Question about five lever door lock on front door.

[p4ilip]

I went out this morning and when I came home the key wouldn't go in the front door. When I looked into the lock it looked like the part the key turns had dropped down and was stopping the key going in. It's quite an old house and door and the lock is a five lever type.
Eventually with a bit of jiggling the key went in. I was worried that this might have been a sign that the lock had been tampered with.
Does anyone know if this is just something that happens occasionally, if the lock needs replacing or if it's a sign that someone had tried to break in?
Thanks, Phil.

[BiggestNizzy]

Never had a reason to try picking a lever lock, it's probably just wear and tear as your average Jackie isn't going to bother. It's always worth thinking how you would break intgo your own home if you lost your keys.

[point n squirt]

They only last so long im on my third throw it out time for a new one measure the edge of the door to the key hole so as you get the right size it will be 2.5inch or a 3inch.

[p4ilip]

Thanks for the advice. Probably just getting old then by the sounds of it. The wife's away so will wait for her to get back in case she thinks I've changed it to stop her getting back in!

[kerryxeg]

I've had a similar damaged lock when my dad tried and managed to unlock the door from the outside when there was a key on the inside. So if anything like that has happened it can result in wear or affecting the normal function of the lock. Worth changing though if it might get stuck.

[whaleys]

I would say that it could well have been tampered with as that is what happens when someone tries to "snap" the lock. Are there any signs of an attempt to remove the face plate of the handle/lock?

I would replace ASAP and buy an anti-snap anti-drill cylinder.

G