Any tips for getting keys to work in a lock?

Did you smash it

The lock is rarely used, bought new a while back. What would you recommend to help these to work?

Yes I do have small hands, how observant of you.

sundodger5

WD40 or similar sprayed into the keyhole. Insert key and wiggle. Also sometimes it is friction on the lock itself caused by the door being slightly out of alignment.

So pull/push on the handle of the door while trying to turn the key.

sometimes you have to use a lot of WD40 before it works. Maybe try blowing out dust first with an air spray as sold in likes of Dealz, used mainly for phone port

cnocbui

Do not use WD40. WD stands for water displacement, it's more of a degreaser and has no lubricating qualities. it will actually remove lubricant and make things worse in some instances.

The stuff people should be recommending all those millions of times they recommend WD40 for lubricating tasks it can never accomplish, is GT85, sometimes listed as a bicycle lubricant. It containes PTFE (teflon) and is an absolute wonder for freeing up jammed padlocks. I have used it on marine padlocks exposed to the elements in Connemara for years. Locks that start out siezed solid when you last closed them a couple of years prior, end up working almost like new with some squirts, allowing it to penetrate and then working all the bits that should move.

If the lock is dry and not exposed to lashing rain, which that one appears to be, you should lubricate it with a puffer pack of powdered graphite squirted into the key hole and then some on the key.

Something like this:

https://www.diy.com/departments/home-secure-graphite-powder-lubricant-for-high-security-cylinder-locks/0700038399090_BQ.prd

20/20

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121962587#Comment_121962587

no lubricating qualities ?? Think you should google what is WD-40.

blade1

bit of graphite from a pencil lead

Did you smash it

well it worked eventually, wd40 and gloves. Maybe the gloves would have been enough. I don’t know.

thanks for all suggestions

Buffman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121962616#Comment_121962616

100%, cheap and easy fix.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWgGan55_LE

monseiur

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121962630#Comment_121962630

You say the lock is rarely used so my advise to you is to read post no. 4 again and follow the instructions there - it will ensure that the problem will not reoccur and thus prolong the life of your lock.

drury..

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121962609#Comment_121962609

It's a degreaser afaik . Not suitable for locks

Field east

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121964201#Comment_121964201

if any of the suggestions above do not solve your problem , is there a possibility that the lock housing is too ‘ tightly ‘ screwed to the door. Turn back each screw a half to one turn and see how that works. If loosening the screws solves it then the following point solves it . Tighten the screws again after you cut off a mm or two.

. Judging by the photo the lock barrel has a long shaft that engages with the other part of the lock mechanism in the door. That shaft might be too long - two mm may be enough to cut off it .