Blocked Lock Barrel Kensington
Blocked Lock Barrel in Kensington? Quick Diagnosis & Expert Fixes to Regain Access Fast
Solutions for your blocked lock barrel in Kensington and nearby areas
Do you have a Blocked Lock Barrel in Kensington? There’s nothing more frustrating when you’re trying to open or close your door than a key that simply won’t go in the lock, or a lock barrel jammed so much that you can’t turn the lock.
A stuck lock means that the key can go in part of the way, but won’t go in fully, or even worse, gets stuck halfway in the barrel.
This is a common issue we’re called out to here at Locksmith Kensington London, and it can be because of a range of issues.
Experts with Kensington Locks
When the front door lock barrel is blocked, it means that you can’t lock up your home properly, and your property is not secured from burglars.
Thankfully, we operate a 24/7 service in South West London and Kensington, and the issue can occur on both old and new doors. This is a common issue on contemporary composite doors as well as timber doors.
Moreover, the issue might be the key itself, but more often than not, it’s a part of the internal mechanisms that have malfunctioned or broken.
If you’re dealing with a blocked lock barrel in Kensington, give us a call today on 07884675945 and we can be there within the hour to confirm the cause and provide a fast, effective solution. We will try to remove the key at this stage, when possible. Please note, each lock cylinder requires a different approach, so our professional locksmith will have to get there to help.
Why your lock barrel could be blocked: possible causes
If you are having trouble with your door lock, it’s most likely the lock barrel, as there are lots of internal metal parts that all need to work together so the lock can open and close.
Here are some of the most common causes of a blocked lock barrel, but we don’t recommend trying to fix the issue yourself with items around your home, like needlenose pliers and bobby pins:
Debris in the cylinder
As keyways are exposed to the outside world, it’s not uncommon for them to get blocked with an accumulation of dirt and dust over time, making it difficult to turn.
Misaligned locking mechanism
If the door lock opens and closes properly when the door is out of the frame, but not when it’s inserted into the door frame, it suggests an issue with the mechanism itself.
Snapped key in the lock body
Trying to unlock the door with the wrong key or a key that has worn out can cause it to snap inside the lock, or just a small part of it, which is enough to plug the lock and prevent the pins from working
Seized pins
If pins are not lubricated properly with a graphite spray or silicone lubricant, they can freeze up, but if you use WD-40, that can actually gum up the lock and damage the keyhole.
Using an old or badly cut key
The pins inside can bend and pull in unusual directions if you are using a key that is old and worn, or if you’ve had a new key cut that isn’t the right combination of notches in exactly the right place.
Broken key
If your key breaks inside the lock and you don’t realise that a small part of the tip has broken off, the locking mechanism will not work correctly, as the broken key will block specific tumbler pins.
Whatever the issue with your locking mechanism, our team can be with you quickly to diagnose whether it’s the lock or the key that’s the issue, and will replace it with a new one or fix it so the lock and key work properly together again to unlock and lock the door.
We always tell customers not to insert anything into the barrel or use too much force to retrieve a broken key or bolt from inside the lock, as you can end up doing more damage rather than fixing it.
High-quality Kensington locks for front and back doors
It’s not uncommon for door lock mechanisms to become misaligned over time, especially if they are frequently opened and closed with force by the user.
The pins can become loose in the hole, and lock tumblers can break, which leads to a blocked lock barrel.
Our locksmiths perform a full assessment on-site and help you regain access to your home, allowing the key to be inserted properly to unlock and lock the door.
When you need a locksmith for a stuck lock in Kensington, you can trust our process from start to finish, whether you fill out our online contact form or call us directly.
We use non-destructive techniques and have a variety of tools that can remove a key from the hole if it’s stuck, and we can get new keys cut for you if they have snapped when you tried to insert them.
If you need a new lock replacement, we’ll aim to replace it with the same finish to match the style of your door, whether you have a Euro cylinder on a uPVC door or a mortice lock on a timber door.
We offer a wide variety of lock bodies and lock cylinders
When you need a new lock for your door to replace a blocked or broken lock barrel, we can provide the following styles:
Euro cylinders
When the cylinder is locked, pins slip into place to stop it from turning, so we can install a new one if these pins have broken or seized up from lack of lubrication. If we can’t repair it, we’ll replace it, as many older cylinders are prone to jamming.
Night latches
One of the go-to options for added security with a barrel on the outside and a thumb turn on the inside, night latches can get blocked after repeated use as the metal parts wear out. We can repair and replace parts inside, including the bolt, or install a brand new one.
Mortice locks
Embedded into wooden doors, mortice locks don’t have as many issues as a traditional lock barrel, but they can still become work or suffer damage if they are drilled or hammered in a break-in event. We can remove it if it has been drilled, or add lubricant if it has seized up or is no longer aligned in the right position.
Get a new lock fitted by our professional locksmiths in Kensington
If your lock is faulty and the key is causing the pins to slip and not align properly when they come into contact with the interior mechanisms, we can be at your location in under an hour anywhere in Kensington to fix it.
We offer same-day callouts, and we’re available 24/7 for emergencies, whether it’s a faulty thumb turn, a lack of graphite lubricant in the lock, or if it has been drilled in a failed break-in attempt.
We will arrive with all of the tools we need, including adjustable lock tools, which are capable of reversing any damage to the inside or tip of the lock cylinder.
All of our pricing is fully transparent, and we’ll provide you with a free quotation before purchasing.
We turn up quickly, and all of our locksmiths have been DBS checked for your complete peace of mind. All of our work is guaranteed, and all of the parts we install have their own warranties too.
In an emergency, contact us on 07884675945 or if you want to make an appointment at a time convenient for you, visit our website.