A key stuck in a lock is one of the most unpleasant situations – and it can happen at any moment. Trying to pull it out by force often leads to even bigger issues: a broken key, damaged mechanism, or complete door blockage. Let’s look at what to do in such a situation and how to solve the problem safely.
One of the most common causes is contamination inside the lock. Dust, small debris, old lubricant residue, or metal shavings can prevent the key from moving freely. In this case, you can carefully clean the keyway and use a special lock lubricant to reduce friction.
A key may also get stuck due to deformation. If it is slightly bent, has chips, or worn-out teeth, it can jam inside the mechanism when turned. In this case, you should avoid pulling harder – the key may break. It’s better to stop and inspect the key’s condition.
Another frequent cause is wear of the cylinder itself. Over time, the pins and other internal parts begin to move less smoothly, and with significant wear they may block the key completely. Here, only replacing the cylinder will help.
Sometimes the key gets stuck because the door is misaligned. If the door shifts, the lock begins to operate under stress, which leads to jamming. In such a case, check whether the door closes evenly, and adjust the hinges if needed.
It’s important to remember that applying force is a bad idea. Sudden movements can break the key inside the lock, making the repair far more difficult.
If gentle methods don’t help, it’s better to contact specialists in emergency lock opening. A technician will safely extract the key, determine the cause of the jamming, and perform repair or cylinder replacement if necessary.
Regular lock maintenance, using keys in good condition, and paying attention to the first signs of sticking will help prevent such situations and extend the service life of the door mechanism.