Why Your Key Won’t Turn (and What to Do Before It Becomes a Lockout)

Very often, customers reach out to us with this very issue: their key has seemingly, and suddenly, stopped working. One day it’s fine, the next it won’t budge. It always feels like it happens at the worst possible time — when you’re coming home with groceries, rushing out the door, or arriving home late at night.

The good news? In most cases, the lock isn’t actually broken, and your key hasn’t stopped being the right one. Usually, there’s a simple explanation — and a fix.

Common Reasons a Key Stops Working

Dirt and Debris Inside the Lock


This is by far the most common reason we see. Over time, dust, lint, and tiny grit make their way inside your lock, often carried in on the key itself. Eventually, that buildup makes the pins inside the lock stick, and the key won’t turn as smoothly as it used to.

➡ A spray right into the cylinder (keyhole) with locksmith-approved lubricant can often clear up the issue. Most of the time, this is exactly the solution.

Door Alignment Issues


Less often, the problem isn’t the lock at all, but the door. If the frame shifts — whether from weather, humidity, or the natural settling of a house — the strike plate may not line up with the lock. That small shift can make it feel like your key no longer works.

➡ In many cases, a trusty handyman can adjust the alignment and solve the problem.

Weather Conditions


Changes in humidity and temperature can affect both locks and doors. Wooden doors may swell in summer or tighten in winter, making locks harder to turn.

➡ Routine maintenance helps, but if weather constantly causes problems, you may want to upgrade to a weather-resistant lock.

Worn or Bent Keys


Keys wear down or bend slightly over time, which means they don’t lift the lock pins properly anymore.

➡ If a spare key works better, that’s your sign to have a locksmith cut a new one from the original key code.

What Not to Do

• Don’t force the key — that’s how it bends or breaks inside the lock.
• Don’t reach for WD-40 or other oil-based sprays — they only make things worse long-term.
• Don’t ignore the early warning signs — a sticky lock today can turn into a lockout tomorrow.

When to Call a Locksmith

If a spray in the cylinder doesn’t clear things up, or your key looks worn, bent, or fragile, that’s the right time to call us. We can:

• Properly clean and service your lock
• Cut fresh keys that actually work
• Adjust alignment issues
• Recommend stronger or weather-resistant locks for long-term peace of mind

Final Word

When your key suddenly stops working, don’t panic. Most of the time, a quick spray of lubricant in the cylinder solves it. But if the problem persists, or you’re worried about wear and tear, Mike’s Locksmith is just a call away.