The key began to open the lock only on the second or third try

The client's name and certain details of the story have been changed to maintain confidentiality.

Let's call the client Eugene. For several months his lock worked without any problems. Then a little strangeness appeared. Sometimes the key would go in fine, but wouldn't turn the first time. Evgeniy pulled it out, inserted it again, changed the position a little - and the lock opened.

Over time this began to happen more often.

“It still opens. Maybe the key just needs to be inserted correctly?

Sometimes the reason really is in the key itself. But if before the lock worked stably, but now it requires several attempts, this is already a change in the behavior of the mechanism.

Why the correct key may not work the first time

Possible reasons:

• key wear;
• wear of cylinder elements;
• contamination of the mechanism;
• damage to individual internal parts;
• incorrect position of the key due to wear;
• the beginning of cylinder jamming;
• load from the door.

Sometimes the problem develops so gradually that the user simply adapts to it. First you have to move the key slightly. Then find a certain position. Then make two or three attempts.

And at some point the lock may stop opening at all.

Should I change the lock right away?

Not necessarily. The first step is to understand whether the symptom is related to the key or the mechanism itself. If there is a second original key, try it. If the spare key works significantly better, the main copy may be very worn.

If both keys behave the same, you may want to pay more attention to the cylinder or lock.

Why it's better not to get used to a malfunction

A person very quickly begins to perceive abnormal work as normal. For example:

“You just need to move the key once.”

But a working mechanism should usually not require special techniques that the owner has learned over time. If the opening procedure becomes increasingly difficult, this is a good time to diagnose.