I installed a new Schlage deadbolt lock on my front door 3 days ago. This morning Mrs. P left for work and locked the door behind her without any problem. An hour later I go out and try to lock the door and the key won’t turn the tumbler. I can lock/unlock the door with the inside latch. I tried using the spare key and it doesn’t work either. Why won’t 2 out of 3 keys work today when they worked yesterday?
I think you should call the locksmith.
Or return it.
I’d try shooting some WD-40 or graphite into it.
A new lock is cheaper than a locksmith so that soulution would be counterproductive. Returning it for an exchange would have to wait till someone comes home as I’d have to leave the door unlocked (literally) while going to the store.
BTW- the reason I changed the lock in the first place is because I believe my key ring was stolen so putting the old lock back while I go to the store for a new one is not an option either.
I tried Lock-ease. No luck.
Try loosening the screws which hold the lock in place. I have found that overtightening the screws can cause the key to bind, especially if one screw is tighter than the other. Probably just one turn looser or even less might solve the problem.
NO. Do not put WD-40 in a new lock.
Need more info. Is is a double bolt lock? does the key physically turn but not the mechanism? Do some keys work and some not?
If it is binding then take it apart and re-install it. Some locks are not symmetrical in design. It matters which way the parts go together and flipping one side upside down will cause the mechanism to bind. Essentially the shaft going through the lock bolt is at an angle. You can damage the lock if this is the case.
Just went upstairs and tried that. No luck there either.
I know about the WD40 not for locks. The lock-ease didn’t help either. It was installed properly and working fine till this morning. That’s what I find so strange.
The key fits but won’t turn. You know how it feels when you try to open a lock with the wrong key? That’s what this feels like, even though I know it’s the right key. I’ll go up and take it apart and have a look at it.
And the comments about overtightening & binding shafts don’t explain why it worked fine for his wife when she locked it.
I’m going to be at a hardware store today, I’ll look at the Schlage to see if its an offset style lock.
Are you *sure *you’re trying the right keys?
Yeah, or any chance you installed two deadbolts, and didn’t make sure to get a matched pair? (and apologies to the OP for the implication, but you know how we all have a brain fart now and then.)
So, 2 of the 3 keys do not work now - and one of the keys still operates the lock? Correct?
I have had locks that were very, very picky about the key used, most likely from bad tolerance in the making/grinding of the keys originally. I am guessing that when first used, the lock’s innards had some ‘play’ to them and worked OK, but now the innards are needing it to be more exact. Or maybe the keys themselves had burring/rough edges that wore off the time or two they were used, and now are not close enough to ‘good’ to be functional. Hope you can understand what I am getting at.
I have had to have keys remade a number of times, at different places, before I got one that would actually make the this one particular lock work. It was not a high-quality lock, by any means, but not the el cheapo type either. I don’t know if it was the keys, or the lock that was so fussy, but it was a real PIA. Good luck 
Well, the wife got home and damned if her key no longer worked! Must’ve been a defect in the mechanism that didn’t show up till the tumbler was turned a few times. Maybe the pins went out of line. Anyway, I returned the lock, picked up a new one, installed it and (knock wood) it works as it should. I can sleep soundly tonight. Thanks all.
I guess the mods can lock this thread now. 
Sorry. Schlage residential locks today are cheap and trouble prone. Ny son the locksmith recomended to me not to buy them for my house.
If the problem returns with the new locks, take the lock apart remove cylinder and try the key in the cylinder. If it does not turn there is a strange problem. If it does turn then it is in the lincage.
I was told this by a locksmith but I’ve forgotten his recommendation as to another brand.