Key goes in but won't turn
Dirty/gritty cylinder. Step 2 (dry graphite). If the key still won't turn after lubrication and you've confirmed it's the right key, submit a request — internal pin or cylinder problem.
Troubleshooting · Security
Door Lock Sticking, Jamming, or Loose
Key won't turn, deadbolt feels rough, or the handle is wobbling? Three safe DIY techniques resolve most lock issues in under five minutes — plus the one lubricant you should never use (and the one you should). And if you're locked out, scroll to Section 6.
Estimated time: ~5 minutes
NEVER use WD-40 or oil on a lock. It's the universal lock-killer.
WD-40 is a solvent, not a lubricant. It strips existing lubrication, leaves an oily residue, and traps dust and dirt in the pin tumblers. Within weeks the lock is worse than before — often unrecoverable. The same goes for 3-in-1 oil, cooking oil, sewing machine oil, or any wet lubricant. Use dry graphite or PTFE (Teflon-based dry lock lube) only. Both are available at hardware stores for under $5.
Don't force a key that won't turn.
Keys snap inside cylinders. What was an annoyance becomes a true lockout situation. If the key won't turn after applying dry graphite, stop — submit a maintenance request before you make it worse.
Never try to pick the lock with paperclips, bobby pins, or 'lock-picking' videos.
DIY picking damages the pin tumblers and can leave the lock completely unusable. If you're locked out, see Section 6 — call us first.
Why This Happens
Florida Is Hard on Locks
Locks stick for three common reasons. Dirt and grit in the cylinder — sand, lint, and dust work into the pin tumblers and the key can't lift them properly. Door or frame swelling — Florida humidity (especially late spring through hurricane season) makes wood doors and frames absorb moisture and expand, throwing the bolt out of alignment with the strike plate. Internal corrosion — coastal salt air corrodes the brass and steel pins inside, especially on infrequently used doors. The first two are tenant-fixable in five minutes. The third often needs a maintenance request.
What you can safely check
- Whether the key itself is worn, bent, or dirty
- Whether the lock cylinder is dusty/gritty (dry graphite fixes this)
- Whether the handle/lever screws are loose
- Whether the door has swollen (try locking with the door open)
What requires a maintenance request
- Replacing or rekeying the lock
- Adjusting the strike plate
- Fixing sagging hinges
- A snapped key inside the cylinder
- Smart-lock electronics (Schlage Encode, Yale Assure, etc.)
- Persistent corrosion problems
Try In Order
The 5-Step Troubleshooting Flow
- 1
Inspect the key
Hold the key up to the light. Is it visibly worn, bent, or burred? Worn keys lose their cuts and won't lift the pins properly. Clean the key with isopropyl alcohol on a soft cloth (removes grime and oil that prevents proper pin contact).
- 2
Apply dry graphite or PTFE lock lube
Buy dry graphite powder (small squeeze tube — 3-In-One Lock Dry Lube and similar are standard). NOT WD-40 or oil.
- Squeeze a small puff of graphite into the keyway.
- Insert the key, work it in and out a dozen times.
- Turn the key back and forth. The grit should free up within a minute.
What you'll need
- Dry graphite powder OR PTFE (Teflon) dry lock lube — $3–5 at any hardware store
- 3
Tighten visible handle/lever screws
Most door handles have two visible screws on the interior side of the door. If the handle wobbles, these have backed out. Use a Phillips screwdriver — tighten to finger-tight + a quarter turn. Don't over-tighten — you'll strip the threads.
What you'll need
- Phillips screwdriver
- 4
Test alignment with the door open
Open the door fully. Now manually throw the deadbolt or turn the latch. Does it move smoothly? If yes, the lock itself is fine — the problem is alignment with the strike plate (the metal plate on the door frame). If the bolt binds even with the door open, it's an internal lock problem.
Either way, alignment issues and internal-lock problems are maintenance requests — submit a request from Section 7.
- 5
Reduce indoor humidity
If the door has clearly swollen (won't close fully without lifting, sticks suddenly during summer), running the A/C aggressively or a dehumidifier for a day or two can shrink the door back enough to function. This is a temporary stopgap — submit a request for a longer-term fix (planing, hinge adjustment).
