Lock Problems

Dedicated to Your Security

Common Lock Problems Found at Home

Many lock problems can begin with something that is not a major issue and is relatively straightforward for a locksmith to fix. Unfortunately, when you ignore lock problems, they consistently turn into more lengthy and expensive emergencies.

It’s best to get a locksmith to take a look at your lock/door issue as soon as it arises, rather than ignoring it until you have a critical security risk to your home.

The price of the most basic locksmith services for door repair start at £70 but may go up to around £250 for technical opening and repair procedures with replacement of the complete locking system and ancillary components.

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Broken lock
Advice & Tips

Common Lock & Key Problems

Here are some of the most common lock and key problems our professional locksmiths get called out to fix…

Click the image or scroll down to read our advice and why this happens.

My key won't turn in the lock

My key won't turn in the lock!

Locked out of the house

I'm locked out with the key left in the other side of the door lock!

I broke my key

I broke my key!

My key is stuck in the lock

My key is stuck in the lock!

broken window handle

My door/window handle doesn't move properly!

My door wont close

My door won't close!

Customer Q&As

See Our Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs
My key won't turn in the lock
new-home-security
Common Lock & Key Problem

"My key won't turn in the lock!"

There are a number of reasons that a key will not turn in the lock. A key or lock that is overly worn will put you in danger of breaking your key and/or being locked out. Poorly cut keys will struggle to rotate in your lock, however if you have already given a badly worn key to the key cutter then they can only re-produce bad copies and won't be able to help you.

Alternatively, it could be nothing to do with your lock or your key. Locksmiths frequently deal with faults, wear, or even seasonal changes that can make your door stuck within its frame and unopenable – or uncloseable! This can stop your key from rotating, and leave you, once again, in danger of breaking your key and being left with a stressful security emergency.

A new barrel can be installed in your UPVC door from around £97 depending on the security level you require, this will eliminate many of your wear and tear problems and make the door feel like new! 

CraftLock locksmiths will help you find the best solution to keep you safe and worry-free.  We take pride in an honest and fair service, and as an Approved Company Member of The Master Locksmiths Association, you can trust us to offer you the right answer without adding on unneccessary extras.

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Common Lock & Key Problem

"I'm locked out with the key left in the other side of the door lock!"

Don’t worry — this is a common situation, and our professional locksmiths should be able to get you back inside quickly and without any damage to your lock or door.

When a key is left inside the lock on the other side, our skilled locksmiths will use specialist tools to carefully pick the lock and open the door. There is absolutely no need to drill the lock in most cases — a good locksmith, especially an MLA-approved one, will always try the least invasive method first.

At CraftLock, we’re experienced in unlocking all types of doors and locks, even when the key is still in place. Our locksmiths come equipped with multiple techniques and tools to ensure we get you back into your home safely, securely, and without causing damage.

Sometimes, a second entry point like a back door may offer another access option — rest assured, we’ll always assess all available routes before taking any action.

Locked out! Woman Waiting In Front Of Closed Door
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I broke my key
I broke my key!
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Common Lock & Key Problem

"I broke my key!"

A snapped or broken key in your door lock can be incredibly frustrating — but don’t panic, we can help.

Broken keys stuck in locks are one of the most common reasons people call a locksmith. Whether it’s in a Yale-style nightlatch or a euro cylinder lock, our experienced locksmiths use specialist key extraction tools to remove the broken piece without damaging the lock.

Important: Trying to remove a broken key yourself can actually make things worse. Forcing it out may damage the delicate components inside your lock, or push the broken piece deeper in — making extraction harder, more time-consuming, and more expensive.

Our team is just one call away, with a rapid response available in East Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield.

At CraftLock, we’ve dealt with hundreds of snapped keys and know how to safely remove them without compromising your security.

Whether you need key extraction or a replacement lock — we’ll get it sorted quickly and professionally. Our team is just one call away, with a rapid response available in East Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield.

Common Lock & Key Problem

"My key is stuck in the lock!"

This is another frequent issue we’re called out to help with — and the good news is, CraftLock can fix it quickly and safely.

