B&R LOCKSMITHS · HELP & ADVICE
What’s Wrong With My Door?
Door won’t lock, handle gone floppy or key stuck? Choose the symptom that sounds closest. You don’t need the technical name—we’ll explain the possible causes and what to do next.
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Start with what you can see
These are common possibilities, not a diagnosis. Open a question below, or jump to the group that fits your situation.
Locked out or unable to secure your property? Call 07822 036283 for 24/7 emergency help. Tell us your postcode and whether the door is locked shut or unsecured. Avoid forcing the key, handle or door.
Door and handle problems
My door won’t lock
If the door closes but will not lock, the fault could be in the cylinder, the locking mechanism or the way the door sits in its frame. On uPVC and composite doors, misalignment or a worn multipoint gearbox can put extra strain on the lock.
- The key will not turn fully.
- The handle will not lift normally.
- You have to push or pull the door to lock it.
- The locking points do not engage, or the problem is gradually getting worse.
Avoid forcing it. If you cannot secure the property, call and tell us the door is unsecured.
My door only locks if I push or pull it
Having to lean on, pull or lift the door itself can mean the locking points no longer line up with the keeps—the metal fittings in the frame. Hinges, alignment and worn components may all need checking.
Lifting the handle is normal on many lift-to-lock doors. Needing extra force, or lifting the whole door to make it lock, is different. An early adjustment may prevent further strain on the mechanism.
My uPVC or composite door handle has gone floppy
A handle that suddenly drops, feels loose or moves without operating the latch needs checking. Possible causes include loose fixings, a worn spindle, a failed handle spring or a fault in the gearbox.
It does not automatically mean the whole locking strip needs replacing. If the gearbox is faulty and a compatible part is available, replacing that component may be enough. Tell us whether the door is locked shut.
My door won’t open even though it’s unlocked
A door can stick even when the key appears to work normally. The latch may have failed, a locking point may still be engaged, or the door may be catching on the frame.
Tell us what the handle does and where the door seems to catch. Do not kick or lever the door, as this can damage the door and frame.
My door handle is loose
Loose fixing screws, worn handles, a spindle or a spring can cause movement in the handle. Wear inside the locking mechanism is another possibility.
If the handle has changed suddenly, hangs down or no longer works the latch, explain this when you call. We can check the handle and mechanism before recommending parts.
My door has dropped or is catching the frame
A door that scrapes at the bottom or side, needs lifting to close, or makes the handle harder to use may be out of alignment. This is a common issue with uPVC and composite doors, although other faults can look similar.
Checking the hinges, locking points and frame together helps establish what needs adjusting. Correct alignment can reduce unnecessary strain on the mechanism.
Key and lock problems
My key won’t turn
If the key goes in but will not turn, don’t force it. A worn key, a faulty cylinder, pressure on the locking points or a misaligned door could be responsible.
Extra force can snap the key. Tell us whether the key has been getting harder to turn and whether the handle also feels stiff, so we can assess both the lock and the door.
My key is stuck in the lock
A key may become trapped because of wear, damage or the position of the cylinder or mechanism. Repeated twisting and hard pulling can break it.
Leave it in place if it will not come out gently. Let us know whether the door is open, locked or unable to be secured.
My key has snapped in the lock
A broken key does not always mean a new lock. In many cases, we can remove the broken section and then check the cylinder for wear or damage.
Do not push the remaining key back into the lock, add glue or try to turn the fragment with pliers. If the key broke because the lock was already stiff, that underlying fault also needs attention.
My key turns but the door won’t open
The cylinder may be turning without operating the rest of the lock. On a uPVC or composite door, a failed gearbox or another part of the multipoint mechanism can leave the locking points engaged.
Avoid repeatedly forcing the key or handle. We can assess the mechanism and discuss suitable ways to open and repair it.
My lock feels stiff
A stiff lock can be an early sign of wear, but the cause is not always inside the cylinder. If the door has moved, the locking points can press against the keeps and make the key or handle harder to operate.
Have a worsening problem checked before it becomes a lockout. Use only a lubricant recommended for your specific lock; spraying a product into the cylinder will not correct door misalignment.
My lock is spinning
If the key turns repeatedly without locking or unlocking the door, a connection inside the cylinder or lock mechanism may have failed. If the whole cylinder or outside fitting is moving, mention that too.
The repair depends on the type of lock and the part that has failed. Stop forcing it and tell us whether you can still secure the property.
Access and security
I’m locked out
Lost keys, keys left inside and a failed lock can all leave you unable to get in. Call us and explain what happened, the type of door if you know it, and your location.
Where suitable, we aim to use non-destructive entry methods first. The right method depends on the lock, its condition and the fault; damage-free entry cannot be promised in every case.
I’ve lost my keys
We can help with entry if needed and discuss changing the affected locks. The risk is greater if the keys could be linked to your address, but it is not always possible to know who may have found them.
Replacing the relevant cylinder or lock prevents the missing key from operating that lock. It often does not require replacing the whole handle or door.
My keys have been stolen
Changing the affected locks is usually the safest way to stop the stolen keys being used. Let us know which doors the missing keys operate and whether the property is secure.
We can discuss suitable replacement locks and any worthwhile security upgrades at the same visit.
My door or lock has been damaged
An attempted break-in, forced entry or accidental damage can leave a door unable to lock. Call and describe the damage and whether the property is secure.
We can assess the door, frame and locking components, discuss ways to make the property secure and replace damaged parts where appropriate. The work needed depends on the extent of the damage.
I’ve just moved house
You may not know how many copies of the existing keys are still held by previous owners, tenants, cleaners or tradespeople. Changing the external locks gives you control over who has a working key.
We can check the existing locks and discuss replacement cylinders, suitable security upgrades and keyed-alike options where compatible.
Want to understand your lock?
Our illustrated lock guide shows euro cylinders, mortice locks and nightlatches. For prices, repairs and security upgrades, visit our locksmith questions and answers.
Still not sure what the problem is?
You don’t need to diagnose it yourself or know the name of the lock. Tell us what happens when you use the key or handle, whether the door is open or locked shut, and your postcode. A photo can help us identify the fittings; we may still need to inspect the door to confirm the fault.
We provide domestic and commercial locksmith services across Hull, Grimsby, Scunthorpe, Barton-upon-Humber, Brigg and surrounding areas. Call to confirm availability and discuss the next step.
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B&R Locksmiths
Your local, family-run mobile locksmiths.
24/7 emergency service. No call-out charge.
Hull: 01482 910190
Grimsby: 01472 780190
Scunthorpe: 01724 440190
Mobile: 07822 036283
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B&R LOCKSMITHS LTD
Company number: 17425075
Registered office: One Business Village, West Dock Street, Hull, HU3 4HH (postal address only).