What Should You Do/Not Do When Your Key Won’t Turn?

You’re standing at your apartment door, and suddenly—your key won’t turn. It’s a frustrating and sometimes stressful experience, especially if you’re in a rush or it’s late at night. Before you panic or force the key (please don’t!), there are a few things you should and shouldn’t try first.

Here’s a simple guide on what to do—and what not to do—when your key won’t turn.

✅ What You Should Do

1. Check for Dirt or Debris Inside the Lock

Dust, grime, and even small particles can build up inside a lock over time.

• Use a flashlight to inspect the keyhole.
• Apply a small amount of graphite powder or a silicone-based lubricant (not WD-40).
• Gently insert and remove the key a few times to help spread the lubricant.

This can often loosen the mechanism and get the lock turning smoothly again.

2.  Inspect Your Key for Damage

A bent, worn-down, or cracked key might be the problem.

• Hold your key up and check for any dents or warping.
• If it’s slightly bent, you can very gently straighten it with pliers (only if you feel confident doing so).
• If it looks worn or damaged, stop using it and try a backup key.

3. Try a Spare Key

Sometimes the problem is the key, not the lock. If you have a spare:

• Test it out to see if it works better.
• If the spare key turns, your original key may be too worn or bent.

4. Check for Door Misalignment

If your door is sagging, warped, or not aligned properly, the lock mechanism may not line up with the strike plate.

• Try gently lifting or pulling the door handle while turning the key.
• If this helps, the issue is likely with alignment.
• You’ll need building maintenance or a professional to fix the door or lock frame.

5. Call a Locksmith if Needed – *We do not provide this type of service. 

If none of the above works, don’t keep struggling with the key.

• A qualified locksmith can properly diagnose the issue and repair or replace the lock if necessary.
• It’s better to fix the problem than risk breaking your key or damaging the lock further.

❌ What You Shouldn’t Do

• Don’t force the key. Applying too much pressure could snap the key inside the lock—making the situation much worse.
• Don’t use WD-40. While popular, WD-40 can leave a sticky residue inside your lock that attracts more dirt over time.
• Don’t keep trying a visibly damaged key. It could break off inside the lock, which is much harder (and costlier) to resolve.

Bonus Tip: Have a Spare Key Ready

If you’re renting, it’s a good idea to keep a spare key or fob handy—whether for emergencies or peace of mind. At FobToronto and MiniFob, we offer fast and accurate key and fob duplication (done in minutes). You can:

• Check your key or fob compatibility using our online tool,
• or text us a photo of your key to see if we can duplicate it (we can’t help if it’s already stuck, but we’re here for next time!).

Final Thoughts: What Should You Do/Not Do When Your Key Won’t Turn?

If your key won’t turn, don’t jump straight to panic or brute force. A little troubleshooting can go a long way. But if things still aren’t working, it’s always smart to call a professional before damage is done.

Stay prepared—and remember, when in doubt, duplicate your keys before the trouble starts!