A jammed lock is one of the most annoying inconveniences no matter the time of day. It can make you late for an appointment, prevent you from getting back inside at the end of the day, or prevent you from opening your door to let in a friend. Knowing how to fix a jammed lock is key to smoothing the problem over.

Fixing a jammed lock is going to depend heavily on why the lock is jammed in the first place. 

First, make sure you are using the correct key. It is easy to get house keys mixed up, especially if they don’t have any identifying markers on them. 

Second, be sure that nothing is stuck in the lock, like a broken key. If this is your problem then you will need a broken key extractor to remove it.

Third, tighten your hinges. Your hinges may have become loose causing the latch to sit lower than the strike plate. If your door is open, tighten your hinges. If it is jammed locked check the gap between the door and the doorframe. Check to see if the door is slanted, if it is lift it back into position as you work the lock (an extra pair of hands will make this easier). Once the door is open, tighten the hinges to prevent it from happening again. 

Fourth, tighten your screws by removing the plate covering your lock and tightening all the screws behind it. 

Fifth, lubricate the inside of the lock. Simply remove the doorknob, spray the spring and spindle on the inside of the locking mechanism with a lubricant. Replace the knob and try again. 

Finally, check the temperature. As strange as it sounds a hot or cold day can affect the way your lock works. If it is super cold outside try applying a little heat with a hairdryer before unlocking the door.