I think i just broke the lock on my front door. Help?

Question

this is going to sound stupid. i made a crude lockpick set out of a bobby pin, and tested it out on my front door.

it worked, which was pretty exciting, but when i put the key in and tried to lock it, it wouldnt turn.

i can still lock the deadbolt from the inside, but the outside part only works once every like 50 tries, and extremely laboriously at that.

so if anyone knows what could be wrong, how to fix it, anything like that, id reeeeeally appreciate it since im not too stoked to go buy a whole new lock set.

Answer 1

Everybody learns from dumb mistakes throughout their life, and this may be one of those for you.  Unfortunately, this is one which will inevitably cost you money.  Your lock will not work as it used to.  In fact, it may cease to work entirely after a few more tries.  Since you will have to replace it, lets focus on damage prevention.  In future, buy a few "Master" or "Dudley" locks, like the ones used on lockers in schools, with keys, and practice on those.  Much cheaper, I assure you.  Why did you need a lock-pick in the first place?

Answer 2

Get some lock oil and work the lock a lot.  Even professional lock pickers damage locks.  If you can not work it out with oil you have put burs on the tumblers and will need to replace it.