Why won’t the key won’t turn in the lock
There’s nothing more frustrating than getting home after a long day to find that you’re locked out of your house. If you’ve arrived to find your key won’t turn in the lock, rest assured that many others have been in the same situation. It’s one of the most common problems our Kent locksmiths are called out to fix. In this guide, we’ll outline why your key might not be turning and explain what you can do about it.
Common reasons a key won’t turn
Different types of doors and locks often have different reasons for failing. Here are some common issues we’ve come across with various doors and locks.
uPVC or composite doors
If your key won’t turn in a uPVC door lock, it could be due to lock misalignment which prevents the key from engaging with the tumblers. This can be a result of general wear and tear or temperature changes. Alternatively, there could be locking mechanism damage that’s preventing you from getting inside. When the mechanism is broken or sustains damage, the key won’t turn and the handle won’t pull down.
A euro cylinder failure will mean you can’t get the key all the way into the lock and it won’t fully turn. The central cam may have slipped out of place or become worn, hindering the rotational motion of the key being transferred to the lock mechanism.
Wooden doors with a night latch
There are a number of reasons why a night latch key won’t turn:
- You’re using the wrong key or a bad copy of a key
- The snib (the black button on the inside of the night latch) is engaged
- The cylinder in the night latch has failed
- The lock has been fitted incorrectly or is the wrong size
Mortice locks
Similarly, if you’re experiencing mortice lock problems, there are a range of issues that may be occurring. For example:
- The wrong key is being used or the key is poorly cut
- The lock is faulty or needs lubricating
- The door is warped
- The lock has been tampered with
- A lever spring has become loose
Another common reason why a key won’t turn in the lock is the simple buildup of dirt and debris, which causes part of the mechanism to become stuck. In some cases you can try to fix the issue by yourself, but it’s important to know when to call a locksmith for help.
What you can try yourself
If you want to try sorting the problem out by yourself, here’s some advice on safe troubleshooting if a key is stuck in a lock.
uPVC and composite doors
If your key won’t turn in a uPVC door lock, the first step is to try lubrication. If you don’t know how to lubricate a lock safely don’t worry – the process is simple. Choose a silicone based lubricant spray and insert the nozzle into the keyhole, spraying a tiny amount directly into the mechanism. Then insert and remove the key several times to spread the lubricant. Alternatively, you can use the same method with a graphite powder. Don’t be tempted to use WD-40, as this could leave oil residue in the keyway which may cause problems in the future.
You can also check for loose screws and tighten them where necessary. If your key gets stuck in a half-turned position, consider inserting another key alongside the stuck key to realign the mechanism.
Night latch
If your night latch key won’t turn, you should first check you have the correct key inserted. If you do, and you know the key is a high quality copy, try lubricating the lock with a silicone-based lubricant or graphite powder. Finally, check the snib is not engaged, as this will prevent the key from turning.
Mortice lock
With a mortice lock – whether a mortice sashlock or mortice deadlock – you’ll again need to check you are using the right key and that it has not been poorly cut. If you have a spare key, try this in the lock. You could also try lubrication using the same method as above.
When it’s time to call a locksmith
If the above methods don’t work for you, you’ll need to get professional help. A locksmith will be able to identify the problem, get the door open for you and carry out any repairs or replacements that are required. Most reputable locksmiths carry a range of door locks including eurocylinders in their vans, and can carry out a replacement if required. If they don’t have the correct parts, they may use a temporary lock to ensure your security and return later to carry out the repair.
How Absolute Security Locksmiths can help
If you have a key that won’t turn in the lock in Kent, Absolute Security Locksmiths can help. We have experience with a range of issues and can get you safely into your property as well as finding a secure and lasting solution. We’re able to repair faulty uPVC door handles, misaligned doors, broken mechanisms and faulty snibs (the black button on the inside of a night latch) as well as providing broken or worn key replacements. We understand the different types of lock (there are over 400 different uPVC/composite mechanisms and a wide range of night latches and mortice locks) and can ensure your problem is fixed quickly and professionally.
How to prevent the issue recurring
There are several things you can do to avoid future experiences with a door key stuck in the lock. Regularly lubricating your locks using the lock lubrication tips outlined above will help to prevent any buildup of dirt and debris in the lock. You can also check the screws periodically and tighten them if necessary. Finally, you can get new keys cut every few years if signs of wear and tear are starting to show.
Expert assistance for a key that won’t turn in the lock
Whether your lock cylinder has failed, you have a damaged night latch or you have a lock that hasn’t been fitted correctly, the experts at Absolute Security Locksmiths can help. We provide immediate locksmith assistance for those who cannot get into their property, ensuring a quick service that puts your safety and security first. Make us the first people you call for lock issues, repairs, replacements and more. Our locksmith team is always happy to help.