on the door is jammed - what to do if the device is in English:

Drill out the mechanism with a screwdriver, pull out the cylinder with a small piece of metal wire, hook up the drive mechanism, and push in the bolts.
Knock out the cylinder with a stop by tapping it with a hammer.

To prevent distortion, you will need a wedge. If you can’t find the item you need, you can use a flat-head screwdriver or chisel. A wedge-shaped object is inserted into the hole between the leaf and the door frame. With a slight pressure, you can return the warped canvas to its original position, while at the same time trying to open it.

If the interior door is not locked with a key, and the door does not open when you press the handle, it means the tongue is jammed.

To solve the problem, it is recommended to perform a few simple steps:

Insert a flat object (knife, ruler) into the gap between the entrance flap and the frame in the area where the tongue is located.
Tilt the knife so that it slides along the steel cut.
When the ruler reaches the end, push away from you to push the tab into place.
If there is no cut on this side of the sash, then you need to get it out by inserting a ruler diagonally from above.

Attention! If the key breaks off when opening, you can get it out by carefully prying it up with a pin. You must first treat the keyhole with silicone spray.

If you don’t have a hairpin, you need to ask your neighbors for any thin, long object. Then you should replace the lock, because there is no point in repairing it.

Recommendations

A few simple tips to help you cope if your door is jammed:

If a wooden door is deformed from moisture, a hairdryer will help correct the situation. In the absence of the latter, you can use a heating device.
If the fault is in the iron frame of the door, then the opening must be carried out based on the belonging of the locking mechanism to a certain group.
If the door lock is jammed and the security system is cylinder-type, only a master can save you. Among the breakdowns: the key cannot be pulled out, it turns poorly, creaks, the cylinder gets jammed when opening, or the key gets stuck.
If the lock on the door is broken and the security system is of the lever type, then in order for the key to be inserted correctly, you can grind off the longitudinal protrusions or press the hole a little.

A careful inspection of the door leaf can help identify the problem. Visually you can notice cracks in the hinges, shrinkage and other damage.

What could be the reasons for the problem?

There are no perfect locks, but before they break, they always “signal” that there are problems.

Signs of imminent failure of the locking mechanism:

jams when opening and closing;
when turning, the key gets stuck;
does not always close;
key slipping;
suspicious clicks.

There are many reasons why the door lock does not close:

ingress of various objects into the structure;
incorrect manipulations when trying to open and close;
metal shavings, dust, plastic fragments got inside the rubbing parts of the mechanism (cylindrical locks are susceptible to breakage);
Regular preventive maintenance is not carried out - lubrication, washing with special means;
increased humidity, which causes deformation of the wooden door leaf;
constant closing of the sash with great physical force (slamming);
the key is not used for its intended purpose - opening bottles, etc.;
skewed door leaf;
replacing the original key with a low-quality duplicate;
manufacturing defects.

The reason for the lock jamming is also incorrect installation performed by a person without the proper skills:

insufficient number of hinges, which caused the door leaf to sag;
loop mechanisms are installed incorrectly, unevenly;
independent replacement of a high-quality rubber seal with a self-adhesive one;
if there is no gap between the frame/sash, the hinges will put pressure on the canvas.

Breaking into a jammed locking mechanism is only a last resort. After a break-in, you should go to the store, buy a new one, and install it so that the entrance does not remain open for a long time. Mortise models must be replaced with new ones. For example, electromagnetic locks of the new generation - they come in mortise and padlock types. More information on protective mechanisms can be found on the forum.

A little advice! You should carry a hairpin, a small screwdriver, and spare keys so that solving difficult situations does not take too long.

Lock jamming is a serious problem, the solution to which must be sought in the keyhole. The protective mechanism can break if operating conditions are not met, prevention is not carried out, and also due to physical impact. To open the lock, you should use the tips described above.

Svyortysh

A strong blank is used to mechanically roll up the cylinder, destroying the secrecy of the mechanism.

To complicate the use of this method:

protective pads are used that block access to the end part of the mechanism (magnetic and code pads)
do not install profile cylinders of poor quality and low cost
mechanisms with stronger steel pins are used in the design
mechanisms with a complex key channel profile are used

What to do and how to open the door if the lock is jammed - we solve the problem ourselves

Few people have had to deal with the fact that it is impossible to get into or out of their home. And it doesn’t matter for what reason - the key is lost or it won’t turn in the well. Let's figure out what to do in such a situation, how to open the door if the lock is jammed. This is the most common case in everyday life.

