Door Not Locking?
I receive many calls which start with ‘Help! I can’t lock my Door!’
If you’re having problems trying to lock your door, your key is stuck or your key is hard to turn in the lock, I have the expertise to help. There are a number of issues that you might have with locking your door. Here are some common ones and their likely causes below :
Wooden Doors
Dead Locks/Sash Lock
Warping – Sometimes due to very poor weather conditions the door/frame can warp. This can stop the locking points engaging the keeps, therefore preventing the door from locking! This is usually a quick and simple problem to fix.
Tip – While the door is open and the lock works perfectly, it will probably be the keep or strike plate which just needs adjusting
Broken Key – Keys generally break in locks because of too much force having been applied to them.
Key Stuck In Lock – If your key is stuck in the lock then it’s best to give me a call as soon as you can. If you use too much force trying to remove the key yourself, it’s possible that your key may snap or break inside the lock. I do not recommend forcing the key out of your lock as it can snap the key, but if you must: ensure you pull it directly out rather than twisting it. Twisting it could cause it to break.
Key Is Hard To Turn Or Won’t Go In The Lock – Don’t force the key! Forcing it could break the key in the lock. It’s possible that there is an issue with the Lock. Debris or Ice from cold weather may be causing problems with the lock or you might simply be using the wrong key!
Faulty Lock – The internal mechanism could be broken or worn. I carry the necessary replacement parts to repair most locks.
All locks can be fitted or upgraded to British Standard to meet insurance specifications.
Cylinder Nightlatch
Warping – If the door cannot physically lock due to the frame or door being warped, an adjustment of the strike plate could rectify the problem without the need of a new lock.
Key Will Not Work – If you’ve had a new/spare key cut recently, it could be a poorly cut key causing the problem.
Have you Had a new cylinder fitted? The spindle may have been cut too short.
Has your nightlatch got a deadlocking function? If yes, you may have to turn the key more than once to unlock your door.
If the key does not turn at all, you may be using a wrong key or the interior snib could have accidentally engaged. If the snib has been engaged from inside, it will stop the key from working.
The cylinder could be faulty or just worn due to age, the key itself could be old, worn or cracked. *
Tip – Never force a key as it may snap inside the lock. If you have both pieces of a broken key, I might be able to replicate a fully working duplicate, saving the cost of a new cylinder.
Composite/UPVC Doors
Problems With UPVC Door
Dropped Door – It is very common for UPVC doors to drop, therefore misaligning the locking points with the keeps. It will usually make the door difficult to open, if it can at all! Modern UPVC doors are designed to be fully adjustable so this is usually quick to fix.
Tip – If the door locks perfectly while in the open position, it is an adjustment issue. However, if it is still hard to lock while in the open position it will more than likely be a mechanical fault, probably needing replacement parts.
Faulty Euro Cylinder – If the key cylinder has failed then our locksmiths can easily replace this part, providing new keys without the need to replace the full mechanism. This will help keep the cost to a minimum.
Faulty Mechanism – UPVC door locking mechanism problems are very common. If the full-length mechanism is faulty, in certain circumstances it is possible to only replace the “Gearbox” (centre lockcase). This keeps the job cost to a minimum. Replacing full mechanisms can be expensive, but in certain scenarios it is unavoidable.
Problems With Composite Doors
Generally speaking, composite doors are extremely durable and very rarely develop problems. However, if they do become faulty it’s usually due to one of the following reasons.
Warped Door – It is a rare occurrence, but composite doors can sometimes warp. This can make the door difficult to close and can let in draughts. If this has happened to your door, and it’s still under guarantee, talk to the original door supplier about their returns and replacement policy. Many composite doors on the market come with a 10 year guarantee.
Tip – If you engage the multipoint locking system (‘hooks’) everytime you close the door, it can help to keep the door straight and prevent warping.
Faulty Euro Cylinder – The door furniture and hardware on a composite door is practically identical to a UPVC door, so if the key cylinder has failed then our locksmiths can easily replace this part, providing new keys without the need to replace the full mechanism.
Faulty Mechanism – Mechanisms on composite doors are practically identical to their UPVC counterparts. If the full length mechanism is faulty, in certain circumstances it is possible to only replace the “Gearbox” (centre lockcase). This keeps the job cost to a minimum. Replacing full mechanisms can be expensive, but in certain scenarios it is unavoidable.
Changes in weather and temperature causing uPVC door problems
The hot and cold weather can cause issues with your doors. Each year when the weather gets warmer or the weather gets much colder, I attend more and more call out’s for door related issues, such as doors not locking or unlocking, doors sticking, doors stiff to open or close, key unable to turn or difficult to remove from lock.
UPVC doors can expand in the heat, this is why we tend to have more issues with uPVC doors in the summer. Typical problems caused by the expansion and swelling are doors becoming stiff and becoming difficult to open or close.
UPVC door shrinkage and expansion – The change in temperatures, hot weather and warm air can cause your UPVC doors to shrink, contract and expand. This uPVC door shrinkage and expansion can make it difficult for you to lock your doors. You may feel that you have to apply force when opening and closing your doors.
Sometimes, all you’ll need to do to solve this is to wait it out until the hot weather has passed. The cooler air should eventually bring your door back to its natural state without damage. But there will be times when door issues like this cause a potential risk to your security if you can’t lock your door, can’t open your door or can’t close your door – this is when we recommend calling a locksmith who can use their expertise and experience to make your home secure.
Tip – Applying cold water to your uPVC doors during the warmer weather can help your door to regain its shape. You can achieve similar results in the colder months by using warm water.