Key Stuck in Cylinder Lock? Call Our London Emergency Locksmiths 24/7
Cylinder locks are a common type of lock found on most homes and businesses as they offer high security, are durable, and are relatively affordable.
They are quite easy to fix by a professional locksmith if the right tools and skills are used.
So if you have a key stuck in a cylinder lock, the key won’t turn in the lock, or there’s a broken key in the door lock, call Emergency Locksmiths in London.
We assist with all kinds of cylinder lock issues when a key is stuck in the front door lock, or you’ve been locked out due to a key stuck in the lock.
Sometimes, when you put the key in the door will unlock, but the lock won’t release the key even if you wiggle the key around and try to remove it to its original position.
Be careful when trying to remove the key yourself
Before you call a locksmith for stuck key issues, you can try to gently twist it.
Or, use spray lubricant to spray directly inside the lock mechanism using the thin spray nozzle, as most cans have a tiny straw nozzle to focus the dry lubricant.
Push firmly and gently wiggle the key, but don’t use excessive force or you could cause it to be broken inside or damage the pin tumblers.
Other than that, we don’t recommend taking any other action before calling Emergency Locksmiths on 07774372433, as you could make the situation worse.
Main reasons a key can get stuck in a door lock
Key stuck in the lock, and you don’t know why? Whether it’s down to a poorly cut new key or you’ve forced the wrong key into the lock, we’re here for you 24/7 for any door lock situations, such as:
The key is not in the correct position in the lock
If you’ve entered the key at an angle and it is not in the exact position it needs to be, it can get stuck until you twist it and align it again properly.
The key has been worn down, and the teeth are not in alignment
Over time, the teeth on the key can be worn down resulting in a warped key that will get stuck in a lock when you try to use it.
The internal mechanisms are damaged
It might not be the fault of the key that it is stuck in a lock. Locks that are not properly maintained might have worn pins or a loose plug that needs to be replaced.
The key has been turned with too much force
If the key has stuck in a lock because you’ve twisted it too hard, then it can cause the pins to move in a way they shouldn’t. They will grab hold of the key and seize it in place.
The lock has warped with temperature changes
In humid climates, such as after a summer storm or on a hot day when the sun is shining on the lock, the cylinder can expand. It will grasp the key, making it difficult to pull out or insert.
Call a locksmith for professional help when a key is stuck
We don’t recommend trying to fix a door lock yourself with a key stuck in a lock as you could do further damage or make the key stuck even more.
When you call our locksmith services for a key stuck inside of a lock, we can help with:
- key extraction using specialist extraction tools without causing further damage
- a thorough assessment of the key stuck in the lock to decide the best course of action
- repairing and replacing the faulty lock if it’s broken
- cut you a spare set of keys with a new lock cylinder
- upgrade the lock cylinder if the security of the door has been compromised
Don’t try to force or remove a key stuck in the lock
Rather than trying to use tools like needle-nose pliers or a fine file from the local hardware store, call the professionals. We can help to fix a stuck key or broken key in your door lock, as you can cause the following if done incorrectly:
You might snap the key
Moving the key harshly in a direction it doesn’t want to go will cause the key to snap and it may leave fragments inside of the lock
The lock might be damaged beyond repair
When you try to fix a lock yourself when the key is stuck, if you don’t align everything properly, then you can turn a quick fix job into an expensive new lock installation
The internal mechanisms can be damaged
If the key breaks in the door lock, it can be a tough job to get it out again. The more you push and pull on the lock, the greater the chance there is of you damaging the internal plug or pins
Use dry lubricant or graphite powder
If you already have some, you can try to reduce the friction in the lock by inserting a silicone-based lubricant. Or, by adding graphite powder to the lock. Never use oil-based lubricant as it can attract dirt.
Use a key extractor kit
Even if you have a specialist key extractor kit to do the job, be careful you don’t damage the internal plug, tumblers, and pins; otherwise, you might need a brand new lock installation
If the stuck key remains trapped in the lock after following the tips above, try to move the key gently in the keyhole to remove it. But if that fails, then don’t use tips you find online as you could damage the lock. Call the experts and we can give you tips over the phone to remove your key, and when we arrive, we can install a new lock and cut you a spare key.
Who we can help with broken key extraction in London
With a service that covers the whole of London, including all of Greater London, the only option for first-class service and affordable, transparent pricing is Emergency Locksmiths.
With a key stuck in a lock, homeowners can be locked out at all times of the day and night.
We also assist landlords and their tenants with any and all stuck key issues. Whether the wrong key has been used, a new key hasn’t been copied correctly by the key maker, or both the key and lock are at fault.
If you’re a property management service or a letting agent, you can count on us to get there fast and let you back inside when you have a key stuck in a lock in London.
Just call the team at Emergency Locksmith on 07774372433 or head to the Emergency Locksmiths website for further information.
All cylinder locks are covered with our comprehensive 24/7 service
If you’re struggling with your stuck lock, get in touch with the professionals as we can help you fast with the following styles of locks:
- Euro and rim cylinders
- Mortice and sash locks
- Composite door cylinders
- uPVC multi-point locking systems
- Other locks with high-security features
Emergency Locksmiths can help with any rim lock cylinder issues
With a key stuck in a lock, you can be locked out of or in your home, leaving you unable to secure the property.
When you have a key stuck in a lock, it means that you can’t get in your home, and also means you can’t lock up properly when you leave.
However, when you contact the team here at Emergency Locksmiths for a key stuck in a lock situation, we always aim to respond fast, arriving in only 30 minutes no matter where you are located in London.
We’re fully licensed and insured to handle any kind of lock assembly, lock opening, and lock maintenance, and our locksmith services are highly rated by customers.
When you need to remove a key stuck in the lock, just take a deep breath, stay calm, and call the experts on 07774372433.
Or, get in touch via the Emergency Locksmiths website. We’re available 24/7 across the whole of London for your convenience.