What should you do at the very beginning? Inspect the lock and the door structure itself. This will help to at least approximately determine what caused the defect. After all, before knocking out the canvas, removing it from its hinges, trying to dismantle the locking device, looking for a locksmith or calling the Ministry of Emergency Situations, you should analyze all external manifestations of the malfunction. In most cases, the optimal solution is found, and if the lock is jammed, you can open it yourself. Moreover, without drastic and sometimes unnecessary actions, so that later it would not take a long time to eliminate their consequences.

Possible causes of the malfunction

Manufacturing defects.
As a rule, these are the consequences of its illiterate installation, and problems with the lock appear quite quickly.
Increased wear of parts. By the way, this often happens if “not native” keys are used, but duplicates. Moreover, they are made according to the sample without removing and disassembling the locking device.
Keyhole clogged.
Neglecting the requirements for periodic lubrication of the mechanism.
Gradual deformation (distortion) of the door block or leaf. This is the case when thinking about how to open a jammed lock is a waste of time. Most likely, you will have to either remove the canvas or cut off the loops (depending on their type).
The defects are in the key itself. Many people use it not only for its intended purpose, but also as an improvised screwdriver, bottle opener, and the like. Naturally, over time, such a key in the lock becomes more and more difficult to turn, and at a certain moment (usually the most inopportune one) it jams.
Hacking attempt.

Related article: How to lubricate door hinges without removing the door
Next, you should evaluate the complexity of the malfunction and your capabilities. For example, if a metal door is jammed, then you obviously cannot do without a special tool. And you will definitely need outside help. If it is wooden and fairly new, then solving the problem by knocking out the canvas is also inappropriate.

And only after analyzing all the factors can you make a rational decision on what to do in the event that the door is deformed or the lock is broken.

When you shouldn't invent new autopsy methods

The given methods of how to knock out a lock are not always effective. In addition, as you can see from their descriptions, to use one or another method you need either special equipment or appropriate skills. Therefore, if none of them suits you, you should not come up with a new method, for example, cutting out the lock body with a grinder or injecting acid inside. It’s better to immediately invite specialized specialists who can handle the lock in a matter of minutes, no matter how reliable the mechanism you have.

To avoid problems with opening the lock if the keys are lost, you should keep a spare set, for example, with neighbors whom you trust. Or with relatives, even if they live on the other side of the city.

To ensure that the locking device does not break and functions for as long as possible, use it carefully, turn the key without haste, and do not slam the door, because vibration can also negatively affect the efficiency of the internal parts of the product. In addition, the lock should be lubricated periodically. Such prevention will undoubtedly have a positive effect on the efficiency and durability of the locking mechanism.

Typical constipation problems and solutions

The key is inserted with difficulty and not completely

Defect of the cylinder or lever mechanism. Here you can’t do without a specialist and the appropriate tool. Most likely, you will have to remove the lock (secret).

Well contamination

It needs to be washed. It is better to use a “liquid key” (WD-40), which is injected into the lock. Options include machine or vegetable oil, kerosene. This is done several times, and after each filling of the lock with liquid, a key is inserted into it and attempts are made to push it deeper. At the same time, it turns as far as possible until it stops. As a rule, two or three “series” of such operations are enough to clean the canal. In some cases, a needle or wire helps, which can be used to pull out individual fragments.

Stuck debris

This happens when trying to hack. If an attacker is scared off by someone, he will try to hide traces of his presence. And so he breaks the master key and leaves. If this is the reason the lock is jammed, then a piece of metal can easily be pushed out from the back side. But only if someone is at home and can open the front door from the inside. It is better not to try to fix this problem yourself from the outside.

The key won't come out

As a rule, this indicates that the lock on the door is broken. You should try to remove the key from the well using the recommended lubricants. To prevent this from happening again, you should immediately replace either the entire mechanism or its cylinder.

Difficulty turning the key

It is necessary to determine in what cases this is observed.

If the mechanism jams in any position of the sash, it should be cleaned; This is the result of dirt.
When jamming occurs only when the door is closed, there is deformation of the block or leaf. The problem can be solved by sampling material in the area of the castle, but only if the structure is wooden. As a rule, distortions in the metal frame cannot be eliminated; they will have to be replaced.

Latch stuck

This is often an obstacle to opening the door, even if the key is turned all the way. The problem can be solved with the help of any thin and hard object - a knife blade, a metal ruler. Alternatively, for lack of a better option, a plastic card.

The door leaf needs to be pulled a little away from the jamb by inserting a chisel, large screwdriver or ax into the gap - whatever you can fit. This will make it easier to access the tongue that the selected “tool” clings to. After several attempts, you can press it into the lock, and the sash will swing open. But even in this case, you will have to disassemble the locking device and determine the defect. The most likely cause is a weakened or broken spring mechanism.

Lock malfunction

If all of the above methods do not produce results, and the inspection does not reveal any defects in the door and frame itself, then there is only one diagnosis - the locking device is broken.

