As small as a lock might seem it is more than common to find things inside the lock resisting the key from going in all the way.
Key not going into door lock.
Blow strongly in the lock and put wd40 or graphite inside but not both.
Key won t go all the way into door lock.
Repeat heating and inserting the key until the ice has melted.
Outdoor locks can collect a lot of dirt and dust inside the lock.
Hold the application straw right above your stuck key aiming it into the hole.
Now wiggle the key up and down not side to side to work it out of the lock.
A dry graphite lubricant will lubricate the inside of the lock making it easier to unlock.
Debris inside the lock.
If this is the case your bent key is trying to fit into a straight lock and it just won t work.
Remove it gently with a piece of steel wire a small guitar string for example.
Sometimes pieces in locks fail.
Assuming the door lock is hard to unlock with a key because it is dirty or gunked up inside and not damaged your best bet is to use a dry graphite.
Try to insert gently the key and apply some.
Key will not work if you ve had a new spare key cut recently it could be a poorly cut key causing the problem.
When to call a locksmith.
If the key won t go into the lock ask yourself if the weather is cold enough for the lock to be frozen.
Warping if the door cannot physically lock due to the frame or door being warped an adjustment of the strike plate could rectify the problem without the need of a new lock.
It may have been tampered with if the plug was rotated substantially.
Lubricating the lock with non destructive oil i e.
Once it s out use a fine file to.
What to do if your house key won t turn in the lock spray the lock with lubricant to remove dirt and dust.
Not wd 40 may help.
This might be difficult to inspect on your own.
If it is hold the key with a heavy glove and heat it with a match or lighter and then work it gradually into the keyway.
Have you had a new cylinder fitted.