Key Won’t Go In? Try This Simple Hack

If your key won’t go into a door lock, don’t reach for the WD-40. All you need is a graphite pencil to solve the problem. Over time, dust and dirt make their way into the door lock cylinder, causing the pins to stick. The fix is to use a dry lubricant like graphite spray, such as 3-In-One Lock Dry Lube, or powdered graphite to lubricate the lock mechanism. If you don’t have any on hand, you can use this quick hack that uses the graphite from a pencil to get your lock working again.

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How to Use a Pencil to Fix a Lock

• Sharpen the pencil then rub the point of the pencil over the teeth of the key.
• Push the key in and out of the lock repeatedly. 
• Repeat steps one and two seven or eight times to work the graphite from the key into the lock cylinder and pins.
• If the pencil tip breaks, sharpen the pencil and continue with the process. The goal is to work enough graphite into the lock cylinder to lubricate the pins and get them moving freely again. 
• Once you are able to push the key into the lock with little resistance, you’re done. 

While this hack works, it’s a quick and temporary fix. Get some graphite dry lubricant designed for locks to fully lubricate the cylinder and pins. If the lock continues to stick even after lubricating it, you may need to replace it. 

Why You Shouldn’t Use WD-40

Most people reach for WD-40 when dealing with a sticky lock. The problem is WD-40 isn’t a lubricant. It’s a solvent designed for cleaning off rust, loosening bolts, and removing parts. It doesn’t work well for long-lasting lubrication, which is what you want when lubricating degreasing. While WD-40 may initially provide lubrication to free up a lock’s internal mechanisms, its oily consistency will attract dirt that will bind up the pins, eventually causing the lock to jam. 

Can I Use This Method On My Car Ignition?

This method will also work as a temporary fix for sticky car ignition, since graphite is also the dry lubricant of choice for ignitions. Apply the graphite to the car key and work it back and forth into the ignition as you would with a door lock.