Here’s a few do-it-yourself keyhole door fixes that might get you out of a tight spot without having to call a locksmith! You never know when this knowledge might come in handy.
Dealing with a Stuck Lock
Forget about oil, which can do more harm than good to a stuck lock. The best lubricant for a lock’s inner mechanism is graphite, and a good source of graphite is a pencil lead. Rub a sharpened, soft lead pencil (No. 1 or No. 2) repeatedly against the companion key, and insert it several times intot he lock. Perform this trick twice a year to keep locks in top working condition.
Remove a Broken Key
It happens all the time: Keys get old and bent and wind up breaking off inside the lock. If you can’t enter your house or apartment through another door, run to a neighbor to borrow a couple of items before calling a locksmith. First, try removing the broken piece with tweezers. If that won’t work, apply a drop of super glue to the end of the piece that’s still on your key chain. Line it up with the part inside the lock, and carefully insert it. Hold it in place for 40-60 seconds and then slowly pull out the key.
Light Up Your Lock
You know what it’s like to come home to a dark porch and have to feel around for the lock on your front door. If you never want to go bump in the night again, dab a few drops of glow-in-the-dark paint around the keyholes of your exterior locks with a cotton swab or small paintbrush. Do the same for any dead-bolt locks on the inside of your house as well, which will make exiting much easier in the event of a power outage or other emergency.