What is the reason when the key is half stuck in the lock and cannot turn?
4 Answers
The key suddenly not turning may be due to misalignment or a damaged lock cylinder. Different issues have different solutions. If it's misalignment, you can try pressing the key downward to resolve it. Here are the solutions for a key that won't turn: Solution 1: If the lock hole is damaged, you can use oil lubrication. First, clean the surface of the door lock with a cloth, then brush a little lubricating oil or soybean oil inside. If brushing is difficult, you can use a dropper to add a few drops. Then test the key. If it turns smoothly, clean the door lock afterward. Solution 2: If the key won't turn, it might be due to stiff lock pins. In this case, check if you have a pencil at home. Scrape some pencil lead into the lock hole, then insert the key and turn it a few times to open the lock, which is very convenient.
Last time I encountered a situation where the key was stuck in the lock and wouldn't turn, upon reflection it might have been caused by several reasons. If the key itself was bent or the teeth were worn out, it could easily get stuck in the middle of the keyhole and fail to turn; it could also be due to dust accumulation or rust inside the lock cylinder, causing the springs to jam; or someone might have accidentally inserted a foreign object, like a small stone. I remember once when opening the car door, the key got stuck, and it was only after lightly spraying some lubricant that it loosened. This issue is quite annoying, especially in winter when temperatures are low and metal is prone to deformation. It's advisable to usually take care to protect the key from being dropped and to regularly maintain the lock with professional lock cleaner to avoid rust. If you can't get it open yourself, don't force it to avoid damaging more components; it's best to consult a professional locksmith. Safety first—when stuck, never forcibly twist the key to prevent breakage, which would make it even harder to handle.
From experience, when the key gets stuck halfway and won't turn, it's mostly a mechanical issue. For example, the small spring inside the lock cylinder might be deformed, or internal pins could be jammed, preventing the key from moving smoothly. Additionally, if the lock hasn't been maintained for a long time, oxidation or dirt buildup can increase resistance. I recommend checking if the key's teeth are aligned properly, as incorrect insertion angles can also cause jamming. Don't rush when handling it—try gently wiggling the key to help it reset. If that doesn't work, apply some lock lubricant and slowly insert and remove the key. If this happens frequently, consider replacing the lock to prevent future issues. Remember, vehicle locks are particularly sensitive to temperature changes affecting precision, so be extra cautious in winter. Professional technicians can usually disassemble, clean, or adjust components to solve the problem, preventing minor issues from turning into major faults.
Hey, the common reasons for a key getting stuck or not working smoothly are dirtiness or old age. The trick I've learned is to keep it clean: regularly spray some WD-40 into the keyhole for lubrication to prevent dust buildup; also, avoid inserting or turning the key too forcefully—gentle operation can reduce wear. Another point is to check the key itself to see if it's bent or has inconsistent notches, which may not match the lock cylinder. For a quick fix, you can carefully pull the key out with pliers, but don't use excessive force. Prevention is better than cure—it's recommended to check the car lock condition every few months, rather than waiting until it gets stuck to deal with it.