Manipulation

Using a master key, the pins are installed and the cylinder is rotated with a special tool.

To complicate the use of this method:

elements of the cylinder mechanism are manufactured with high precision
to create interference during manipulation, a complex key channel profile is used
the design of the mechanism uses pins of a certain shape, which complicate the breaking of the mechanism (“mushroom-shaped” or “reel” pins)
mechanisms with several separate independent pin rows are used
mechanisms are used with a combination of different types of mechanism security elements (frames and pins)
mechanisms with “telescopic” pins are used
protective pads are used that block access to the end part of the mechanism (magnetic and code pads)

Practical recommendations

In order not to periodically waste time and not rack your brains over what to do if the front door lock is jammed, you need to do regular maintenance of the mechanism. What may indicate the need for lubrication?

Characteristic sounds (grinding, rustling) when turning the key.
It gets stuck in the cylinder when trying to insert/pull it out.
Difficulty turning.

Special pads help prevent contamination of the keyhole. This is primarily relevant for street doors installed at the entrance to a building.

Often the locking mechanism has a complex design, to which an original key is attached. Practice confirms that if such a lock breaks, it is much easier to replace its cylinder (for a cylinder model) or the core of a lever lock (with subsequent recoding). Even an experienced master will not be able to make a one-to-one duplicate of such a key, having only a sample of it. The result is increased wear of the material and clogging of the mechanism with metal dust. After some time, you are faced with the fact that the key in the lock does not turn.

Do not forget that any method of solving the problem of stubborn constipation requires care. Excessive efforts are unlikely to eliminate it, but they may well aggravate it. If the lock does not budge, it is better to turn to professionals.

Features of removing the cylinder on a damaged lock

It’s easy to remove the larva with your own hands:

At the end of the lock, unscrew and completely pull out the screw holding the secret mechanism in the lock.
The key is inserted into the hole and turned so that the pin is aligned with the body, that is, the secret is open and does not interfere with removing the cylinder; you need to turn the key 10-15%.
By pulling the key, which cannot come out of the cylinder, it is removed along with the cylinder from the lock.

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There is an armor plate on the outside of the door, so it is easier to pull out the cylinder from the inside.

How to open a door if the lock is jammed

Available methods for troubleshooting with your own hands:

To open the door if the lock is jammed, you can try to clear the lock slot of debris and dust.
Lubricate the device and try to open it again.
If the mechanism is jammed due to the door being warped, you need to find a wedge and insert it into the gap between the door frame and the leaf itself. This will allow you to return the structure to its original position. Once aligned, the door should open.
The cross-shaped lock can be easily opened without a key using chewing gum and a screwdriver. Chewing gum is placed in the well. After this, you need to insert and carefully twist the screwdriver. A few turns will allow the gum to mold to the shape of the key and the locking mechanism will open.

The key is difficult and does not move completely into the keyhole

This means that the lock cylinder or lever mechanism has broken. In such a situation, you will need a special tool and the help of professionals, because you will have to completely dismantle the device.

Problems with the lock may occur due to the key inserted from the inside. If it is not turned, you can try to push the key with a pin or nail through the lock slot.

The locking mechanism, which is subject to intensive use for a long time, must be lubricated. After processing, carefully insert and remove the key. You can lightly tap on it, while gradually pushing the key inward. Do this slowly so as not to completely break the device.

A decorative strip may interfere with the key's movement. After removing it, the key enters the keyhole all the way.

Blockages in the keyhole are detected by highlighting it. This can be done with a flashlight or mobile phone. Broken matches or small debris are removed with a metal hook or tweezers.

The key won't come out

If you cannot remove the key from the keyhole, you should not make sudden movements to avoid breaking it. Try pouring kerosene or special machine oil into the gap using a syringe. After 10 minutes, shake the key, but do not force it. If you managed to open the front door of your apartment, remove the lock and check its core.

Sometimes the mechanism works when the door is open, but when closed it jams. In this case, you need to bore the doors.

The tongue is jammed

It happens that the door does not open, even if you turn the key all the way. This problem can be easily resolved by using any narrow metal object, such as a utility knife, to open the lock. Any plastic card will do.

Pull the door leaf away from the jamb and insert an ax or crowbar into the resulting gap. This will give you access to the tongue. Try pressing it into the lock with a knife, the door should swing open. After this, you need to disassemble the mechanism and find the cause of the breakdown. Most often this is a weakening of the spring.

The lock is broken

In cylinder models, you can remove the broken cylinder using a drill or pliers. The outer part is bitten off or drilled out, and the remains are knocked out with a thick screwdriver and hammer. After this, the crossbars located on the drive mechanism are moved with a metal hook.

