Locksmith Questions & Answers

Possible causes include a door that has dropped, locking points that no longer align with the keeps, a worn gearbox or a faulty cylinder or handle. If it works differently with the door open and closed, tell us. Avoid forcing it. Our door-problem guide explains common symptoms, and we can assess the fault before recommending a repair.

Lifting the handle is normal on many multipoint doors. Having to lift the whole door, lean on it or pull it hard is different and may suggest misalignment. The locking points can rub against their keeps when the door moves. Forcing the handle adds strain, so have the alignment and mechanism checked.

A loose fixing, worn spindle, failed handle spring or fault within the gearbox can all cause a floppy handle. It is not enough on its own to confirm a failed gearbox. Tell us whether the handle still works the latch and whether the door is locked shut. We can inspect the parts and identify a suitable repair.

The cylinder may be turning without moving the internal lock mechanism. On uPVC or composite doors, a gearbox or another multipoint component may have failed while the door was locked. Avoid forcing the handle or key. We can assess how to open the door and which components need attention.

In many cases, yes. If the gearbox is the failed part, a compatible replacement is available and the rest of the locking strip is sound, replacing the gearbox alone may be practical. We need to identify the mechanism and check its condition before confirming that option.

Not always. A gearbox or another individual component may be replaceable. A complete mechanism can be the better choice if several parts are worn or damaged, or a compatible repair part is unavailable. We will explain the options and costs after assessment.

Often, yes. A door adjustment, handle repair or replacement of one worn component may solve the problem. If a lock is badly worn, damaged or no longer suitable for the required security, replacement may be more practical. We consider the condition, parts availability and cost. Read about lock repairs and replacements.

Wear or a fault in the cylinder can make a lock stiff, but so can pressure from a misaligned door. If the handle is also harder to lift or the door catches, the whole door and locking system need checking. A worsening problem is worth addressing before the lock stops working.

Check the instructions for your particular lock before using any lubricant. Standard WD-40 Multi-Use is not approved by every cylinder manufacturer, and recommendations vary: some specify a particular dry or PTFE product. Use the manufacturer-approved product rather than adding oil, grease or mixing sprays. Lubricant will not fix a dropped door or a failed gearbox.

Stop trying to turn the broken piece or insert the remaining key. Avoid glue and do not push anything further into the cylinder. Tell us whether the door is open, locked or unsecured. We can assess removal of the fragment and check why the key broke.

Often, yes, if the fragment can be removed and the lock is otherwise sound. If the key snapped because the cylinder was worn, damaged or under strain, that problem also needs attention. We check the lock after extraction before advising on repair or replacement.

Consider who could find the keys and whether they can be linked to your home or business. If their whereabouts are unknown or your address may be identifiable, changing the affected locks is the safer option. We can discuss replacing the cylinder or lock rather than the whole door.

We normally recommend changing the locks those keys operate, especially if the keys could be linked to your address. Tell us if the property is unsecured or you also need help getting in. Replacing the affected locks prevents those stolen keys from operating them.

It is often a sensible step because you may not know how many old keys are in circulation. Former owners, tenants, tradespeople or cleaners may have had copies. Replacing the external locks gives you control over who has a working key and is a useful opportunity to review the existing security.

This usually refers to a euro cylinder tested to the TS 007 3-star rating. It is designed to resist a range of attacks, including snapping. Look for the relevant certification and markings rather than relying on an “anti-snap” label alone. The cylinder must also be the correct size and fitted properly.

TS 007 is a security specification for replacement lock cylinders and protective door hardware. A 3-star cylinder is one route to a 3-star solution; another is a 1-star cylinder combined with suitable 2-star security hardware. The ratings relate to the tested components, not a guarantee that the complete door cannot be forced.

A suitable higher-security cylinder can be a worthwhile upgrade on many uPVC and composite doors. Look for independently certified protection, such as TS 007 3-star, rather than assuming all locks described as anti-snap offer the same resistance. We also check the fit, handles, frame and overall door condition.

Usually, yes. A compatible higher-security cylinder, stronger handles or other suitable locking components can improve an existing door. The right option depends on the door’s condition and fittings. We assess the door as a complete system before suggesting upgrades.

In many cases, yes. A euro cylinder can usually be replaced separately from its handles. If the handles are damaged, worn or do not provide suitable protection, we may suggest replacing those too. We will explain what is necessary for the job and what is an optional upgrade.

Keyed-alike locks are separate compatible locks set up to work with the same key. It may be possible to use one key for the front, back and another external door, but it depends on the lock types and ranges available. We can check compatibility and discuss the options.

A master key system gives different keys access to selected doors while a master key opens several or all of them. It can suit offices, commercial premises and shared buildings where staff need different access. It is different from keyed alike, where the same key operates each of the chosen locks.

Yes. We can inspect damaged locks and doors, discuss ways to secure the property and replace suitable locking components where required. Tell us whether the door will close and lock and describe any frame damage. The immediate repair and any further work depend on what has been damaged.

Start with the whole door: its condition, frame, hinges, alignment, cylinder, handles and locking system. Depending on what is fitted, options may include a certified higher-security cylinder, security handles, a suitable British Standard lock or additional compatible hardware. Check any requirements in your insurance policy and keep a suitable means of escape from inside.