Lock and door security problems
Locked out, a key snapped in the barrel, a uPVC handle that will not lift, locks your insurer will not accept — what each lock fault means and what a locksmith actually does about it.
Locked Out Of The House
CautionThe door has shut behind you, the key is inside or lost, and you are standing outside with no way in.
Key Snapped Off In The Lock
CautionThe key has broken, leaving part of it inside the barrel, and the rest is in your hand.
Key Turns But The Door Will Not Open
CautionThe key goes round freely — sometimes round and round — but nothing moves and the door stays shut.
uPVC Door Will Not Lock — The Handle Will Not Lift
High riskThe uPVC door closes, but the handle will not lift to throw the bolts, or it lifts and the key still will not turn.
Yale Night Latch Not Catching Or Locking
CautionThe front door will not stay shut, the latch does not click home, or the snib no longer holds the latch back.
Lost House Keys
High riskYour keys have gone missing or been stolen, and you do not know who has them or whether they can find your address.
Locks Do Not Meet The Insurance Standard
CautionYour policy asks for British Standard locks and you have no idea whether the locks on your doors qualify.
Euro Cylinder At Risk Of Being Snapped
High riskYour uPVC or composite door has a barrel lock sticking out past the handle, and you have read that they can be snapped.
Changing The Locks After Moving In
CautionYou have just moved in, you have a handful of keys from the agent, and no idea who else still has one.
Lock Or Door Damaged After An Attempted Break-In
EmergencySomeone has been at the door — the cylinder is broken, the frame is split, or there are marks around the lock.