The main problem with lever locks is plate jamming. It is not easy to open such a mechanism, therefore, without the necessary skills, it is better to entrust the solution to the problem to specialists.

If a door lock is jammed, it is much easier to open it from the inside because almost every home has the necessary tools. In addition, from the inside you can easily remove the mechanism, especially the overhead type.

In a cylindrical lock, you need to drill a slot in the armor plate. Make the drill go down, creating a support. This will help you quickly drill out the lock. Drill until you touch the first pair of pins. After this, use a 3mm cutter to make an arch over the first pin. This will raise the code pin. The support lock can be removed using a feeler gauge and a magnet. Then drill out the locking mechanism all the way.

Replacing the lock cylinder and checking its functionality

After purchasing a new door core, you need to install it immediately. It is advisable to lubricate the inside of the lock where the cylinder will be inserted. The installation process is the reverse of removal.

The peculiarity of this work is the correct installation of the cylinder in the door and the installation of the mounting bolt in the desired hole.

When replacing the lock cylinder, you need to be extremely careful

You also need to be extremely careful so that the larva does not fall inside the door; it is unlikely that you will be able to get it out.

To do this, you can move the cylinder a little so that the bolt takes its place. The key is in the “Closed” position.

After replacing the core, you must check the lock for functionality. To do this, gently turn the key in the lock of the slightly open door; it should turn freely and not slow down. The lock should not creak or click. Only after this can you close the door and turn the key again. The locking mechanism should close smoothly.

Preliminary preparation

Before drilling out the cylinder, you need to know exactly what category the lock belongs to, that is, its burglary resistance class and type. In addition, it will not be superfluous to know whether the mechanism is equipped with protective armored linings on the outside or inside of the door, in which part the secret pins are located and their number.

The burglary resistance class is specified in the product passport; locks of classes 3 and 4 are considered the most reliable; accordingly, breaking such a mechanism is much more difficult.

By type, locks are divided into cross-shaped cylinder, pin cylinder, overhead lever and armored. The most common is a cylinder lock, the cylinder of which can be drilled out and then replaced with a new similar one. But it is worth considering the quality of the material and the equipment of the cylinder lock. For example, the cheaper the mechanism, the easier it is to saw out. More expensive analogues are equipped during assembly with hard inclusions inside the well, on which drills break off. The hardened steel of the locking mechanism, its core and the pins inside are also not amenable to drilling, even with a high-quality drill for hard metals.

Of course, in a budget product you can drill out the cylinder yourself and replace it with a similar one with a new set of keys, which is very convenient for those who often forget or lose their keys. This will not work with a high-quality, expensive lock; you will have to call a specialist with master keys, wasting your time and money. But do not forget that such a device will more reliably protect personal space and property in the apartment.

Inspect the locking mechanism

Determine what?

Presence/absence of armor plate.
The degree of protection of the larva, including from unauthorized removal. Many models of cylinder locks provide for this, and therefore special inclusions made of hard alloys are placed in the borehole. When you try to open the door in this way, the drill quickly breaks.

Based on visual diagnostics, you can understand:

how to drill out the lock cylinder correctly and what needs to be prepared;
is it worth doing? This statement may seem strange to some, and therefore something needs to be clarified. To remove the core in some models of locks installed in doors, it is not necessary to drill it; the larva can simply be knocked out with a hammer and a fairly strong screwdriver (or a piece of metal rod). And this will take much less time, and the technology itself is so primitive that even a teenager can handle this work.

Prepare everything you need

electric/drill. It is desirable that it has a speed control function, and that the tool runs on mains power rather than battery power. In the absence of one, a screwdriver will also help;
extension cord (carrying);
drill. There is a rule - its diameter should slightly exceed the width of the slot into which the key is inserted (for most cylinder lock cylinders it should be 3 mm); quite enough for accurate drilling. But this is the main working tool. For primary drilling, smaller analogues will be needed. For example, at 0.5 and 1.2.
punch, hammer, screwdriver with a narrow blade;
machine oil.

Tool for drilling the cylinder

Before work, it is better to prepare everything in advance so that during the process you do not have to interrupt and look for missing equipment. The main tool is an electric drill with a sufficient level of power and adjustable rotation speed. It is better to take a tool that operates from the mains, so that the battery does not unexpectedly run out during operation.

A thin metal drill is selected for the drill, slightly thicker than the bore hole, usually 3-5 mm is enough. For convenience, it is also recommended to take a center punch, with which you can mark the entry point of the drill; in this case, the drill will not jump off the relief surface of the core and will not damage the lock body or the surface of the door leaf. Instead of a punch, you can use a thin awl.

