My door key won’t turn in the lock, what should I do?

If your key won’t turn in the lock it can leave you stuck on the wrong side of your own door - either unable to get in or unable to lock up and leave.

That’s not just inconvenient. It’s a situation that needs to be resolved quickly, especially if your home is left unsecured.

In some cases, the issue is minor. And with a few simple checks, you can often fix a door key that won’t turn in the lock quite quickly.

But if these quick fixes for a key that won’t turn don’t work, you need to call an emergency locksmith. That’s because trying to force the lock can make the problem much, much worse.

Call DB Locksmiths on 07772 962 247 for 24-hour emergency locksmith services in Bristol, Bath and the surrounding areas.

Check for simple causes

Before assuming you need locksmith services or full door handle replacement for integrated locks, take a minute to carry out a few simple checks. People often find their door key won’t turn in the lock because:

• They’re using the wrong key, especially when several keys look the same
• The key is bent, chipped or worn and needs to be replaced with a new one
• The door isn’t fully closed, and so the lock isn’t lining up with the frame
• There’s something small in the keyhole blocking the turning mechanism

These checks might seem obvious. But everyone makes mistakes. Spending 60 seconds confirming whether or not there’s a problem with your door lock can save you a lot of time and hassle.

Common reasons why your door key won’t turn in the lock

If your door lock really is broken, chances are it didn’t fail without warning. Most of the time, a front door won’t lock or open because an ongoing problem has steadily gotten worse:

• Dirt and debris inside the lock can stop the pins from moving freely
• Worn components can make it hard for the key to properly engage
• Poor lubrication can make it much harder to turn the lock mechanism
• Doors can shift with age or temperature, putting pressure on the lock

Pinpointing the cause can make it easier to choose the right next step. And it stops you from potentially damaging your lock further if you decide to try some DIY remedies before you contact a local locksmith.

Safe things you can try yourself

If you can’t figure out why your front door key won’t turn in the lock, there are a few safe things you can do to try to free it:

• Try a spare key (unless you’ve locked your keys in your house)
• Gently move the key while applying light turning pressure
• Spray a bit of graphite or silicone lubricant into the keyhole
• Adjust the door slightly by lifting the handle as you turn the key

If you try these and nothing improves, stop there. Pushing further usually causes more damage than it fixes.

Things to avoid when your key won’t turn

The worst lock damage happens when people try to force a quick fix. That’s why it’s best that you:

• Don’t force the key, as it can make your key break in the lock
• Don’t use oil-based products, as these attract dirt and clog the mechanism
• Don’t apply heavy pressure to the lock, handle, door or frame
• Don’t take the lock apart without the right tools and experience

Taking the wrong approach can turn a simple repair into full door lock replacement. Rather than trying to force a solution, it’s time to call the trusted local 24-hour emergency locksmiths at DB Locksmiths in Bristol.

Call DB Locksmiths for fast door lock repair

DB Locksmiths provides 24-hour emergency locksmithing services and door lock replacement across Bristol, Bath and the surrounding areas. If your door key won’t turn in the lock, we’ll be with you quickly to solve the problem as soon as possible.

Call us now on 07772 962 247 for emergency locksmith services at any time of the day or night.