Key Not Turning Is a Common Problem
As a homeowner, you may have faced the sticky situation of your home’s main door, car or any other key not turning. It’s not a very pleasant situation to be in, especially when you are running late for your errands. You try hard to pry it open but it just does not work. The key just refuses to turn! The problem is common as air.
The reason behind any key not turning can be anything – a jammed lock or a damaged key. The type of lock you are trying to open also has a role to play. Nonetheless, you will have to remedy the situation as soon as possible. If you arm yourself with the knowledge of concerns in various lock types, you can come up with a solution for sure.
Key-Related Issues in Various Lock Types and How to Fix Them
Different lock types will require different remedies if the key won’t turn. Let’s take you through some key-related issues in various types of locks:
House Lock
The key of your home’s main door not turning could be because of a jammed lock. It’s natural for some door locks to rust and wear off over time, making them difficult to open with the key. Also, there may be instances of damage caused to the key itself. Any damage to the shoulder, cuts, or tip of the key will fail to open the lock.
However, the solution to the problem will largely depend on the type of lock on your door and the extent of the defect. If you have a traditional lock and key system on your home’s door, you might have to call for an emergency locksmith gold coast to fix the issue. A more sophisticated system will require advanced assistance.
Car Locks
When it comes to the key not turning in car locks, you should be aware of the fact that there’s a difference in the ignition cylinders of different cars. So, that would call for a specific type of solution. Sometimes, you may have to fix or replace the key or replace the ignition cylinder to solve the problem. Nonetheless, the key getting stuck in the ignition could require the assistance of a specific automobile dealer.
If the reason behind the issue is not defect-related, then simply turning the steering wheel also unlocks it. This is usually the case when you move the steering wheel after removing the key from the ignition cylinder. Also, you might have to lubricate the keyway of your car’s ignition cylinder so that the key turns smoothly.
Padlock
Padlocks have been historically used in various establishments owing to their simplicity. However, there could be times when the hardware of the lock freezes in winter or undergoes damage, blocking the key from turning. The lock tends to get jammed over time due to rusting and the accumulation of dirt. In such a case, it’s best to replace the padlock if repairing it is not an option.
There may also be instances where the padlock comes with a removable keyed cylinder. Repairing such locks is easier than their counterparts that cannot be taken apart. You can fix the issue in such a lock just as you would troubleshoot the problem in a house lock. Such padlocks that come with removable cores are considered to be the best for security reasons and are extremely easy to repair.
Conclusion
The problem of keys not turning in various locks is common. Anyone can find themselves in this sticky situation. However, there’s not much to worry about because there’s always a solution. As discussed above, different types of locks will have different concerns because of which the key fails to turn. Also, defects, if any, can be different in different situations.
Your best bet would be to troubleshoot the problem by calling for expert assistance. There’s always help around the corner whenever you find yourself in such a situation. There are many expert locksmiths that provide assistance in emergency lockout situations. You can always get in touch with them whenever you face lock- and key-related issues.
