Overview
A key that won't turn falls into three buckets: cylinder problem, gearbox problem, or you haven't lifted the handle. Force is the enemy - a snapped key inside the barrel turns a £15 job into a £150 one.
Symptoms
- Key goes in fully but won't rotate.
- Key rotates partway then stops solid.
- Key rotates but nothing happens.
- You have to jiggle the key to make it work.
Common causes
- Handle wasn't lifted first - multi-point locks need this every time.
- Cylinder pins are worn or dirty.
- Gearbox has failed and the cam won't drive.
- Wrong key, or key has worn out of tolerance.
- Cylinder has been partially snapped by an intruder attempt.
When to call a professional
- Key has partially snapped inside.
- Cylinder shows any sign of tampering.
- Nothing has worked and you're locked out.
Prevention
- Lubricate the cylinder twice a year with a graphite or PTFE lock spray - never WD-40 or oil.
- Grease the hooks and rollers on the door edge every 6 months.
- Always lift the handle to engage the multi-point locks before turning the key - this takes load off the gearbox.
- Never force a stiff key - book a service call before the mechanism snaps.