How we help
We inspect sticking keys, jammed mechanisms and doors that will not latch. Repair the problem where possible and replace hardware only when it is the better solution.
Common situations
- Key sticks or will not turn
- Key snapped off in the cylinder
- Deadbolt only locks when the door is pushed
- Lock loose and wobbling on the door
- Handle spins without pulling the latch
What the service includes
- 01The lock is operated with the door open and closed to separate a lock problem from a door or frame alignment problem.
- 02If a key is broken inside, it is usually extracted with thin extractor picks without damaging the plug, and a new key is cut if needed.
- 03The strike is adjusted or filed, or the door hinges are reset, so the latch and bolt enter the frame without pressure.
- 04For worn internals, the lock or cylinder is disassembled, failed springs, pins, cams or spindles are replaced, and old graphite and debris are cleaned out.
- 05The lock is reassembled and tested with every key and the turn piece, and the cause of the failure is explained so it does not come back.
Typical time: 20-60 minutes on site
Options
- Strike or door adjustment
- Move or enlarge the strike, or tighten and shim the hinges, so the bolt enters the frame freely.
- Broken key extraction
- Thin extractors usually pull the broken piece out without damaging the plug, then a new key is cut.
- Internal repair
- Replace failed springs, pins, cams or spindles and clean out old lubricant and debris.
- Cylinder swap
- Replace only the mortise cylinder when keys are lost or the cylinder is worn.
Compatibility and limits
- Cracked cases, bent bolts and drilled or snapped cylinders are usually replaced, not repaired.
- Some discontinued locks have no parts left, which forces a replacement.
- Parts on fire-rated doors must keep the door's rating.
What do I do if my key broke in the lock?
Read the answer
Stop using the lock and do not push the broken piece further in with another key. If part of the key sticks out, you may be able to pull it with needle-nose pliers, but often that only pushes it deeper.
A locksmith uses thin hooked extractors that slide alongside the key blade and catch its cuts, pulling it straight out. If the plug is not at its home position, it has to be rotated back first. Most extractions take minutes and do not damage the lock.
Keys usually break because they are worn thin or because the cylinder is binding. After extraction, a locksmith can cut a fresh key from the code or the broken pieces, and check why the lock was binding in the first place.
When is it time to replace a lock instead of repairing it?
Read the answer
Replace a lock when the case is cracked, the bolt is bent from a break-in attempt, the cylinder has been drilled or snapped, or parts are no longer made. Also replace it when the lock was a weak design to begin with, such as a knob lock acting as the only lock on an exterior door.
A good rule: if the repair will cost more than half of a quality replacement, replacement is usually better value. A new lock comes with fresh internals and often a better security grade.
Your locksmith should show you the failed part and explain the options. Be careful with anyone who insists on replacement without opening the lock to look.
Common questions
Should I spray WD-40 into my lock?
It is not the best choice. Penetrating oils can gum up and attract dirt over time. Use a dry lock lubricant or a graphite-based product, or have a locksmith clean the cylinder.
My key turns but the door will not open. What is wrong?
Usually the cam or tailpiece that connects the cylinder to the bolt is broken or disconnected. This is a repair, and the door can typically be opened without damage.
Can a lock that freezes in winter be fixed?
Yes. Moisture inside the cylinder freezes and locks the pins. Drying and lubricating the cylinder fixes it, and a cover or a better-sealed lock helps on exposed doors.
Can locks on fire doors be repaired?
Yes, but parts on a fire-rated door should keep the door's rating. Use matching listed hardware, and check with your building before changing the lock type.
Is a sticking lock an emergency?
It can become one. A lock that is hard to turn today may lock you out tomorrow, especially if the key is worn. Fix it before it fails.