Ingersoll SC1 Lock issue

[mderoy]

I have a Ingersoll SC1 lock and recently all my keys are struggling to turn to unlock it. I have to like push or wedge the key in some strange angles while turning then it randomly passes whatever is stopping it and then it freely turns. It’s like something is catching it.

Any ideas what I can check to fix this?

Thank you

 

[JohnD]

More often, the keys wear, but if all the keys used to work, and now the have exactly the same problem, I expect it's the cylinder. It's rare for internal parts to break, but there is a chance something is gummed up or gritty, especially if it has been oiled (which you should not do).

You could try taking the cylinder off the door and washing it in paraffin. You can use a small brush but soaking it, then shaking the tin, is more likely to loosen and drain out particles. When you have the cylinder off, try it first with the key in case the fault is actually in the latch mechanism.

Very occasionally, vandals poke things into keyhole.