Stubborn Deadbolt

[Joel Ashley]

The key is getting hard to turn in our entry deadbolt, although the handle inside works significantly easier.  Part of it may be the handle gives more leverage than a key, but it’s not this noticeable on new rigs.  I’m afraid of not being able to unlock our door one day.

I did not remove the overall 10”X14” plastic total assembly cover, but did remove the 2 screws on the deadbolt and used lock lube spray on the mechanism I could reach.  I removed some rust on the inside of the inner escutcheon, painted it with POR15, and reassembled it.  But if I tighten the screws very much, the key is still harder to turn, even though the inside handle is smooth and easy.  Loosening the screws helps but does not provide confidence in turning the key.  I have similar issues with a couple of our home’s door latches/locks - one side turns more easily than the other. 

If I leave the screws loose, rain can seep around the outside escutcheon, and the inner one if the door is open for long in a storm.  Lexel around them will help.  But I could use any advice from those here who might be more knowledgeable than me regarding such locks.

Joel

[Eric Maclean Co-Admin]

Joel
If it only tightens up when you snug up the bolts it may be that the dead bolt is either being pinched or pushed to create a miss alignment.
The dead bolt is supposed to float on the two spools that those screws thread onto if for some reason the dead bolt is squeezed it may become hard to
Slide.
I have seen some lock sets with a thin stainless steel washer installed under them ( between the door and the lock set) presumably to shim the lock set out to create the clearance needed to keep the lock set from pushing against the dead bolt.

Did you have the dead bolt out of the door ? If so you may have inadvertently installed it backwards ( some of the dead bolts have an offset ) to allow for the
Lock cylinders length.

Try boltng the  lock set together  and tightening up the screws with it out of the door and see if everything works .
Also with the system installed back in the door if everything works easily with the door open and is stiff with the door closed the problem is likely with the door latch adjustment not aligning the dead bolt with the hole in the door frame..

While you have the tumbler out Deoxit D5 or liquid wrench work well to clean and lube the tumbler pins if they are sticky.

Hope this helps
Eric