Need Help fixing a lock

[FastStache]

My front door lock won't turn when I put the key in.

I have put some grease in it, but it has not fixed the problem.  I sure would like to the save the 50 bucks to replace it.

Any ideas?

[Russ]

Grease will fuck up locks big time, so get that out first. Use solvent of your choice. If you think the pins are sticking you could try a penetrating oil to break them free (homebrew, much better than store-bought, is 50/50 ATF and acetone if you have those around), then remove the oil and lubricate with graphite powder. Work the key in and out a few times to try and get everything moving

[wizlem]

You may want to try Russ's mehtod first but if that doesn't work you can always try to take it apart. Could be that the key is worn down.

Here's a good video on how to do it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQXYLPoTNd4

If it's a knob it gets a little trickier to get the lock out.

[brand new stash]

There is a graphite lubricant that is specifically for locks that worked great to fix a similar problem I had at an old house.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/The-Hillman-Group-3-g-Powdered-Graphite-Lubricant-703185/100137063#.Ud6ki8vD9XI

[hoodedfalcon]

There is a graphite lubricant that is specifically for locks that worked great to fix a similar problem I had at an old house.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/The-Hillman-Group-3-g-Powdered-Graphite-Lubricant-703185/100137063#.Ud6ki8vD9XI

I had the exact same problem and the graphite worked wonders.

[charles_roberts]

You may want to try Russ's mehtod first but if that doesn't work you can always try to take it apart. Could be that the key is worn down.

Here's a good video on how to do it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQXYLPoTNd4

If it's a knob it gets a little trickier to get the lock out.

YouTube is always the best resource.

[BlueMR2]

If you're unable to get graphite into the lock (graphite likes to blow around a lot, can be tricky to work with), a greaseless lubricant is OK to use too (but requires more frequent reapplication than graphite).  One example of such is made by LPS, but there are others, look for "greaseless lube".

Do not use any form of grease.  Do not use WD-40.  Do not use any silicone lube.  In my previous life I had to clean up locks that customers put those substances into.  Silicone is the worst, those I had to completely strip down, pulling out the pins and wiping them all off...