Residential & Commercial Security - Locks, Keys & Dead Bolts - Deadbolt Freezes in Cooler Weather.

Hi All,

I've used other forums located within this site with great results. I know then that this forum will do the same.

I have a steel backdoor within a wooden frame with a deadbolt (only able to open from outside with a key and turn a knob on the inside type) along with a key opening lock from both sides.

The trouble is as the weather gets cooler the deadbolt gets harder and harder to open/close. The other lock suffers no problems. The door does seem harder to close though. Obviously the problem is weather related, ie contraction and expansion.

Today it got to a point (after 5 years) where the deadbolt would not lock at all. I checked where the deadbolt was meant to enter in the frame and hammered out some wood and it then locked with some difficulty but easier than before. I had solved a problem but still the lock was not quite right.

Thinking the problem may have been the mechanism needing lubrication I sprayed good old WD40 on a key, inserted it into lock, twisted it a few times (while the door was open) and disaster struck.

I closed the door and turned the deadbolt to a resounding thud. The deadbolt would not enter the frame as it had before WD40 was applied. I took the deadbolt lock apart, reinstalled it several times with the same problem.

So now I have a door that closes, locks with a key entry lock but the deadbolt refuses to enter the doorjamb. Should I get a new deadlock?

When the metal door and wood frame were installed thay came with preset lock positions and I have had the deadbolt problem almost from the off, although not as bad as recently.

If I do decide to purchase a new deadbolt can I expect to see improvemts? BTW the housebuilder used the cheapest parts available. Upgrading to a better lock may solve the problem?

Thanks,

Safrica

Does the deadbolt operate properly when the door is open? If so, there is most likely an alignment problem of some sort. Check hinge tightness, look for door sagging or warping. You may be on the right track with widening the strike hole on the frame. Also look at the bolt itself-is it straight? -coming out of the lock straight?

Since it is a cheapo, I would get a new one if it is acting squirrely. If it is a door alignment problem, replacing the deadbolt may be fruitless. If you are having trouble seeing where the bolt might be hitting, some liquid paper on the end can leave a telltale to show you where to file the strike.

Locks wear out and I've found the less you spend, the faster it goes. If all of schiejr's tips don't fix the problem, I'd replace the lock.

I mentioned my problem to a guy at wotk today and he came up with the same answers.

So off I went at 8pm tonight to the Home depot to buy me a file and the grocery store for some liquid paper.

Then I got home and read your responses. I'll try them out manyana and let you know the results.

Once again, thank you,

Safrica