Don Vandervort, Head Homeboy, has written more than 30 DIY home improvement books, been a segment host on HGTV, served as MSN.com's home improvement expert and written countless magazine articles.
If the entire lock cylinder turns when you turn a key, the solution to the problem is probably a matter of tightening or replacing set screw(s) meant to hold the cylinder in place.
Mortise lockset: Remove the faceplate (if there is one) at the door's edge and locate the one or two cylinder set screws. They should be in line with the center of the cylinder. Tighten by turning clockwise--be sure they engage the slot that runs along the edge of the cylinder (the key slot should be perfectly vertical). Replace the faceplate.
Surface-mounted rim lock: Unscrew and remove the cover, called a "case." Tighten the cylinder set screws. Replace the case.
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