A deadbolt that drags, sticks or needs a shoulder push is telling you something. Most causes are simple.
Misalignment
If the bolt only turns smoothly with the door open, the bolt is rubbing the strike plate. The door may have sagged or the frame shifted. Adjusting the strike usually fixes it.
Short or bent bolt hole
The hole behind the strike must be deep enough for a full one-inch throw. If it's shallow, the bolt can't fully extend.
Dirty or dry cylinder
If the key itself is hard to turn even with the door open, the cylinder may need cleaning and a dry lubricant like graphite. Avoid oil.
Worn parts
Older or bargain deadbolts wear out. If adjusting and lubricating don't help, door lock repair or a new deadbolt installation is the next step.
Don't wait for it to fail
A sticky deadbolt often ends with a snapped key or a door that won't lock. If a key does break off, broken key extraction can save the lock.
Residential locksmith service from Choice City Locksmith in Fort Collins and Windsor.
Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.