Kwikset deadbolt not turning smoothly: Solution

A worn-out lock mechanism, a misaligned door, debris obstructing the key passage, and many other factors might contribute to your Kwikset deadbolt not turning smoothly.

Here are the reasons why your Kwikset Deadbolt isn’t turning smoothly:

• A deadbolt that has a worn-out lock mechanism may not spin smoothly.
• A misaligned door might also hinder the deadbolt from turning smoothly.
• A broken key might cause a deadbolt to stick or not turn smoothly.
• There would be something jammed within the deadbolt
• The spike plate is defective.

How do you fix a Kwikset Deadbolt that is not turning smoothly?

Have you ever had a sticky deadbolt lock that won’t latch correctly, making it difficult to turn and perhaps causing key breakage?

If so, let’s attempt the procedures below to address this problem.

Lubricate the deadbolt

Let’s start by greasing the Kwikset deadbolt.

• Check to see whether the deadbolt is correctly oiled.
• If not, then apply WD-40 or silicone spray.
• Even if you use it, you must manually clean the inside parts. You may do this by following the instructions in the Kwikset service manual.
• Try to adjust the striking plate exactly.
• After correcting it, you can change the cylinder, which must be problematic.

Kwikset deadbolt will not turn with key.

• If you try to open your door but fail, inspect the key, keyhole, and any obstructions surrounding the lock.
• If there is dirt, dust, or debris in the keyhole, it may prevent the key from being inserted. If so, remove any possible clogs using a tiny brush or compressed air.
• Apply a little quantity of graphite lubricant or silicone-based lock lubricant to the keyhole. Don’t use oil-based lubricants since they accumulate dirt and exacerbate the problem.
• Examine the key for signs of damage, such as bends or excessive wear. A damaged key may not engage the lock correctly.
• While applying gentle pressure, try wiggling the key in both directions (clockwise and counterclockwise). Then try to catch and turn the lock.
• If you have a spare key, use it to determine whether the problem is with the key or the lock.
• It is conceivable that the deadbolt is misplaced, preventing the key from turning smoothly.
• Check that the bolt is correctly aligned with the striking plate on the door frame. Adjust the striking plate as necessary.

What can I do when my Kwikset lock is difficult to turn?

• If your Kwisket lock is difficult to turn, the deadbolt seems to be sticky and jammed.
• The keyhole is dusty, and trash surrounds the lock. In such instance, clear any dirt or debris from the keyhole or lock.
• You may also put a small quantity of lubrication to the keyway. It may remove the stickiness from the lock, allowing you to spin it smoothly with the key.
• Another thing you may look into. If you recently rekeyed the lock and it has become difficult to turn, there may have been an error during the rekeying procedure.
• If that’s the case, try rekeying the lock again. Follow the user manual to acquire exact rekeying instructions for your old model.

The smart key tool does not insert

• If your Kwikset smart key tool isn’t operating properly, such as not inserting keys, there might be a few reasons:
  • First things first: your smart lock batteries are low and must be replaced immediately. Read this blog-Kwikset battery replacement troubleshooting.
  • The Kwikset smart key tool comes with four pins that must be positioned before being inserted into the locking mechanism. If any of the pins are misaligned, you will have a problem.
  • Finally, there would be something in the center of the keyhole. It sounds like they’d be dirt, rust, filth, or other substances obstructing the insert.

Kwikset Smartkey won’t turn.

• Smartkey is a tool that allows you to rekey your locks. SmartKey locks offer a special function. You may rekey the lock without removing it from the door.
• During the rekeying procedure, check that the key is in the right orientation.
• If your Kwisket Smartkey does not turn, examine the cylinder. It is possible that it was misprogrammed throughout this procedure.
• Even inspect the key. Ensure that you are using the right SmartKey for the lock. Check that the key is fully put into the keyway throughout the rekeying procedure.
• If the key is broken or worn, replace it with a new one.

Here is the video guide for Kwikset deadbolt not turning smoothly problem

Conclusion

A sticky deadbolt lock may be both inconvenient and dangerous. However, with the simple adjustment described above, you can fix it effectively.

We hope this article was useful in fixing your Kwikset deadbolt not turning smoothly problem. Remember that proper maintenance and periodic checkups can help avoid such issues from arising in the first place.

You might also like

1- Kwikset Halo vs Schlage Encode (Detailed Comparison)
2- Kwikset 917 vs Kwikset 955 – A Comprehensive Comparison
3- Kwikset Lock Not Working After Battery Change