Broken keys commonly jam door locks. A good door lock keeps out burglars, not the owner of the home. Nonetheless, mechanisms filled with gunk, broken keys, rust and misalignment may cause jammed door locks. Depending on the cause, you can fix a jam with just a few minutes and common household items. If you exhaust the list of quick fixes and repairs to no avail, you'll have to call a locksmith or replace a permanently jammed door lock. Coat your door key with powdered graphite or spray graphite into the keyhole. This acts as a lubricant and may unjam lock tumblers that have become clogged with debris over time. Jiggle the lubricated key in the cylinder if it doesn't open on the first try. Use a key extractor -- available for purchase at websites that sell locksmithing tools -- to remedy a lock jammed by a broken key. Spray general-use lubricant into the keyhole and insert the barbed end of the extractor so that the teeth of the extractor face the teeth of the stuck key. Gently move the extractor up and down until you feel it hook the key.

Sharply tug the extractor away from the lock to remove the key. Soak your door lock in kerosene for 24 hours if it isn't attached to a door and has been rusted shut. magnetic door lock hackRemove the cover or faceplate of your mortise lock or surface-mounted rim lock to repair it. french doors brisbane northsideThese types of lock, commonly used with apartment and home doors, bolt into a large slot on the edge of the door. pvc folding doors australiaFirst remove the cover or faceplate by unscrewing it from the door -- this exposes the cylinder. pella patio doors discountTurn the cylinder's screws clockwise to tighten them. sliding doors for archways

This helps realign the cylinder when your door frame has settled or become warped, leading to proper lock operation. Widen the slot on the inside of the strike plate if your lock has become stubborn. bi fold patio doors melbourneShave off a small amount of metal around the rim; outdoor fire pit harbor freightmake one or two passes and test the latch to see how it catches, widening the slot as need. Rounding the end of a dead bolt with a metal file may help it fit into the slot properly. These repairs also remedy locks that have jammed due to misalignment. Things You Will Need Powdered graphite Lubricant Key extractor Kerosene Screwdriver Rotary tool with metal-cutting carbide bit Metal file Tip References Popular Mechanics: Quick Fixes for Front (and Sliding) Door LocksGold Key Security: How to Remove Broken Keys -- Advice from a Professional LocksmithDon Vandervort's HomeTips: Common Door Lock Problems and RepairsDon Vandervort's HomeTips: How to Fix Locksets and LatchesSecurity Snobs: Types of LocksFamily Handyman

: //Getty Images Suggest a CorrectionA deadlock latch bolt resists credit-card jimmying. A sturdy, locked door brings a homeowner peace of mind; however, fighting with a stubborn lock to break into your own home is aggravating. Calling a locksmith to help you get in costs you time and money. Before deciding to invest in a brand new lock and key, try to fix the door with a few inexpensive steps. Get the security you want without the headaches by correcting a sticky keyhole, tumbler and key. Spray the door key with a graphite-based lubricant. Slide the key in the lock and tap lightly on the key to lubricate the inside of the lock. Flip the key and open the door. Don't use a wet lubricant that gum up locks. Counteract chilly, San Francisco nights by warming the key with a lighter flame before placing it inside the lock. Warm the metal several times until the icy lock opens. Look under the stem of the door knob for a small hole. Slide a small, flat-head screwdriver into the hole with one hand and pull on the knob with the other hand.

Unscrew the assembly after the plate is revealed. This does not work with every locking system. Remove the top from a tube of graphite powder. Poke the open tip into the lock. Squirt the powder into the lock, the graphite will make the lock easier to open. Look at the door hinges. If you can see the door hinges, you can open the door. Place a large flat head screwdriver at the top of the hinge, just under the large pin head that holds it in place. Use a hammer to tap up the screw. Do this for both hinges. Lift the door out of the hinges to open it. Things You Will Need Graphite-based lubricant Lighter or matches Small flat-head screwdriver Tube of graphite powder Large flat head screwdriver Hammer Tip Warning References Popular Mechanics: Quick Fixes for Front and Sliding DoorsThis Old House: All About LocksPaul's Travel Pictures: How to Fix a Sticky Door Lock and Key Photo Credits Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images Suggest a CorrectionMy door knob is stuck and I'm trapped in my room! October 7, 2009   Subscribe

Your smartphone is now a smart key—and more. Lock and unlock your door, create virtual keys for guests, and keep track of who comes and goes, all from your iOS or Android smartphone. FREE shipping included at checkout. “The August Lock is like a bouncer for smart homes.” You are the keymaster. Never copy a key again. Create virtual keys for family and guests. Choose to grant access for a few weeks, a few hours, a few minutes, or even specific dates and times. Delete guest access any time in an instant. No more fumbling for keys. August Smart Lock auto-locks behind you for peace of mind and automatically unlocks as you approach. Turn on or off whenever you want. Know who comes and goes. A 24/7 activity log tracks who enters and exits your home. And with unique keys for each user, you’ll always know who opens your door and when. The August Home app. Your mobile command center. August Smart Lock works with the free August Home app to create keys, grant access, view the activity log, and more, available for Android™ and iOS®.

You can even use your Apple watch to lock/unlock your door, view your activity log, and receive instant notifications. Keep your existing hardware. Your exterior door hardware stays exactly the same. The August Smart Lock replaces only the interior side of your standard deadbolt. August Smart Lock HomeKit Enabled Control your August Smart Lock-HomeKit Enabled, using Siri on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Apple HomeKit provides an easy, secure way to check your lock’s status and lock/unlock your door. It’s everything you love in the August Smart Lock, now with Apple HomeKit features.Install of @AugustSmartLock was a breeze. See just how easy it is to install the August Smart Lock. Watch a step-by-step video walkthrough as seen on Ask This Old House® here. Nothing to wire or connect. When batteries need replacing, you’ll be notified by the August Home app. Highly secure Low Energy Bluetooth (LEB) syncs the lock to your smartphone.