Originally Posted by alanbikehouston
The 2005 model OnGuard and Kryptonite locks use essentially identical keys and key mechanisms. Folks sometimes can not get their keys to seat in the keyway and are unable to turn the keys. They assume that the mechanism has "frozen". That is not the cause of the problem.
The mechanism has several plates that can get rotated sidewises. The most likely way for this to happen is if someone is removing the key, and twists the key slightly just as the key reaches the top of the keyway. It can also happen if the owner begins to turn the key before the key is fully seated at the bottom of the keyway.
If the key does not turn EASILY in the keyway, do NOT use force. Simply shine a light into the lock and lock for the key slot. Use the tip of the key to realign the top plate with the second plate. Then realign the second plate with the third plate. Then realign the third plate with the fourth plate. Continue until each plate is aligned with the plate above and below. Then you will see a keyway that is smooth and even on each side. Seat the key fully to the bottom of the keyway. The key will turn easily and the lock will open.
It is my understanding that this rotating plate design is intended to make the locks more difficult to pick. New OnGuard and Kryptonite locks have a red sticker on them warning owners to fully seat their keys before turning the key. If you remember to do that, things will go smoothly.
This was mostly with last year's models, so I don't know if they've fixed it, but there was more to it than the key insertion issue. Most especially I'm thinking of the fact that it DID in fact fix the problem at least temporarily to lube it up and hit it with a hammer, which wouldn't make sense with a key insertion problem. I've since had a goodly number of the Kryptonite locks come back with the key insertion thing despite the warning label, and I'm not happy about that either.