Struggling to Insert Your Key? Fix Jammed or Blocked Locks Today
Reach out to our locksmiths if key won’t go in lock and we’ll be there in 30 minutes!
Call Now If Your Key Won’t Go In Lock
When your key won’t go in lock, you know you have a problem. A problem we deal with a lot here at Kensington Locksmith London is a key that just won’t go into the lock or turn.
If this is your situation, we understand how frustrating this lock problem can be.
The issues range from blocked lock barrels to debris stuck in the locking mechanism, or it might be the key itself that’s the problem.
With a key stuck outside a lock, your home or businesses is completely inaccessible, but our professional locksmith service can provide a simple fix whether it’s the locking mechanism at fault or a poorly cut key.
If your key won’t turn or have similar lock problems, we can offer further advice over the phone and help with our locksmith. So, if you can’t get the door open at all, give us a call and we’ll be there quickly to get the problem sorted and allow it to turn fully once again.
Our locksmith will grab the locks kit, arrive in under an hour, identify the issue, and solve it fast. We will give you back secure access to your home.
Why won’t your key go in the lock: common causes
Usually, when a key won’t go in a lock there’s often a simple and straight-forward solution, but there can be lots of reasons why it can occur and won’t go in in the first place. Let’s take a look at the main reasons:
Debris stuck in the keyhole
Locking mechanisms are very sensitive and require millimetre precision to unlock, so if you have dirt or dust particles in the keyway, the key will be unable to align with the pins. This is most common in external door locks, but can be solved with a lock clean.
Pins misaligned
A key should be able to slide into the keyhole without resistance, but if the pins have become unaligned then you will be unable to open or lock the door. If the pins are damaged, you might need to have the full lock replaced with fully functioning locks.
Bent, damaged, or wrong key
The first thing you should do is check that you are using the right key! Many types of key look similar, and although a different key might go into the lock, it won’t allow it to turn in lock. If the key itself has worn down or been damaged, it will not turn in the lock mechanism at all.
Barrel damaged
Most locksmiths are called out because the actual barrel of the lock has been damaged. It’s more common in locks older than 10 years, and can be caused by repeated use, corrosion, or even by forced entries by a burglar.
Whatever your issue is, our locksmith will work hard to get your door lock back in working order and give you new keys if necessary.
Broken key vs. broken lock cylinder
When figuring out why the key won’t turn, you need to know if the lock problems are caused by key breaks or a broken piece in the lock cylinder. Here’s how to tell:
Check the key
Look at your key to see if it’s been worn down, has cracked or has bent. It might be something as simple as the tip snapped off.
Does the key fully insert?
If you have a stiff lock and the key doesn’t enter properly, or only partly, then you might have debris inside the lock. Look inside with a torch if possible.
Do an open door test
With the door open, put the key inside and do multiple key turns both ways. If you can see that it isn’t locked properly, it might be the cylinder at fault.
Is there resistance?
Place the key into the keyhole slowly, and if you feel it grinding or scraping on the lock, it’s most likely an issue with pin misalignment. If there is no resistance, then it’s most likely an issue with the lock that we need to fix.
What NOT to do if your key won’t go in lock
If your key won’t go in and smoothly turn in lock, then there are some things that you should NOT do as you could make the situation worse, and more costly to repair.
Never force it
If you force the key into the lock when there is debris in there, you could damage both the key and the lock. Damaging internal components turns a quick fix into an expensive door repair job.
Never use oil lubricants
It might seem like a good idea to spray something like WD-40 inside the lock, but don’t! Only use a silicone or graphite spray so the lock doesn’t get gummed up.
Don’t be rough with it
Sometimes you might get angry with the lock and wiggle the key about inside the door lock, but it can cause further misalignment of the pins and wear down the key.
Don’t try to fix it yourself
Avoid poking things inside the lock such as a hair pin as you can damage the internal mechanisms or multi point locking system.
Our locksmith will use multiple methods to get your key to work again
Our locksmith will provide a comprehensive service that is guaranteed to solve your lock problems when the key won’t turn, when you have a damaged locking mechanism, or have a broken key.
We carry everything to be able to open a locked door, fix essential broken parts, and get your lock fixed with a suitable replacement.
From the tools to extract a broken key to lubricants to give it a thorough clean, we can pull a broken key from any lock and reset any deadbolt locking system to make it fully secure again.
You can trust our professional locksmith to realign stiff cylinders, inspect all of the internal parts of the lock, and even get keys cut if that’s the issue with your door locks.
Give us a call today, any time of the day or night.
How to keep your locking mechanism in good order
The answer to preventing problems in the first place is good lock maintenance.
Silicone or graphite spray is the best way to keep your lock lubricated, and never use an oil-based lubricant like WD-40.
All it takes to keep dirt out of your lock and build up near the keyway is a simple wipe down every so often with a damp cloth.
A lot of the ways you can tell something is wrong with a lock are just by looking, so be sure to examine it to make sure the latch and strike plate are aligned, and adjust it if it isn’t.
Another way you can know if something is up with your lock is how smoothly the key enters the keyhole, as if you feel it rubbing or grinding, which indicates an internal issue or a problem with your key.
Call today for help with wooden door, composite door, and uPVC door locks
Key won’t turn? Lock problems with a key break, bad alignment position, a key that’s not straight, or a bolt that won’t catch?
Our locksmith service can examine any type of lock break and replace a cylinder or bolt if needed, as well as take a closer look at the mechanism itself if the door is locked and won’t open.
If you need a locksmith the same day in the Kensington area, we’re here 24/7 for front doors, back doors, and even patio doors and garages.
Get in touch with our locksmith team now. Call today on 07884675945 and our locksmiths will be with you quickly. We will be replacing locks and keys, cleaning dirt from the keyway, and be able to replace any cylinder on your door quickly. Moreover, we can assist you with deadbolt issues or whenever your key won’t turn in the lock.
If your key won’t turn, don’t hesitate to reach out today to get secure access to your home again.