Key Will Not Go Into the Lock

Common causes include a bent or damaged key, dirt or ice in the keyway, a broken piece of an earlier key, a worn or damaged cylinder, or a lock that has been changed or rekeyed. Try a spare key if you have one. If the spare goes in smoothly, the original key is the problem. If no key goes in, the keyway or cylinder is more likely at fault. Do not force the key, which can bend it or break it inside the lock.

A small amount of dry lock lubricant, such as graphite or a PTFE product, can help if dirt or stiffness is the problem. Avoid heavy oils and general-purpose sprays, which trap dirt and can make things worse. If the keyway is frozen, use a de-icer made for locks. If you can see something lodged in the keyway, lubricant will not remove it and may push it further in. In that case the cylinder may need to be removed and cleaned.

Do not try to dig the glue out with sharp tools, which can push it deeper and damage the pins. A lock filled with glue usually needs the cylinder removed and replaced or cleaned. If you believe the tampering is part of vandalism, harassment or an attempted break-in, report it to the police and photograph the lock first. The technician will confirm authorization before working on the lock and can replace the cylinder with a compatible one.

It may be. If the key is straight and a spare behaves the same way, something inside the cylinder may be blocking it, such as a broken pin, a stuck spring or a fragment of an old key. It can also happen when the key is the wrong profile or cut on a worn copy. The technician can inspect the cylinder, remove any obstruction and advise whether servicing, rekeying or replacement is appropriate.

It is possible. If your key does not fit and the lock looks different, or others in the building have new keys, a change may have taken place. Check with the landlord or property manager. In a rental, lock changes by the landlord are generally subject to the lease and applicable tenancy rules, and tenants should receive new keys. If you cannot resolve it with the landlord, seek advice on your rights before arranging lock work.

Usually. If the key is only slightly bent and still readable, a locksmith can often cut a new key from it or decode it. Cutting to the lock's original specification, by code or from the cylinder, may produce a better key than copying a worn or bent one. Restricted keys require authorization through the system supplier. Bring the bent key and any spare so the technician can compare them.

Continued forcing increases the risk of the key breaking inside the lock and wears the cylinder. If a key needs effort to insert, arrange a new key or a lock service before it fails completely. A key that breaks while you are locked out creates a more involved situation. Early attention is usually simpler and less expensive than dealing with a failure at an inconvenient time.

Yes. Mailboxes, padlocks and gate locks are exposed to weather, used infrequently and often have small, simple cylinders. Dirt, corrosion and ice collect in their keyways. Regular use and occasional dry lubrication help. For Canada Post community mailboxes and building mailboxes, confirm who is responsible for the lock before arranging work, because different arrangements apply. The mailbox lockout page explains those responsibilities.