Keys can get stuck in locks for a variety of reasons – ranging from simple wear and internal lock failure, a worn or poorly cut key, misalignment or incorrect operation of the lock, or even accidentally using the wrong key.

Whether the door is currently locked or unlocked, we recommend following these steps:

  • DO NOT force the key — this could snap it off inside the lock, making the situation worse.
  • DO NOT try to dismantle the lock yourself — this could cause permanent damage or render the lock unusable.
  • CALL CraftLock — our experienced locksmith will assess the problem and extract the key safely, and repair or replace the lock if needed.
Key in lock
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broken window handle
Customer door handle and lock upgrade
Common Lock & Key Problem

"My door/window handle doesn't move properly!"

Whatever you do, don't force it - it could make things so much worse! A door handle or a window handle may not move properly, or not at all.

In this situation you can often be up and running with a fix to the door’s various adjustment points. Equally, handle problems can also be an indicator of a more serious mechanical breakdown. Most of the time, this is not a problem with your handle and replacing this will not help. A new set of handles is often available to match your originals however and can be really great to freshen up the look of your door.
When window handles are completely stuck then these can sometimes be replaced however it is often required to remove the whole window sash and replace the miniature multi-point lock found within the window underneath the plastic surface.
 
Have a chat with us over the telephone and we will be happy to describe the types of work that will make your door or window work correctly.
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Common Lock & Key Problem

"My door won't close!"

Door not closing? This situation will very quickly become an emergency.

You’ll likely be desperate to force it shut to keep the heat in and potential intruders out, however, this could cause you far more problems than you started with!

Don’t cause any further damage – call us as soon as possible to arrange for the professional solution.

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My door wont close
Customer Testimonials

What People Say About Us

Recommended online by over 400 local people

Here’s what a small selection of customers have said about us:

I needed the lock changed and a new set of keys for my back door. Ewan came out on the same day I called and provided a full quotation before visiting too. Highly recommend and if I need a locksmith again will definitely use Craftlock again.
Customer in Birmingham
August 2024
Ewan is reliable, honest and operates with integrity and professionalism. He took time to answer any questions I had and provided me with all the options available - from repair to replacement at a very reasonable cost based on industry standard. I would recommend him to anyone.
Customer in Solihull
July 2024
Ewan was professional from outset he had previously carried out work for us on a different property but since moving we wanted to get our locks changed and increase security so he was an obvious choice, he responded super quickly and was able to carry out the job in a short timeframe and in line with quotes provided, he is super knowledgeable and courteous, clean tidy and nothing was too much trouble, he left us with guidance notes to ensure we knew how to keep locks in good working order, we would 💯 recommend him, what a pleasure to find such a great tradesperson !
Customer in Tamworth
May 2024
I would highly recommend Ewan and his services. He was efficient and reliable. He accurately quoted me on the phone before arriving, without me having to ask. He turned up within 40 minutes of my call and managed to access my property within minutes and changed the entire lock within an hour. He was polite and professional & sent over aftercare advice & told me to call him if we needed any further help. Fantastic, high quality service delivered.
Customer in Birmingham
January 2025
I contacted Ewan when my door handle suddenly failed. He was extremely helpful and responsive with a thoroughly professional approach. His advice helped me resolve the issue myself without the need for a visit. Very impressed!
Customer in Solihull
July 2024
So impressed - Ewan called me for details about the job, after I sent photos he suggested a quick fix I could try to fix my mortice lock, which worked. He saved me money and demonstrated his experience. I suspect I'll eventually have to replace the lock anyway, I'll definitely be calling Ewan then.
Customer in Knowle, Solihull
April 2024
Excellent service. Ewan is very professional, reliable and competent locksmith. I used his service twice and would definitely use again and recommend. He made my home secure. You get a date, time and cost before he arrives. Very reliable.
Customer in Solihull
August 2022
Ewan is excellent at his work and I can't fault his craftmanship at all. I got 3 quotes from different locksmiths and what made me choose Craftlock was they were the lowest quote (no vat so 20% cheaper for a start, and a small company so no large overheads like call centres etc.), but also because he was so polite and friendly. When he arrived to do the job, he was polite, clean in his work, and thorough! He not only fixed my lock but also repaired the door setting so it won't happen again. I can 100% recommend Ewan from Craftlock Ltd, trustworthy and excellent at his trade.
Customer in Solihull
August 2024
From Ewan Clerk's initial visit to assess the job, until completion of the work, he was the complete professional. Easy to get on with, meticulous in his workmanship and a member of the Master Locksmith's Association. Nothing was too much trouble, and he was fully compliant with Covid-19 safety requirements. I now carry Ewan's business card with me at all times, safe in the knowledge that should any emergency with a lock occur in the future, help is at hand. I thoroughly recommend Ewan Clerk and Craftlock Ltd.
Customer in Birmingham
August 2020
We had to have our locks replaced after a burglary. Can recommend this guy, very knowledgeable and great service - you will be in safe hands whatever the locksmithing job.
Customer in Kings Heath, Birmingham
August 2022
Ewan responded immediately to my request for a replacement, more secure lock. He visited my home and quickly identified what was required. He quickly sourced the appropriate lock and kept me informed of its availability. We arranged a mutually agreed date and time for fitting. Ewan arrive as agreed and fitted the new lock quickly and efficiently. The whole process was quick, easy and very efficient.
Customer in Knowle, Solihull
July 2020
The work carried out was exceptional and was completed to a high standard. Ewan went the extra mile and I would not hesitate to call him again. I can not recommend him enough. It was a pleasure to meet him.
Customer in Birmingham
July 2020
Ewan visited to provide initial advice. Following that visit he was able to provided a good solution to the problem at a reasonable price and completed the job to a high standard in a timely manner. I would use Craftlock again if the need arises.
Customer in Dorridge, Solihull
July 2022
Ewan was spot on to his predicted arrival time, his analysis was swift, precise and proved to be correct. There was no fuss or chin rubbing regarding the work required and potential cost involved, he was honest from the get go. He worked tidily and respectfully and came across as very professional. I'd certainly call Ewan again if needed and based on my experience, I would have no hesitation in recommending him.
Customer in Solihull
May 2022
Ewan originally came to replace a lock out of hours to my property after an attempted break in. He then returned a few days later to replace some other locks for anti snap ones. He did an amazing job and is extremely knowledgeable. I would not hesitate in using his services again and recommending him to friends and family.
Customer in Sutton Coldfield
February 2020
I found myself locked out recently. Ewan arrived as soon as he could to deal with the broken lock, even though it was a tricky job after a full day's work, and a dark, cold evening. As ever, a very reasonable price and polite service. Thoroughly recommended.
Customer in Birmingham
December 2019
This is the second time Ewan has helped with lock replacement. Again, his communication is timely/responsive, both for the quotation, and up to and beyond completion of the work. His work was again of an exceptionally high standard, he was very tidy, and the cost was exactly as quoted. I asked for some additional advice and quotes, which Ewan provided (in respect of advice) on site, and confirmed in writing with quote the next day. As before, I was assured that he is very much thinking of my security needs, and did not suggest work that he did not believe was needed.
Customer in Kings Heath
October 2023
Ewan replaced four external locks on our property shortly after we moved in. He was able to book us in within one day of our call to him. He was very tidy, polite, and took the time to explain to us how the new locks worked in addition to some slight amendments that he made to our front door. We will certainly use him again in the future if required.
Customer in Solihull
February 2020
We needed three replacement door locks, to improve security. Ewan provided us with excellent advice and very efficient installation. We would highly recommend his services to other customers.
Customer in Birmingham
December 2023
Excellent response time after discovering an attempted break-in on a barely working door. This has now been repaired and works like it should. Wish I'd had it done years ago. Ewan was very informative and emailed a detailed quote with various options. No hidden charges or nasty surprises.
Customer in Solihull
August 2022
Craftlock were recommended by my alarm company. I was completely satisfied with the service we received. Ewan was so helpful in advising us of the best lock to use, but not in a pushy way. He is a professional, who knows his trade and wants to give good old fashioned customer service.
Customer in Shirley
August 2023