In some cases, 6 and 19 mm drills are selected for greater effect. The first drill is used for additional boring of the hole in order to accurately drill all the pins and pick up the lock. A thick drill corresponds to the diameter of the entire cylinder and is used if it is impossible to pick up the stopper through a small recess. But you need to understand that after such a hack it will not be possible to replace only the core, since the entire lock is damaged, so you will have to buy a new one.

To open a broken lock, you will also need a thin flat-head screwdriver, which will tighten the stopper, hook, or bent wire to latch the lock.

Definition of the "working" point

Everything is clear about how to drill out the larva - with an electric drill. But where exactly to install the drill is an important question. Regardless of the modification of the cylinder lock (pin, plate, disk), the “channel” must pass near the installation of the security elements. Then the larva will come out quite easily.

There is one more rule for this - the optimal drilling point is ¼ of the length of the slot above its lower edge. That is, the well is conventionally divided in half, twice; there will be no error.

Preparation of the work area

Before you start directly drilling the lock, you must prevent the possibility of the tip of the tool sliding on the metal. Therefore, the “entry point” is marked with a center punch, otherwise there is a high probability of damage to the cladding, insulation and door leaf material.

How to drill

A drill of the smallest thickness is installed at the entry point indicated by the center punch, after which the drill is turned on. The first millimeters are passed at minimum speed without excessive pressure on the drill, then you can add speed. A minimum of effort and speed will allow the drill to move slightly into the metal without breaking. During the entire drilling process, it is not recommended to rush and work at maximum speed, as this can lead to breakage of the drill, after which you will have to look for a new one, which takes a lot of time.

The drill is installed perpendicular to the borehole, gradually tilting at an angle, which makes it possible to quickly get to the pins and damage them. Experts recommend soaking the drill in mineral oil every couple of minutes to make work easier.

If you notice that the cylinder has become harder to drill, and the drill itself is biting or sticking, reduce the speed, reverse and remove the drill from the recess. It would be a good idea to blow out any metal shavings that would interfere with the interior view.

As soon as you feel that you have reached the last pin, change the drill to a thicker one. This will allow you to drill out the lock cylinder until the pins are completely destroyed. How to do this using the front door as an example is shown in the video below.

Lock-type drilling technology

It is recommended to install a lock with a cross-shaped cylinder in interior doors and doors leading to offices, retail or utility rooms, in other words, in those rooms that are additionally protected by more durable doors or alarms. To open such a lock, you will need to drill a hole just above the keyhole to the pins, and then tighten the lock with an awl or a thin screwdriver. Simultaneously with raising the stopper, the bolt is pulled back using a hook made of thin wire, which will cause the bolt to move inward and open the door.

The cylinder with pins is drilled in a similar way, and then rotated inside using a thin tool, such as a screwdriver.

The keyhole is drilled using a 3 mm drill. To prevent the drill from breaking, it is recommended to place it strictly perpendicular to the borehole hole. If drilling does not help, you will need to make another hole above the hole, and then use a hook to move the bolt.

An overhead lever lock is drilled where the post is attached to the edge of the bolt, usually just above the center of the bore hole. After drilling the rack, the lever lock is opened with a non-original key of a similar type or its blank for a future duplicate. But you should understand that drilling will only help if the product is not equipped with additional protective devices.

Locking mechanisms made of hardened steel or armored with linings are drilled using a heavy-duty carbide-tipped drill. Finding such a drill is problematic; in addition, it is quite expensive, and you will have to work hard to drill it. Therefore, it is easier to leave this matter to a specialist, whose call will cost approximately the same amount as a heavy-duty metal drill.

Pins are destroyed, what to do next?

Take your time with the final destruction of the larva after drilling the pins. In most cases, it is enough to place a flat-head screwdriver inside the drilled recess and twist to open the lock. If the lock does not open with a screwdriver the first time, most likely the pins are not completely sawn or the core is equipped with additional protection against hacking. In this case, try drilling the hole with a slightly thicker drill and repeat the action with a screwdriver or hook.

Who to call if the lock on the door is broken

A stuck constipation must be repaired carefully so as not to aggravate the situation. If this cannot be done on your own, enlist the help of professionals. To pick a lock you can call:

rescuers;
private master;
professionals from a specialized company.

The rescue service is the cheapest, but it does its job too harshly. You can open the lock using primitive tools such as an angle grinder, a hammer or a drill. As a result, you will get into your home, but after that you will have to change both the locking mechanism and the door itself.

Private locksmiths open locks carefully and at an affordable price. But they can collude with attackers, so it’s better not to risk it and immediately turn to professionals for help. They will open the door with minimal damage using special equipment.

Which is better?

