Front Door Lock is sticking (Howe: house, price, garage door)

[LastStraw]

The Lock on our Front Door has been sticking. Sometimes it won't lock and other times it won't unlock.
This has usually happened when I am using the key in the lock on the outside (entry side), trying to lock it or unlock it with a key. So I've started leaving the side gate unlocked just in case it freezes and I can't get back in, I can always use the side entrance.

However.... today I was inside the house trying to open the door by turing the knob inside (no key) and it stuck. I could not get it to open. That worries me because in case of an emergency it could be bad.

The lock is a "Kwikset" and has been on the house since the house was built almost 20 years ago.
Do those things tend to wear out after many years of use? Are they supposed to be maintained or serviced through the years?

Is it fixable? If so, what kind of repair person would I call for something like that?
Or .. do I need to replace it?

I'm posting a picture of one that is similar to the one we have on our door now.
Since this seems to come as a '4 piece set' they tend to be pricey.
If I do need to replace it, could I get by just replacing the Dead Bolt (only the 2 parts) ?
Although the bottom handle (not actually a locking part with a key) tends to stick sometimes too.


Any suggestions would be appreciated.

.

[Bo]

Try squirting some silicone lubricant spray into the keyhole and into both bolt mechanisms. Then work the knob, bolt and lock a couple of dozen times. The can of lubricant will cost you about $3. It will probably fix it. If not, then replace.

[SabresFanInSA]

Should you decide to replace it, dont call a repair person. If you can turn a screw driver you can change that deadbolt yourself. It is two screws on the side you turn the knob and two screws where the lock comes out of the door. Literally takes minutes.

[GlorifiedMalcontent]

i was just about to suggest the silicone lubricant spray as well.

we have had the same problems with our outdoor locks, going as far as replacing them only to have them stick again a month later. part of the problem stemmed from improper alignment of the bolts (caused by the shifting frame certain times a year) causing us to realign the, i don't know what's the word of it, the socket that the bolt and such go into. but the silicone lubricant is what helped keep the mechanisms working well.

[Hedgehog_Mom]

At least you got 20 years out of yours...mine are 2 and a half years old and I'm about to replace them. Same brand too.

Actually, since I don't usually lock the door between the garage and the house with the key, and my garage door has the same key as the front door, I'm just going to swap out the two deadbolts. It's about a ten minute job...just have to wait for the ten minutes when the hubby is busy sometime so he doesn't notice I have the front door open for that long

[svg210]

those kwickset internals get very rusty after a few years. Silicone wont help, try spraying some pb blaster has it has some rust eating elements, and wont dry up like silicone spray.

[Pachuco2]

I have a feeling that it's cause of the dry conditions we're have now,..ground dry,..slabs settling,...my home is doing the same,..when it rains really hard,..problem gone,...just saying,..

[TexasRedneck]

I personally prefer dry graphite lube....they sell it both as a powder, and with an evaporating "carrier" to help it penetrate - the liquid type would likely be preferable - it leaves no residue behind to attract dirt/grit.

[pobre]

We had a similar problem with ours. We were able to replace the core itself, and the rest of the set remained intact. We got the core (and had it rejected) at Lowes.

[DarylTX]

I have a similar door knob, and one time, I had a hard time unlocking or locking the door. I did talk to a person about it, and he said try the dry graphite lube. So I bought it and put it inside the lock thing (key part). After that, I am able to lock or unlock the door. That lube cost about no more than $3. Try that before replacing the doorknob.