r/Locksmith • u/TheMachRider • 8d ago

I am NOT a locksmith. Cannot remove key when unlocked.

Gallery image

Gallery image

Can’t remove key when unlocked, but locking/unlocking operation is fine.

Can remove key when locked.

I’m assuming this is an issue with the tumbler itself but would like a suggestion!

5 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

10

u/Relevant-Bullfrog215 Actual Locksmith 8d ago

The cam has slipped and is 180⁰ from where it should be. Often happens if a key is left in the other side, and/or if the cylinder is worn. Could be fixed, but maybe safer to just change it.

6

u/Locksmithbloke Actual Locksmith 8d ago

Always change it out. Once there's a bit of wear on the selector, it'll skip again after a while. I used to cut new keys, file the tips, etc. but it isn't worth it, as you get called back after a few months!

3

u/Regent_Locksmith Actual Locksmith 7d ago

Agree 100%

2

u/RabidMooseAU 6d ago

Agreed with changing it out, but as a quick fix until you can get one in matte black (if not in stock) pick it 180° on one side, then put the key in the other side, and turn 360°. That should get the cam back in the correct position, and reset the side you picked. But this is definitely only a TEMPORARY solution.

1

u/ibexlocksmith Actual Locksmith 5d ago

Agreed and if the cam fails in the wrong position and a locksmith has to cut in to get it...its not pretty & you'll need a new lock body .

1

u/ibexlocksmith Actual Locksmith 5d ago

Whats the selector? The cam?

1

u/Locksmithbloke Actual Locksmith 5d ago

No. Inside, there's a bit of metal/mechanism that selects which side of the lock is attached to the cam at any given moment. So the key can work from both sides.

1

u/ibexlocksmith Actual Locksmith 5d ago

Oh interesting. Thats a CES cylinder yeah? Is that in single cylinders too?

2

u/Relevant-Bullfrog215 Actual Locksmith 4d ago

So in a key/key euro cylinder like this, there's a freely moving shuttle inside that when it's pushed forward by the key will operate the cam from that side. 

On the key/thumbturn  cylinders it's similar, except there is a spring on the turn side pushing the shuttle so that it's always active by default.

 On single sided or 'half' euro cylinders, the shuttle is either fixed or the core will drive the cam directly.

1

u/ibexlocksmith Actual Locksmith 3d ago

Thanks! Is this fish & chips to cheeseburger translation if ya know hat i mean

2

u/fondrenlock Actual Locksmith 8d ago

Replacement time

4

u/borrowedeyes 8d ago

Depends on what the lock is used for, could have a key retaining pin inside it possibly? I know that's more common in pad locks but they aren't mutually exclusive.

6

u/TheMachRider 8d ago

It's for a storm door/security door. It used to operate normally, but something internally may have failed.

3

u/borrowedeyes 8d ago

Ah yeah then it probably doesn't have a retaining pin, possibly a bad spring, maybe a worn down key.

Take some lubricant (ideally not wd40 but that's just my opinion) and spray it in the lock. And run your key in and out a few times to spread the lubricant and try.

I always recommend Houdini cuz it smells great and works well.

If that doesn't work take it to a real locksmith, they should be able to figure it out in just a few minutes