My door locks locking mechanism won’t turn smoothly with a hard click when turning the deadbolt instead of a smooth turn
During installation, the locking mechanism won’t turn smoothly. There’s a hard click when turning the deadbolt instead of a smooth turn. I think something is defective with the deadbolt gear. Please advise how to get a smooth turn.
Thanks.
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If your door lock’s mechanism is not turning smoothly and you’re experiencing a hard click when turning the deadbolt, a few potential issues could be at play. Here’s what you can do to troubleshoot:
- Check the alignment: Ensure the deadbolt, the door, and the frame are properly aligned. Misalignment can create friction making the deadbolt hard to turn. When the door is open, the deadbolt may move freely because it isn’t interacting with the strike plate on the door frame. But when the door is closed, the bolt might not properly align with the hole in the strike plate.
- Lubricate: You can apply a graphite lubricant to the deadbolt mechanism. Graphite lubricant is good for locks because it doesn’t attract dirt and dust like oils can. Do not use WD-40 or oil; it can gum up the lock.
- Inspect the Key: If you’re using a key to lock and unlock, check if there’s damage to the key. A worn or slightly bent key can also cause difficulty when turning the lock.
- Check for debris or obstruction: An obstructed lock cylinder might cause difficulties when turning the lock. Spray a quick puff of compressed air into the key slot to remove any potential obstructions.
- Check for burrs: Sometimes, a small piece of metal (burr) may cause friction in the locking mechanism. You’ll need to dismantle the lock to look for this. If you find a burr, you can gently file it down.
- Check the installation: Review your process and make sure all steps were followed correctly. Something might be installed too tightly, or there could be an issue with how the parts fit together. It could be that the tailpiece is not installed correctly into the deadbolt gear.
- Faulty parts: If none of the above steps work, the lockset may be defective. Contact the manufacturer or the retailer for assistance, as a warranty might cover it.
- Call a Professional: If the issue persists after trying these steps, you may need to call a professional locksmith. They can diagnose issues with the lock internals, door alignment, or if the lock needs to be replaced.
Remember, if you’re uncomfortable with DIY fixes, it’s always best to call a professional locksmith to avoid causing more damage to the lock.