Let us reveal to the reader a secret that is well known in certain (and by no means only criminal) circles: “top-secret” Phillips key locks are opened instantly with a strong sharp turn of a durable Phillips screwdriver. The code elements (pins, disks) and the metal spaces between them are very thin. Simple English and disc lock cylinders, as stated, can be opened with a special tool in 2-5 minutes, which is less than the critical thief time.

The cylinders of a modern cylinder lock of high reliability and security

The conclusion is simple: it would be best to buy a new lock cylinder for a punched card key for a city apartment, and for a country house - also a counter-pin lock for a comb key, see Fig.. If other possible ways of unauthorized entry into the house are stopped (good external lighting, local security alarm , bars on the windows, a guard dog in a kennel or enclosure; perhaps a video surveillance and registration system), then you can sleep peacefully behind doors with such locks. How realistic is this in our time?

How to open a door if the lock is jammed - methods and tips

Unpredictable problems can appear at the most inopportune moment. The situation is especially dramatic if the door does not open. Of course, I would like to solve this problem without drastic measures that would entail installing not only a new lock, but also a sash. What to do if the door is jammed? First of all, don’t panic and try to find the cause of the problem. In some cases, you can find a simple way to open a metal door yourself if the lock is jammed. If the attempt is unsuccessful, a special service can help .

Reasons for a jammed door lock

There are many reasons why a door lock gets stuck. Let's look at the most common ones:

door or lock damage;
improper use of the door lock or the door itself;
the door and doorway were installed incorrectly;
manufacturing defects;
foreign objects getting into the locking mechanism;
if a duplicate key made of low-quality material is used.

Related article: Which lock to put on the front door

Each of these reasons brings with it a number of problematic cases that can arise at the most inopportune moment.

Do-it-yourself ways to fix a breakdown

Depending on what problem you are facing, you will learn what you can do to resolve the situation.

The key cannot be pulled out of the lock.

Such a nuisance can happen if the lock on the door breaks and its mechanism wears out. To get the key, you need to treat the lock hole with machine oil or kerosene. After this, you should very carefully, without sudden movements, remove the key from the cylinder. You definitely need to change the lock or cylinder in the near future, otherwise everything may happen again.

The lock jams when turning.

If the lock jams while turning the key, the cause may be a dirty cylinder. If you clean it from dust and dirt, the problem will be easily solved. You can also simply replace it. But if the measures taken do not bring results, and the lock still jams, only boring the door frame will help. The lock can also become jammed due to the use of a low-quality duplicate key.

The key does not turn , or it cannot even be inserted into the cylinder.

If you cannot turn the key, you should consider several reasons: contamination of the mechanism, a stuck piece of a key or other object, some kind of mechanical damage. Initially, you need to clean the mechanism from contaminants using the same machine oil, kerosene, or simply olive or sunflower oil. After everything is processed, you need to insert the key and slowly move it into the keyhole. At the same time, you can tap the key a little so that it fits better. True, all these actions should be performed very carefully so as not to complicate the situation. After performing this action several times, you should try to see whether the key can now turn and how easily it fits into the keyhole.

To detect the presence of any foreign object, you must use a flashlight. You can remove the found object using tweezers or a thin wire bent with a hook.

What should you do if the door does not open because the key has broken and part of it remains inside the lock? If the broken key is visible from the lock, it can be removed using pliers. If the rest of the key cannot be picked up using a tool, you will have to disassemble the lock and this is the only way to open the jammed door.

It turned out that someone left a key on the other side of the door

To remove the key from the opposite side, you can use a pin, thin nail or nail file. You may be able to solve the problem with these tools. The only caveat is that if the key in the lock is turned and positioned perpendicular to the entry, extraction in this way will be futile.

The next reason may be a breakdown of the mechanism spring (in the latch tongue), especially if you have an English-type lock installed.

These tabs turn out to be very weak, so it will not be difficult to squeeze them out with a knife or screwdriver. First you need to insert the knife into the place where the opening tab is located (between the door and the jamb). Then apply gentle pressure, but not too much, so as not to break the tool.

If the front door lock is jammed, you will have to disassemble it.

To understand how to open a jammed lock, you must first determine the cause. To do this, you need to unscrew the entire number of bolts and try to remove the lock itself. It may turn out that the reason is misalignment, damage from the hinge, or the frame is settling. To solve this problem, use wedges. They need to be driven in where the door leaf connects to the frame. If you don't have wedges on hand, then just use a regular screwdriver.

Experts recommend not to make much effort when solving the problem of a stuck lock on your own. After all, you can do more harm than good.

