Doors & windows

Fix a sticking deadbolt or door lock

A deadbolt that's hard to turn usually comes down to alignment or lubrication. The bolt may not line up with the hole in the frame, or the lock itself may need attention. Try turning it with the door open first; that helps you work out which problem you're dealing with. Graphite powder is the traditional lock lubricant. Oily sprays feel smooth at first but tend to gather dust and gum up the pins later.

A deadbolt on a blue front door, with a bottle of graphite lubricant and a key set on a table beside it
Dry graphite is the traditional fix for a stiff lock.
Quick answerTurn the bolt with the door open. Smooth means it's an alignment problem; stiff means the lock needs dry graphite.
Worth checking firstTurn the key with the door open. If it turns easily, the lock is fine and the bolt is rubbing on the strike plate in the frame, so the fix is alignment. If it's stiff even with the door open, the lock needs lubricant or the cylinder is worn.

Good to knowRenter-friendlyUnder $10

Mike TurnerWritten and reviewed byMike TurnerUpdated Sources and safety notes
Easy15–30 min$0–10
Deadbolt hitting low on the strike plate, with graphite lubricant for the keyway
Why a deadbolt sticks: the bolt hits the strike plate (2) instead of the hole (1). If the lock is stiff even with the door open, puff graphite into the keyway (3).

One quick test

Open the door and turn the deadbolt. If it moves smoothly with the door open but sticks when closed, it's an alignment problem between the bolt and the strike plate on the frame. If it's stiff even with the door open, the lock itself needs lubrication.

Why locks stick

Misalignment

The door sags a little, and the bolt starts hitting the strike plate instead of sliding into the hole.

Dirt in the lock

Dust and grime build up in the pins, especially on exterior doors.

The wrong lubricant

Oil sprays attract dirt and gum up the mechanism over time.

A worn key

Copies of copies get less precise, and worn keys don't lift the pins cleanly.

Stiff lock or bad alignment?
TestResultFix
Turn the bolt with the door openStiffLubricate with dry graphite.
Turn the bolt with the door openSmooth, but stiff when closedAdjust or file the strike plate.
Look at the strike plateScratch marks above or below the holeMove the strike, or tighten the top hinge.
Try a different copy of the keyWorks betterThe key is worn. Cut a copy from the original.
Don't force the keyDon't force a key that won't turn. A snapped key in the lock turns an easy fix into a locksmith call.

Test, then fix

0 of 5 done
  1. Test with the door openTurn the bolt with the door open. Smooth means alignment; stiff means lubrication.
    Deadbolt turned with the door open to see whether it moves smoothly or sticks
  2. Lubricate a stiff lockPuff dry graphite into the keyway, then work the key and turn the bolt 10 times. Skip oil or WD-40, which attract dust and gum up locks.
    Something went wrong?
    • It's still stiff after graphite Work the key in and out more times. If the lock is old and worn, a new cylinder or lockset may be easier than fixing it.
    Dry graphite puffed into the keyway of a deadbolt, then the key worked in and out
  3. Find where the bolt hitsRub lipstick or marker on the end of the bolt, close the door, and turn it. The mark on the strike plate shows exactly where it's catching.
    Lipstick rubbed on the end of a deadbolt leaves a mark on the strike plate showing where it catches
  4. Tighten the hinges firstA bolt hitting low often means the door sags. Tighten the hinge screws, and swap one top-hinge screw for a 3 inch screw into the .
    Top door hinge with a 3 inch screw going in to lift a sagging door back into line
  5. Adjust the strike plateIf it's still off by a little, file the opening in the strike plate slightly toward the mark. If it's off by more, move the plate.
    Something went wrong?
    • You can't see where the bolt hits Use more lipstick or a dry-erase marker and turn the bolt slowly against the plate with the door closed.
    Small file widening the strike plate opening slightly toward the lipstick mark

Watch it done

How To Fix a Misaligned DeadboltBy Everyday Home Repairs on YouTube. Their method may vary a little from ours.
Watch on YouTube
How you'll know it's fixed
  • The bolt turns smoothly with the door open
  • The bolt slides into the strike plate without catching when the door is closed
  • The key turns easily in the lock

Still sticking after graphite and alignment? The lock may be worn out.

If the bolt still drags

If it still sticks after graphite and alignment, the lock mechanism may be worn. Replacing a deadbolt is an easy DIY job with just a screwdriver.

Seasonal sticking on an exterior door usually means the door shifts with humidity. Adjusting the strike plate slightly usually covers both seasons.

If the key is wornIf the key itself is worn smooth, have a new copy made from the original key, not a copy of a copy. Worn keys cause many "sticking locks."
Call a locksmith ifA lock that won't turn at all, a key broken off inside, or a door that won't secure. Security problems deserve a same-day fix.Fix it yourself or call? Compare the cost →

What a pro typically charges (a rough estimate; prices vary by area): A locksmith typically charges $75–$200 for a lock repair or rekey.

Find a locksmith near you

Other door problems

Deadbolt questions

Can I use WD-40 on a lock?

It's better to use dry graphite or a lock-specific lubricant. Oil-based sprays attract dirt and can gum up the pins.

Why does my deadbolt only stick when the door is closed?

The bolt and the strike plate hole don't line up, usually because the door sags. Tighten the hinges or adjust the strike plate.

Can I use graphite on a smart lock?

Check the manual first. Many electronic locks recommend only dry lubricant on the keyway, if anything, and the motor side shouldn't be lubricated.

When should I replace a deadbolt instead?

If it's still rough after cleaning and aligning, the key turns but the bolt doesn't move, or the lock is old and worn. A new deadbolt installs in about 20 minutes.

Is it safe to leave the door unlocked until it's fixed?

It's better not to. If the deadbolt won't throw, use the knob lock for now and get the bolt working the same day.

How do I lubricate a deadbolt?

Use dry graphite. If the bolt turns smoothly with the door open, though, it's an alignment problem, not a lubrication one.

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GrabTheHammer Team

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We're a small team of writers and editors who check every guide against manufacturer instructions and common code requirements. Our goal is to help you understand the problem, tackle what you safely can and know when to call a pro.

Checked against: Manufacturer instructions for the parts and products involved.

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A helpful next stepFix a door that sticks or won't latchCheck the top hinge first. A longer screw often pulls the door back into line.