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Q on Abloy Deadbolt

A few months ago I posted regarding a problem with my front door's Abloy: after locking it, rotating the key back to the vertical position for key removal would usually start to retract the deadbolt - which obviously it shouldn't do until the key is rotated much further. I'd go back and forth a few times, and eventually the deadbolt would stay in the locked position and the key could be removed. I was curious if this could indicate the need for cleaning, and you folks replied in the affirmative.

I yanked the mechanism, threw it in the ultrasonic cleaner with paint thinner, and sure enough some visible black grunge was blasted out of the guts. I

*lightly* lubricated with a dry road bicycle chain lube (ProGold) and reinstalled. The problem disappeared. Thanks, everyone.

Since that time, I've developed another problem, and it's getting worse: it is getting harder and harder to unlock the door. Turning the key to the point at which the deadbolt would normally start to retract hits a stop - the key just won't turn. I have to go back and forth and back and forth, and eventually (10 times?) the lock opens up with its usual silky smoothness.

Yesterday it took close to fifty times, and I was starting to picture being locked out of my own house.

This guy is about 15 years old. Could something this industrial be wearing out? Or does someone have experience with this issue to suggest a cure? I'm quite fond of the lock and appreciate having something a bit beyond the ordinary.

Art Temporary usercode - to be deleted when spam starts. Use MyBrainHurts at this ISP to reach me

Reply to
Arthur Shapiro
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open the door.. run the deadbolt FULLY OUT, and back. if it works good with the door OPEN, then something has altered in the door jamb.. house shifted, hinge went bad and its causing the drag in the DB hole.. if its hard to work with door OPEN, then its in the lock itself.. . --Shiva--

Reply to
me

My first guess is that your key is a little worn. With Abloy when the key wears the symptom you describe is rather common.

There could also be some internal wear but if the problem came about rather suddenly it might be the lube you used is getting a little sticky.

Kind of hard to say with out seeing it.

Reply to
Roger Shoaf

OK, thanks folks. The behavior doesn't change with the door pulled open. And my wife's key seems somewhat better than mine, although not perfect. Incidentally, I never have any problems locking the door; only unlocking is affected.

So would my best approach be to have a key cut from the code on the keycard that came with the lock? My locksmith disappeared a few years ago - he was a good craftsman. I'll have to find an Abloy-capable smith in the phone book. What's a fair rate for having an Abloy key cut?

I'm just a little surprised that something as beefy as the Abloy key could wear to that degree.

Art

Reply to
Arthur Shapiro

emm.. 'not perfect' sounds suspicious.. might pull the cylinder out and take it with you once you find someone that can cut the keys.. might need a little fixing..

--Shiva--

Reply to
me

Drop by your local auto parts store, and get a little bottle of Lock Ease. Guaranteed results for the next 20 years!

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Reply to
Bill Halle

Isn't that powdered graphite in a liquid carrier? Wayne

Reply to
wayne c

My experiences with Lock ease (blue can with some yellow print) has been consistently poor. It dries up, gets gummy, and the locks don't work properly. It's nearly as bad as no stick cooking spray, in the lock. Saw that once, too.

Reply to
Stormin Mormon

think of this... a Star round floor safe.. with a gallon of was stripper solution poured through the lock..

the cleaning crew wondered why all the stuff was disappearing down the little round hole in the floor..

--Shiva--

Reply to
me

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