Help! T Handel locks do not lock!

[TearDropDrippin]

I installed two new T Handel today and was pretty happy with how they turned out until I put the key in it turns only a quarter turn to the right then doesn’t come out or lock! What am I doing wrong??

[mountainminded]

It might sound obvious but double check that you have the key inserted correctly. If the lock cylinder has a “dust shutter” covering the keyway look for the little key insertion ramp that is on one side or the other. If it is on the left side of the keyway the teeth on the key should be oriented up. If the little ramp is on the right the teeth on the key should face down. Still no luck? A locksmith shop can switch out the core in only a few minutes for under $10. Just bring them the handle.

[TearDropDrippin]

Thanks for the guess. But no, the latches I ordered from teardroptrailerparts.com part#DL11 does not have the dust cover and is only keyed one direction as far as I can tell. I’ll give it another wiggle in the morning. I do have a locksmith that lives up the road just thought I’d try here first for experience if it was something simple I’m missing before o called in the big guns to shame me for something dumb.

[halfdome, Danny]

Try squirting a little WD40 in the key hole.
Sometimes you need to wiggle the handle while turning the key.
Danny

[saywhatthat]

is there something binding the movement in the rest of the lock?
quote]Try squirting a little WD40 in the key hole[/quote]
that not the best WD-40 will hold dust and dirt and eventually clog up your Tumblr if it dose . try flushing out with rubbing alcohol. What we see happening is somebody will
spray this type of lubricant in and then gets a little bit of dirt and dust till D
gets a little bit hard to turn so they'll keep spraying more and more until finally plug the whole thing up.
AS these are new this is not your problem.

[Tom&Shelly]

is there something binding the movement in the rest of the lock?

Try squirting a little WD40 in the key hole

that not the best WD-40 will hold dust and dirt and eventually clog up your Tumblr if it dose . try flushing out with rubbing alcohol. What we see happening is somebody will
spray this type of lubricant in and then gets a little bit of dirt and dust till D
gets a little bit hard to turn so they'll keep spraying more and more until finally plug the whole thing up.
AS these are new this is not your problem.

I was once chastised by the Post Office (or more specifically, a representative thereof) for using WD 40 on one of their locks, for that very reason. (Although, in that case, it worked.) They were okay with my using graphite in the lock.

Tom

[noseoil]

You might try removing the assembly, then see if it will function properly when it isn't installed. If it works this way, check your installation to see what's wrong. If not, it could be a defective lock mechanism???

[halfdome, Danny]

Sorry to see several WD40 naysayers but years ago the latch on my 55 Chevy passenger door wouldn’t latch right. Someone on a form suggested WD40 and it worked like a champ and I never had to spray it again.
It’s basically fish oil & invented in San Diego California.
Graphite is excellent too.
Danny

[Socal Tom]

Sorry to see several WD40 naysayers but years ago the latch on my 55 Chevy passenger door wouldn’t latch right. Someone on a form suggested WD40 and it worked like a champ and I never had to spray it again.
It’s basically fish oil & invented in San Diego California.
Graphite is excellent too.
Danny

Actually WD40 is mostly DMSO.

[halfdome, Danny]

Sorry to see several WD40 naysayers but years ago the latch on my 55 Chevy passenger door wouldn’t latch right. Someone on a form suggested WD40 and it worked like a champ and I never had to spray it again.
It’s basically fish oil & invented in San Diego California.
Graphite is excellent too.
Danny

Actually WD40 is mostly DMSO.

Actually the formula is secret and we're both wrong. Danny

https://www.wd40.com/myths-legends-fun-facts/

[saywhatthat]

dose not attract dirt or moisture to metal surfaces – just be sure to wipe off any excess WD-40® M

hard to get into a lock tumbler. Most service manual have graphite the preferred method.
Probably has more to do where you use. If it's a lot of Dusty roads then you get that fine dust

[halfdome, Danny]

Myth: WD-40® Multi-Use Product should not be used on bike chains.

Fact: While WD-40® Multi-Use Product it is not a grease, it is formulated with strong lubricating oils and other ingredients, and is a terrific product to use for bike maintenance. It does not attract dirt or moisture to metal surfaces – just be sure to wipe off any excess WD-40® Multi-Use Product before riding.

For long-term lubrication and other specialized bicycle maintenance needs, check out WD-40® BIKE. Developed specifically for cyclists and mechanics, this high-performance line of bicycle care products is sure to become a mainstay in the toolboxes of bike mechanics for decades.