By Symptom
What's Likely Going On
Key turns but bolt won't extend or retract smoothly
Strike plate alignment or door swelling. Step 4 (test with door open) to confirm. Submit a request for strike plate adjustment.
Handle or lever is loose/wobbly
Step 3 (tighten the visible screws). If the wobble returns after tightening, the handle's internal screws have stripped — submit a request.
Locked out of the home
See Section 6 below. Don't try to pick the lock, break a window, or disassemble anything. Call the tenant maintenance line.
Locked Out?
What To Do If You're Locked Out
Don't try to force entry, climb in through a window, kick the door, or pick the lock. Each of those creates a bigger problem than the lockout itself.
- 1
Call the tenant maintenance line: (321) 203-0567. We will route you to the right path.
- 2
Have your address, name, and a photo ID ready. We verify identity before unlocking or rekeying any property.
- 3
If outside normal business hours: the line will route to our after-hours support. Lockouts during evenings, weekends, and holidays are typically routed through a locksmith partner. Some after-hours lockout fees may apply — confirmed with you before dispatch.
- 4
If you have a key but it broke in the lock: do not try to extract it yourself. Submit a request and we'll dispatch.
Sea Dog never publishes a hidden key or shares lock codes by email or text. If anyone claiming to be from Sea Dog asks for your portal password or a copy of your key over the phone, hang up and call (321) 203-0567 to verify directly.
The Line
Stop And Submit A Request If…
Submit a request when any of these apply:
- Key still won't turn after graphite lube
- Bolt won't extend or retract even with the door open
- Door has swollen badly and won't close fully
- Handle still wobbles after tightening screws
- Snapped key inside the cylinder
- Visible corrosion on the lock body (coastal properties especially)
- Smart lock not responding to the code or app
- You'd like all locks rekeyed (typically done at move-in by default)
- You're locked out (call the tenant line directly)
Florida humidity swells wood doors
Doors and frames that worked perfectly in February sometimes bind in August. Florida humidity expands wood by detectable amounts. Running A/C consistently (target indoor humidity under ~55%) prevents most of this. If a door has gone from "works fine" to "won't close" within a couple weeks of humidity rising, that's the diagnosis.
Coastal salt air corrodes lock internals
On Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral, Merritt Island, and Melbourne Beach properties, salt-laden humid air corrodes the brass and steel pins inside exterior locks faster than inland properties. Quarterly dry graphite application helps; eventually the lock will need replacement.
Keep It Working
Preventative Habits
- 1
Lubricate exterior locks with dry graphite or PTFE once a year (set a spring reminder).
- 2
Keep the A/C running enough to control indoor humidity (under ~55%).
- 3
Don't use heavy keychains. Pulling down on the cylinder daily wears the internal pins faster.
- 4
Report a wobbly handle, sticky bolt, or rough key turn early. Small adjustments now prevent full lock replacement later.
- 5
Never hide a spare outside. Burglars know all the spots. Ask Sea Dog if you'd like to set up an approved key-storage option.
Lock Still Sticking? We'll Handle It.
Lock cylinders, strike plate adjustments, rekeys, and lockouts are landlord-side work. Submit a request and we'll dispatch the right help.
If a lockout situation feels unsafe — someone trying to break in, suspicious person at the door, anything threatening — call 9-1-1 first. Then contact Sea Dog once you're safe.
More From The Library
Browse all troubleshooting guides
Self-help guides for tenants, by Sea Dog.
What This Guide Is Built On
Sea Dog's guides are grounded in authoritative manufacturer and trade sources. For door locks we draw on Schlage, Kwikset, and Yale support documentation, This Old House, and Family Handyman.
This guide is educational and does not modify your lease. It is not professional locksmith advice. If a step does not resolve your issue, or if you have any safety concern, stop and submit a maintenance request through the tenant portal or contact Sea Dog at the tenant maintenance line. In any conflict between this guide and your signed lease or applicable Florida law (Florida Statutes Chapter 83), your lease and Florida law control.