I have a problem with a door on my house. It is a dead bolt. The lock functions properly once you get the key in but getting the key in and back out are difficult. This is an 18 month old dead bolt and the problem just started a couple of weeks ago. Is there a lubricant I should spray in the keyhole or do I need to replace the lock?
TIA!

No locksimith, but you can use lubricant (dry graphite I think is best in tumblers), but you can also change just the cylinder and set it to match your key.

Maybe clean it out real well, then lightly lube it to see if it helps - if not, I'd replace it.

lube might work, but the only times I've had that happen, the lock failed shortly after.

WD40 works as well as anything, apply it twice a year and you should have no problems. Any chance the deadbolt is a Kwikset? I've only had this problem with Kwikset locks.

Use WD-40 or other light oil. Graphite lube is actually not recommended by locksmiths, just makes their job dirtier when they open it up for repair. This is from a good friend who's been a locksmith for 35 years.

WD40 works as well as anything, apply it twice a year and you should have no problems. Any chance the deadbolt is a Kwikset? I've only had this problem with Kwikset locks.

Use WD-40 or other light oil. Graphite lube is actually not recommended by locksmiths, just makes their job dirtier when they open it up for repair. This is from a good friend who's been a locksmith for 35 years.

As a matter of fact it is a Kwikset! Well, I used graphite before I read the other part about making it a dirtier job.....
The keys now slide in and out but I guess I should start looking for a quality replacement.
Any recommendations?
Thanks again folks!

get rid of the Kwikset and get a Schlage. No, I'm not a locksmith, but my brother is and he said Schlage is a quality lockset.

Kevin - Many years ago, when I was in High School, I worked for a locksmith. (Boy what a great skill for a teenager to have... ) But here is one thing I learned.
Before you spend you money on a new lock, try this simple test. Insert the key and turn the cylinder 45 degrees either direction. Then gently try to pull the key out. If the cylinder starts to move out at all, it's time for a new lock. If it doesn't move out, I think your lock is ok and was just a little dry.
Kwikset locks use an "E" clip to hold the cylinder in place. Sometimes the E clips get pushed out of its groove or they just wear out. Trying to pull on the key at 45 degrees from verticle tests for this. If the Clip is loose, the lock is on borrowed time.
When I moved in to my new place, within a week, I had new Schlage locks all the way around. You can't go wrong with that.
Good luck,
Bill

Liquid lube is bad in a lock, it attracts dirt which makes the lock difficult to operate.

Do you have to cuts on the key facing up when inserting in the lock or down? Down is bad, dirt gets trapped in the pins, it is amazing how many locks get installed upside down (even locksmiths do it)

Is this a new key you just had made that is giving you problems? If it is then run the key through a wire wheel on a grinder, it will soften the edges making the key easier to slide in and out.

For what it's worth, I've used WD40 on all my vehicle locks a couple of times a year for many years and have never had a problem. Perhaps I've been lucky.

I asked a locksmith a while back about using graphite, and he said absolutely not! :noway:
WD-40, baby! I think Tri-Flow's good, too. :D

A little WD-40 does the trick.

Kwikset locks are junk. Spend the money to replace them with Schlage locks if/when you can. I did that in both homes I've owned. I also noticed the brass Kwikset door locks/knobs tarnish much faster than Schlage. Schlage is better quality and looks nicer.

If you got it at Lowes or HD it's a lower quality lock made for the person that is selling their house in two years. Go to a place that sells hardware to builders and get a first quality Schlage. Pay more but they last 20 plus years;my Dad's front door lock is 45 years old and still works fine. I only got 25 out of mine!

As a matter of fact it is a Kwikset! Well, I used graphite before I read the other part about making it a dirtier job.....
The keys now slide in and out but I guess I should start looking for a quality replacement.
Any recommendations?
Thanks again folks!

I had a feeling it was a Kwikset, every one I've ever had went to pot after a few years, apparently its just a deficient design with the retainers which they have never bothered to address. I've replaced all my locks with Schlage since I received recommendations on them, they cost a bit more but are built far better and will last.