My Deadbolt Key Turns But Nothing Happens

If your key just spins around in your deadbolt without activating the bolt, then the tailpiece of the deadbolt is probably broken. If your lock is a Kwikset deadbolt, the clip that holds the tailpiece may have been thrown due to lack of lubrication. There is also a chance that the clip has shattered, though more than likely the clip just slipped off. Here is what to do:

1. Remove the deadbolt. If it is a Kwikset, it can only go on one way.
2. Check the clips and tail piece. If the clip is still barely in place, then the clip just needs to be pushed back into place. Shoot it with WD-40. Reinstall.

If you have any other brand that does not use a clip, you will notice that the tailpiece has been sheared off at the cylinder. Deadbolts are east to install. Go to Lowe's and ask the attendant to give you a deadbolt and have him match it to your old key.

Often, Kwikset clips come off because of lack of lubrication. Sometimes it is caused by a poorly placed drilled hole in the latch area. If you suspect that the installation holes were improperly drilled, buy a new type of deadbolt that utilizes a different style tailpiece. Go to the locksmith store and request a US Lock or LSDA deadbolt. These can be keyed to Schlage or Kwikset/Callin. Whereas Kwikset requires a near perfect hole cut out in order to work smoothly, the LSDA and US Lock residential deadbolts are designed to operate even if the doors are not drilled dead on.