Types of cylinder mechanisms

In terms of the achievable degree of secrecy, reliability and cost, only trigger locks successfully compete with cylinder locks, being somewhat inferior to cylinder locks in terms of vandal resistance. The key of the trigger lock is similar to the 2-blade key of a lever lock, but it does not activate moving plates (levers), but rather the throwing elements - mechanical triggers. Finding their positions at which the lock bolt is unlocked is extremely difficult even with the most modern methods. Trigger locks are very expensive, and for a house/apartment not filled with gold, jewelry and small antiques, a cylinder lock turns out to be optimal for the front door.

The cylinder lock cylinder is also called its core or cylinder mechanism. This is a characteristic assembly unit of a cylinder lock, which is absent in locking devices of other systems. The peculiarity of a cylinder lock, firstly, is that it is possible to change the lock cylinder of this type of entrance door from the inside without touching the door itself; the work process takes no more than half an hour. Secondly, in many cases it is also possible to open a jammed lock from the outside without damaging the door.

Keys for cylinder locks

Keys in Fig. higher from the castles with the trail. types of cylinder mechanisms:

Pos. 1 and 2 – classic English with a single-row needle (pin) mechanism.
Pos. 3 – with a 2-4 row cylinder (pin or disk) with a cross key.
Pos. 4 – with a disk mechanism.
Pos. 5 – “punched card” from a larva with counterpins (counterpins).

The lock cylinder is unlocked by inserting it into the hole and, possibly, by initially turning the key. Its complete rotation through the driving element of the cylinder (see below) and (in some types of locks) transmission parts pushes the lock bolt, which extends/retracts its tongue (tongues). The cylinders for overhead and mortise door locks with different types of cylinder mechanisms are designed differently; resp. The procedures for replacing them also differ.

Note: it would be more correct to call the key hole in the cylinder lock a socket, because a well, by definition, is something through.

Needle-shaped

The operating principle of a cylinder lock with a simple 1-row (English) cylinder is shown at the top left in Fig. The cutouts of the standard inserted key move the spring-loaded split needles (pins) so that their connector lines coincide with the line between the cylinder (rotor) and the body (clip). The cylinder can now be turned with the key. The cylinder mustache will then turn the leash with the cam (the link with the finger). The cam (finger) will push the bolt and the lock will open/close.

Arrangement of lock cylinders with a needle cylinder mechanism

Cylinder mechanisms of any degree of complexity are produced as follows. design:

A handle key (pos. a in the figure) is the most convenient and common type.
Key key (pos. b) - used when the door must also be locked from the inside. For example, in the doors of the common lobby of several apartments.
Half-cylinder (half-cylinder, half-core, pos. c) – is usually placed on the entrance doors of non-residential and utility rooms.
Pos. d – with a cross key. It is considered a mechanism of increased secrecy, but we will talk about this later.

More reliable

The main disadvantage of a simple English cylinder is the low degree of secrecy; the number of its combinations rarely exceeds 1000, therefore, if the house is on the outskirts, the thief will have time to open the lock by simply selecting the keys. Further, the hole of such a lock includes a master key and 2-3 lever probes, with which the larva is silently and reversibly unlocked in 2-3 minutes. Finally, if the house is also on the outskirts, pins can be completed in the same 2-3 minutes. drill, see below.

High-reliability pin cylinders are equipped with an anti-burglary rod made of hard alloy (from drilling, indicated by a green arrow in position I of the figure) and additional rods (blue and purple arrows) that prevent the use of a thin thief's tool. But the degree of its secrecy remains low, so honest locksmiths, at the request of the owners, prefer to open such locks from the outside by selecting keys.

In larvae with counterpins moving under the influence of gravity (position II), secrecy increases by orders of magnitude: if one row has only 100 combinations, then together it will be 100x100 = 10,000. A drilling rod is placed in such larvae, but in “anti-pick” “There is no need: the counter pins get in the way of taking the lock with a tool. It is possible to quickly open such a lock from the outside only by drilling it with a diamond drill. Keys to locks with counterpins (pos. IIa) are called punched card or computer keys for their external resemblance to antediluvian storage media. The disadvantage of larvae for punched card keys is the small travel of the pins. Increased precision in the manufacture of the mechanism is required, which makes it more sensitive to contamination. Therefore, in country houses with such locks, cylinders are used on the same principle, but with a comb key, see at the end about choosing a new cylinder.

Disk

Lock cylinders with a cylinder-disc mechanism (item A in the next figure) are most often used in overhead apartment locks, but sometimes also in inexpensive mortise locks.

Design of a cylinder lock with a disk mechanism

The principle of its operation is illustrated by position B:

The angles α between the symmetry axes of the borehole and the selecting holes of each of the discs that make up the code package are different;
The angles α of each disk correspond to the bevels on the key shaft;
The inserted key is turned slightly;
The selecting holes converge into a groove (pos. B);
As the key is turned further, the finger falls into the groove so that its middle falls at the junction of the rotor and the cage;
Then, when you turn the key, your finger pushes the clip, which activates the bolt.

