have to turn key really hard in ignition to start car

The initial problem started when I noticed that my car would make a dinging noise if the stairwell wasn't locked. I got a systems check and they could not find anything. (Firestone) The next thing to happen was the ignition switch became difficult to turn. If you don't turn it hard and fast the car will not start. I got the ignition switch changed because I was convinced that that was the problem... it worked for about a month or two and then having to turn the switch hard plus the dinging noise came back. (Firestone). Once I moved to another state I went back to have the problem addressed again (this was about nine months later). The mechanic insisted that it was the ignition switch and could not find where I had already had it replaced so we argued once I showed him the receipt from a fellow store he offered to change the ignition switch for free this did not even work a day. I decided to try and deal with the problem for another six months. Just recently my car battery died and I had to jump myself. That lasted a week and then I had to get myself again and then two days later and then twice in one day. It ended up being the ignition housing/cylinder and this fixed both my having to turn the key hard in my battery dying! ( had done at the dealership)