AboutJames Expertise I am knowledgeable in almost every area of Locksmithing. This includes locks, keys, lost keys, residential and commercial lockouts, rekeying, masterkeying, high security locks, access control, electric locks, security cameras and home safety. I have been running an online business since 2004 where I sell all types of lock and security hardware to everyone from apartment renters to business owners to the US government. Before that I started a locksmith service in 1999. I deal with many types of security equipment including high security safe locks, heavy duty padlocks, exit devices, biometric readers, electric strikes, magnetic locks, full surface hinges and I only sell what I personally stand behind 100%. The online business has given me a more in-depth look at the locksmithing industry, helping me to learn more about each and every product that I offer, as well as products I don't have but end up finding for customers to solve any issues they have with security or door hardware.
Please don't submit any automotive or safe questions as these aren't areas that I can help in.
Experience I have been Locksmithing since 1999 and own my own Locksmithing business. I have many years of hands-on experience through the many services I have performed for my customers. I've run my business the way I wanted, treating everyone as I would like to be treated and knowing that any customer could be my last if I didn't perform my locksmithing duties as I had promised.
Organizations Montana Locksmith Association
Education/Credentials I have a diploma in Masterkeying, Advanced Locksmithing & Locksmithing from Foley-Belsaw.
Past/Present Clients US government, colleges, schools, city and state governments, large and small corporations, home owners.
Question I have a kwikset 6 point knob lock between the house and the garage. When the neighbor let herself in today to do laundry (her washer was broken), the key stayed stuck. When we were unable to pull it out, we jiggled the lock and the key gently, then the entire cylinder came out! The key will come out when the cylinder is out, but if we try to put the cylinder back in, the key stays stuck, although we can move the key so that the inside shows it locking and unlocking. We can only remove the cylinder with the stuck key again. Do you know how to put the cylinder back in so that it will stay and the key will come out? We've already tried lubrication and jiggling just the key, to no avail. Thanks for any help you can give.
Answer Hello Kim,
You'll want to hire a locksmith to fix that. Cylinder shouldn't just come out and even if you were able to fix it yourself, without the proper understanding of how it works and the right tools it will likely do it again.
Kwikset locks are notorious for doing that and unfortunately there's not much you can do to prevent it.
