storage door lock

[Nevrdun]

Hi, I have a storage door lock on my '05 Lance 1030 that won't turn now. Any suggestions on a fix? I did try to lubricate it but it is still hung up. Thanks in advance!

[wnjj]

If they’re like the ones on our compartments, they may be mounted in a round hole instead of a D. If that’s the case, stick a large screwdriver into the keyway and force turn it to the left to unthread it from the nut on the back.

Edit: The non locking cams are in round holes and turn themselves often. I’m not sure about the locks.

[d3500ram]

Going out on a limb here... Are you using the correct key?

A while ago I had a similar situation. Was all set to try to gain access from inside the camper, gently pry open, disassemble, etc...

...then I realized I had inadvertently grabbed a set of spare keys that I had on hand from an older previous camper. Those keys are so similar that they will fit/ insert into many but not turn. Once I got the correct set I was in.

I am a fan of the KISS principle and this is the first thing I can suggest before more drastic measures.

[routeforty]

My truck cap lock was the same way. Watched a youtube video that said to squirt some penetrating oil inside where the key goes. Let it soak for awhile, then get a set of pliers and grip the key as close to the lock as possible and wiggle it, then slowly try to turn it. Be careful as to not put too much pressure on it as that will bend or break off the key-then you've got a bigger problem. Tried it and after a few more squirts of oil and with the pliers it finally worked. Again, be careful not to turn the pliers too hard as to break or bend the key. gary

[Buzzcut1]

Nevrdun wrote:
I am still unable to get the lock open to replace or repair. Am to the point where I need to drill it out? Thanks for all the suggestions.

There maybe something in the compartment wedged against it. If its on the truck depending on if its a rear or side compartment. Take it out and hit the brakes hard to move stuff in a rear compartment forward or take a hard corner to move stuff in a side compartment. That may do the trick to get it unstuck

[Nevrdun]

I am still unable to get the lock open to replace or repair. Am to the point where I need to drill it out? Thanks for all the suggestions.

[JimK-NY]

I have had the same issue for years. One of the locks seems to jam and I need to push on the door and wiggle the lock and eventually it opens. It has been getting worse and a couple of weeks ago it seemed it was never going to open. Oiling did not help. Finally I replaced the lock. I should have done that years ago.

[opnspaces]

Could something have slid behind the door and is now putting pressure on the door or the actual lock blade?

When mine get difficult to turn I put the key in the lock. Then with one hand try to turn the key. With the other hand push in on the door right next to the lock. This can help if something is pressing out on the door and putting pressure on the blade of the lock and making it really hard to turn.

[Reality_Check]

I carry extra's.. when they **** our, just change them.

FWIW, of the hundreds of locks/cabinet locks, etc, that we have, we use graphite to keep them operating. Wet spray works fine (we've used the dry... but it costs more, is way more of a mess, and doesn't seem to give any better ROI). Nothing fancy.. we've been buying NAPA's version for years. 6 cans to a case...