If your deadbolt sticks or is difficult to turn, give it a shot of Teflon lube spray to get it operating smoothly again. It only takes five minutes.
By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine:March 2011
Leave the lock cylinder on the door and spray inside the keyway. Then insert your key and twist it several times to work in the lube.
You use your dead bolt every day without giving a thought to maintenance. But one of these days, it's going to fight back and refuse to open. Don't panic; it's just crying for a few shots of lube. You can get it working again with dry Teflon lube spray. It's a better choice than graphite because it sprays on wet to soak into the lock mechanism. The solvent evaporates, leaving behind a dry, slippery powder. Start by lubing the lock cylinder (Photo 1).
Remove the two screws that hold the lock cylinder and pull it from the door. Then saturate the bolt mechanism with the spray lube and twist it back and forth with a flat-blade screwdriver. Reinstall the lock cylinder and you're good to go.
If lubing the lock cylinder doesn't free it, you'll need to lube the bolt mechanism (Photo 2).
Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.
Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here's a list.
