Gary Cripps 
Are you stuck with a deadbolt that just won’t unlock? Don’t worry, even the best locks have the occasional issue. We’ll show you how to quickly fix your deadbolt so you can get on with life – because we believe unlocking success starts at home!
How do you fix a deadbolt that wont unlock?
In many cases, a deadbolt that won’t unlock is caused by an issue with the lockset itself. There are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix the problem.
Step 1: Check that the lock cylinder is inserted properly. Make sure the screw securing the cylinder to the door frame is tightened, and the pins at the back of it are fully engaged.
Step 2: If you’ve recently replaced a lock cylinder in your door, you may need to reset it according to manufacturer instructions in order for it to function as intended. Your old key may also no longer work with a newly installed lock cylinder.
Step 3: Check for debris or dirt obstructing the mechanism of your deadbolt. Carefully blow out any dust particles that may be stuck inside or use compressed air if available. You should also try to realign components if everything looks fine but your key still isn’t turning smoothly in either direction.
Step 4: Alternatively, you can spray some lubricant into areas such as spring-loaded hooks or pins at the back of your lock cylinder to ensure smooth operation with each turn of your key and prevent sticking when unlocking or locking your door using a deadbolt instead of a knobset mechanism.. Once you’ve identified and applied a solution, test out your deadbolt before reinstalling it into place.
Why does my deadbolt lock stuck?
Often the reason a deadbolt lock is stuck is because the locking mechanism has malfunctioned. The most common causes of a stuck deadbolt lock include door frame warping due to temperature changes, dust or debris blocking the keyway, or worn-out parts inside the lock. When attempting to diagnose which of these is causing your deadbolt to be stuck, it’s important to follow specific steps in order to ensure that you identify and solve the exact problem.
Before attempting any type of disassembly of your lock, make sure that it isn’t simply locked from behind. If making sure that no one on the other side has locked you out does not solve your problem, try applying light lubrication into both sides of the keyhole. For tougher cases try using an all-purpose lubricant like WD40 or silicone spray which can sometimes help loosen jammed locks. If lubricating your deadbolt still doesn’t help, consider contacting a licensed locksmith as they may be able to help you assess and repair any internal issues with your lock.
How do you open a broken deadbolt?
Deadbolts are one of the best locks available when it comes to home security. Unfortunately, even the toughest lock can get stuck over time, leaving you unable to open or close it. If you find yourself in this situation, there are some steps that you can take to try and open your locked deadbolt without needing to call a locksmith!
To begin, check the latch plate and the bolt to make sure that they are both lined up correctly with each other. This is often a simple fix for stuck locks. If the latch plate and bolt alignment is not the source of the problem, unscrew both screws on either side of the door handle until it can be removed from its housing. Next, lift off the handle itself and remove any visible screws on both parts of your deadbolt – interior and exterior – until you can unhinge them from each other. Finally, press down on one side of your hinge while lifting up lightly on other side – this should dislodge your deadbolt so that it is free to move outward. You may need something like a flathead screwdriver to help with this step if your hinges don’t let go easily. Following these steps should provide you with access to your lock again – if not, consider calling in a professional locksmith or replacing your broken deadbolt altogether!
One solution
When your deadbolt will not unlock, there are several possible solutions. Following is one method that may solve the problem.
1. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to remove the screws and take off the door knob plate. Remove the latch from the door if necessary by unscrewing it from inside the face plate using a Phillips head screwdriver.
2. Look for a small hole in either side of the latch mechanism. In some models, you may need to hold down or set another switch to make this particular hole visible. Insert an eyeglass or paperclip into each of these holes in order to release any tension in the internal components and make it easier to turn or unlock your deadbolt manually.
3. Test to ensure that your deadbolt can now be turned easily by hand with both of these clips engaged and removed from the latch mechanism (in some cases, only one clip is necessary). If so, you have successfully unlocked your deadbolt using this method! Now reattach and replace any components as necessary before attempting to lock/unlock with a key again and testing out your work.
