Earlsfield Locksmith Service Team
Local locksmith team
2 Sep 2026 4 min read
You push your key into the lock and turn — but nothing happens. Or the key turns a little, then stops dead. It is one of those small mechanical moments that can tip a perfectly ordinary morning into something stressful, especially if you are standing on your doorstep in Earlsfield at 7am with the rain coming in off the Wandle. Before you force anything, take a breath: most of the reasons a key stops turning are straightforward, and knowing which one you are dealing with tells you exactly how far to push it yourself — and when to put the key down and call a professional.
This guide walks you through the real causes — worn cylinders, a door that has dropped on its frame, debris in the barrel, a damaged key — what you can safely try yourself, and the point at which attempting more risks turning a minor problem into a broken lock or a locked-out situation. If you are already past that point and need a locksmith London residents can reach at any hour, call 020 3757 5840 and we will send someone straight out.
Frequently asked questions
My key turns halfway and then stops — is the lock broken or is it the key?+
It could be either, and the distinction matters. A key that is worn, cracked, or has a bent tip will often turn partway before the damaged edge fails to lift the remaining pin stacks. A failing cylinder, on the other hand, may feel gritty, may have increased resistance throughout the turn, or may have a specific sticking point that does not change with different levels of pressure. Inspect the key carefully under a good light — look at the tip and the serrated edge for any visible damage. If the key looks sound, the cylinder is the more likely culprit and a professional should take a look before the problem gets worse. Continuing to force either component risks snapping the key inside the barrel, which then becomes a separate extraction job.
What to do if you get locked out of your house late at night or over a bank holiday?+
The first step is to check for a spare key with someone you trust — a neighbour, a family member, or your letting agent if the property is rented. If that is not possible, check whether any other entrance to the property is accessible: a back door, a ground-floor window on the latch, or in the case of a flat, whether your managing agent or housing association has an emergency contact. If none of those routes is available, call a professional locksmith who operates around the clock. We cover the Wandsworth area every day of the year, including bank holidays. When you ring 020 3757 5840 we will confirm the full price on the phone before anyone sets off, and we are usually with you in around 30 minutes. We will also advise on whether you need a simple lock repair or a full cylinder replacement once we have assessed the door.
Should I change the lock after a key-turning problem has been fixed?+
Not always, but it is worth thinking through the reason the problem occurred. If the cylinder failed due to age and wear, replacing it with a modern, higher-security cylinder is sensible — it solves the immediate fault and improves your security at the same time. If the cause was a dropped door or a debris-blocked keyway, the existing cylinder may be perfectly sound and a repair or adjustment is all that is needed. Where a lock change does make sense — for example if you have recently moved into a property and are unsure how many copies of the key are in circulation, or if the existing cylinder has no anti-snap rating — we can advise on the right cylinder grade for your door type and your insurer's requirements. The price depends on the lock type, the door, any parts required, and the time of the call, and we will confirm the exact figure before we start.
Can I use WD-40 or oil to fix a stiff lock?+
It is a very common instinct, but oil-based lubricants including WD-40 are not suitable for door lock cylinders. They work in the short term by temporarily displacing moisture and reducing friction, but they leave a residue that attracts dust and grit over time, gradually creating a paste inside the cylinder that makes the problem significantly worse. The correct lubricant for a lock cylinder is either a dry graphite powder or a PTFE-based dry spray — both are available from hardware shops and neither leaves the sticky residue that oils do. If your lock has already had oil applied to it over a long period and the cylinder feels gritty or sluggish even with fresh lubrication, the cylinder may need to be professionally cleaned or replaced.
