Door knob locks are sticking, difficult to unlock/lock

[Phisherman]

I have a 1992-built house with Kwikset door knobs. Two adults (no
children) have been living here since. These knobs have an inner
tuning latch. Some of these latches are beginning to stick and
sometimes requires some jiggling to get it unlocked. It takes a few
tries to unlock the front door to open it which may not be good for
emergencies. The separate deadbolts work just fine. I used
graphite powder, but after a few months it starts to stick again. Is
it typical home-maintenance procedure to have to powder your locks
twice a year? Can these knob locks be repaired (cleaned?), buy more
graphite, or is it time to replace them?

 

[marson]

I have a 1992-built house with Kwikset door knobs. Two adults (no
children) have been living here since. These knobs have an inner
tuning latch. Some of these latches are beginning to stick and
sometimes requires some jiggling to get it unlocked. It takes a few
tries to unlock the front door to open it which may not be good for
emergencies. The separate deadbolts work just fine. I used
graphite powder, but after a few months it starts to stick again. Is
it typical home-maintenance procedure to have to powder your locks
twice a year? Can these knob locks be repaired (cleaned?), buy more
graphite, or is it time to replace them?

I'd say it's time to replace. Don't get Kwikset though (low end
brand). I'd recommend a good quality Schlage. It's worth the money
in the long run.

 

[Smitty Two]

"Good quality Schlage" isn't sold in the home centers. They went to a one
piece outside door knob, changed the design, and really made a good lock
into a pile of junk. Good quality (A-line) Schlage are available through
locksmiths.

How do you tell the difference? Do they actually call them A-line?

For the OP, if you're going to replace it anyway, I've kept my old
Kwiksets going for thirty years by giving 'em a good shot of WD-40 in
the keyhole when they get cranky, despite admonitions here and elsewhere
to not use it in locks. Might be worth a try. Use enough to flush out
the dirt.

 

[Bill]

You get what you pay for!

Notice that schools and businesses have really good quality locksets?

Well you can get these at a locksmith and you are looking at around $200.00.
But they last forever. Ask for "commercial grade" Schlage or whatever. These
are actually cheper in the long run as you don't need to replace them every
few years. These are NOT sold at retail stores.

Schlage Commercial Grade...
(Notice there is "Heavy duty" and "Standard duty". Click on "Heavy Duty"...)
http://professional.schlage.com



"Phisherman" wrote in message

 

[Phisherman]

Take the door knob off the door. Set aside the indoor part, with the turn
knob. The exterior knob part has the locking mechanism. On the inside of the
trim, there is a rectangular mechanism. Between the two screw mounting hole
posts. Give that square mechanism a squirt of WD, or some other lubricant.
Graphite is OK. Put the key in, and cycle the lock a few times, give it a
second squirt just in case. Look to see what is moving (center shaft, and a
metal square plate). Make sure the moving parts are lubricated.

Reassemble the lock, and it should give you several more years of service.

I completely cleaned the lock, including the exterior, used an air
gun, masked the lock, applied 3 light lacquer coats, sprayed 3-in-1
over the workings and reassembled the lock knob. Works extra smooth,
looks like new. Thanks!