The key is stuck in the lock and cannot be pulled out - what should I do?
Let's call the client Alexander. In the evening he opened the apartment door as usual, but after turning he discovered that the key no longer came out of…
The client's name and certain details of the story have been changed to maintain confidentiality.
Let's call the client Alexander. In the evening he opened the apartment door as usual, but after turning he discovered that the key no longer came out of the cylinder.
The first reaction is quite understandable:
“You just need to pull harder.”
But it is a strong force that can turn a stuck key into a broken key.
Why the key might get stuck
There are several reasons. One of the most common is damage to the key itself. If he:
- bent;
- very worn;
- has damage;
- made as an inaccurate copy,
it may stop interacting normally with the cylinder. The second possible reason is the condition of the mechanism itself:
- wear;
- pollution;
- internal malfunction;
- corrosion.
There is a third option - the lock is under load due to the position of the door.
What can be safely checked
The main thing is not to try to turn or pull out the key with great force. Look:
- is the key in the normal position for removal;
- does the resistance change if you slightly remove the pressure from the door;
- is there any noticeable deformation of the key;
- has this happened before?
If the key is already tightly clamped, it is better to stop further experiments.
Why you can’t keep pulling with pliers
While the key is intact, the task is to release the mechanism. If it is broken, a second problem appears - part of the key remains inside the cylinder. After this, repairs may become more difficult.
If the door is open
It's much more convenient. Do not close it again until it becomes clear why the key is stuck. Otherwise, the next failure may occur when the door is closed.
Do I need to change the cylinder
Not necessarily. After removing the key, you need to determine the cause. Various options are possible:
- the problem is only in the key;
- maintenance required;
- the cylinder is damaged and it is more rational to replace it;
- the reason is generally the door adjustment.