Residential & Commercial Security - Locks, Keys & Dead Bolts - Help! I'm Locked In!

Two days before Christmas, I'm supposed to leave town tomorrow morning. The deadbolt on my front door will turn, but not enough to clear the latchplate. (I've lived here for seven years and never had this happen.)

I took off the cover to the deadbolt mechanism and used pliers in an attempt to turn the "pin" that retracts the deadbolt. It just won't turn. I'm afraid if I force it more, I'll just deform and strip it.

I don't see any way to remove the deadbolt mechanism.

I took the hinges off the door, but I can't move it. I went out the back door and tried with a friend to push on the door from the outside to take it off the hinges, but it won't budge.

I've tried jamming a chisel between the door and the latchplate, and tried to move the bolt with a flattop screwdriver. The bolt will move freely to a point, but then stops short of clearing the latchplate and won't budge.

What can I do?

Hi tsita
Your problem might be solved with a little lubrication on the bolt linkage, but to get to it you'll have to remove the cylinder and thumbturn first.
If there are no visible screws on the inside thumbturn, then post back with the manufacturers brand name and I can guide you through its removal.

Lubrication does'nt always work, but it's the cheapest way to start trouble shooting lock problems.

Regards

I figured out how to remove the cylinder and the thumbturns, lubricated it, and now it's working fine.

You saved the day.

Thanks so much.

Thanks for getting back to us with the result. I'm glad it worked for you.
Oh..and welcome to the DIY boards.

Regards