The real advantage of a disc lock cylinder is one: it is very difficult to break the key. The disk mechanism is little sensitive to contamination, and with a non-standard key the code package can be turned indefinitely. Therefore, it is advisable to equip the doors of premises that are unattended for a long time and unattractive to burglars with disc locks: country houses, sheds, garages. The relative ease of recoding a disk lock with your own hands may also be useful to an amateur craftsman. For example, if the key is lost under suspicious circumstances or the keys were transferred by the previous owners. Instead of spending money on a new lock, you can go through the package and make new keys from the blanks. How to recode a disk lock at home, see next. video.

Video: recoding the disk lock yourself

The disadvantages of a disc lock when storing valuables are more than serious. The first is the same low degree of secrecy as in simple English. There are disk locks for sale with a cross key (see figure), but they are just as unreliable as pin locks (see below), but they are more susceptible to contamination than punched card locks. Secondly, the hole in the disc lock is wider than the English one, and it’s even easier to insert special tools into it. A “clean” opening of a disk lock for the purpose of a covert search (so that the owner does not guess about the secret visit) takes no more than 5 minutes, and a thief’s – 2-3 minutes.

Design of a lock cylinder with a disk mechanism for a cross key

Third, the locking and unlocking mechanisms of the disc lock are separated, because It is impossible to lock it by turning the key back. The locking mechanism is activated by a spring-loaded flag protruding under the tongue. When the door is closed, the flag is recessed and releases the latch (pawl) of the bolt, which is pressed by a stronger spring. Therefore, the owners of an apartment with a disk lock at the entrance have a very good chance of finding themselves in the position of engineer Shchukin before meeting with Ostap Bender.

Alternative options for opening the lock

How to open a jammed door if the lock is broken and more gentle methods do not work? In this case, you will have to use “heavy artillery”:

Removing the door from its hinges. This is considered a good way to maintain the integrity of the door leaf and the iron door frame itself. However, modern designs have protective bolts that may prevent you from using this method.
Saw through the jammed locking tongue. It will take a lot of time and labor to cut it. This method will not work if there is a very small gap between the frame and the door leaf.
Calling a master or the Ministry of Emergency Situations is the only way to open the iron door if all of the above actions do not help. And in this case, there is hope that you will not have to completely change the doors or lock. After all, the master, with the help of his tools, will be able to deal with this problem much more carefully and quickly.

Chemical hack

The return springs of the pins are dissolved using a liquid poured into the mechanism. After this, the cylinder is turned using a screwdriver.

To complicate the use of this method:

protective pads are used that block access to the end part of the mechanism (magnetic and code pads)
mechanisms are used in which the total length of the body pin and the core pin is greater than the length of the code channel to the parting line
mechanisms with pins in the upper part of the body are used
mechanisms are used with a combination of different types of mechanism security elements (frames and pins)

Preventive lock maintenance

To avoid this problem again, use some expert advice:

To prevent debris or particles of any objects from getting into the keyhole, special protective pads should be used.
Do not use the key for any other purpose. For example, opening bottles, packages or boxes.
Observe the condition of the door to notice if the door block is misaligned.
Do not use low-quality duplicates or foreign tools to open doors.
Check the keyhole for debris.
If you hear unusual sounds when turning the key, or notice that the key has begun to slip or enter the lock with great effort, you should immediately contact a mechanic. Otherwise, you run the risk of finding your door lock jammed again.

When the front door does not open from the inside or outside, there is not always time and opportunity to calmly assess the complexity of the breakdown and try to fix it yourself. In most cases, it is more advisable to call for special assistance, whose specialists will be able to carefully open the lock. Most owners of private houses have the opportunity not to spend money on professional help if the lock does not open for some reason; a back door is provided in many cottages, and until the situation is resolved, you can use another entrance.

Replacement

Well, finally, I got out, damn it! Now, what kind of cylinder should you buy for the lock so that it fits and is more reliable than the previous one? The dimensions at the end are simple: we take with us to the store a door trim with a window for the cylinder. If the lock with a cylinder is on an axial fastening, you will also need to remove the dimensions of the lamella in order to reach the bolt leash and fit into it.

What to look for when buying a new lock cylinder

For locks with side fastening, the asymmetry of the mounting hole, pos. 1 in Fig. The standard installation dimensions of the lock cylinder for a steel door are given in pos. 2, but there may be others. And lastly, the type of crossbar drive: cam or gear, pos. 3. Cam configuration and gear module are also different. So it’s better to take the old larva with you.