7 Signs Your Lock Needs Professional Attention
Warning signs that your lock is developing problems—and when to act.
Lock Repair Available Now
Lock Repair Snapped Keys, Stuck Locks, Faulty Mechanisms
Repaired on the spot where it's safe to. We diagnose first, repair only what needs it, and quote before any work — you only pay if you accept.
from £69 Quoted Up Front
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Same Day Repair
DBS-Checked Engineers
£2M Public Liability
12-Month Workmanship Warranty
BS3621 Insurance Standard
Open late, until midnight
Repair before replace where it's viable. See how it works ↓
Warning Signs
When Your Lock Tells You Something's Wrong
These symptoms might seem minor, but they're warnings. Address them now—before your lock fails at the worst possible moment.
Snapped Key in Lock?
Key broken off in the cylinder is a daily fix for us — we extract the broken portion without damaging the lock body where possible, then test the cylinder before deciding whether it needs a service or full replacement.
Key Sticking or Grinding?
That resistance you feel when turning the key isn't normal. It's friction from wear, dirt, or damage inside the mechanism. The longer you ignore it, the harder it gets — until one day the key won't turn at all.
Door Not Latching Properly?
Pushing harder, lifting the handle, shifting the door — these daily workarounds mean something's misaligned or worn. Your lock might still work, but you're compensating for a problem that's only going to get worse.
Key Turns But Nothing Happens?
When the key turns freely but the lock doesn't engage, the internal mechanism is failing. The lock might look fine from outside, but it's no longer doing its job. This needs attention before the door stops locking entirely.
Lock Jammed or Forced?
Someone tried to break in? Had to force the door yourself when it jammed? Even if the lock still works, there may be hidden damage. Get it checked before it becomes a security vulnerability.
Lock Loose or Wobbly?
A loose cylinder or mechanism isn't just annoying — it's a security risk. The lock might still engage, but for how long? Loose locks are easier to attack and more likely to fail.
Had the Same Lock for Years?
Locks wear out like anything mechanical. If it's been there since you moved in — or longer — it's probably overdue for attention. A service now prevents an emergency later.
Lock Affected by Weather?
Outdoor locks take a beating — expansion in heat, contraction in cold, rust from rain. If your lock only plays up in certain weather, there's an underlying problem that gets worse each season.
What to Look For
What Comes With Every Repair
There's a difference between making a lock work for now and solving the problem properly. Here's what's included on every Trulox repair — in writing, before any work.
- DBS-Checked Engineers Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service background checks on every engineer.
- Diagnosis Before Quote Cause identified, not just symptoms. We tell you what's wrong before suggesting a fix.
- Quote Before Any Work No call-out fee. You only pay if you accept the quote. No surprise charges on the day.
- £2M Public Liability Cover Specific insurer cover, in force on every job. Documentation supplied on request.
- 12-Month Workmanship Warranty If the same problem returns and it's down to how we fitted, we return at no charge.
- Repair-First, Replace-If-Needed We repair where it's safe and viable. If replacement is the better option, we explain why before any work.
- Quality Parts on the Van Yale, ABS, Avocet and Mul-T-Lock cylinders kept stocked. Most repairs completed in a single visit.
- No Subcontractors The engineer who quotes is the engineer who fits your repair. Family-run, no third-party crew.
Our Process
How We Fix Your Lock
Proper diagnosis, honest advice, quality repair. Here's exactly what happens.
Describe the Problem
Tell us what's happening. Sticking? Grinding? Not latching? We'll ask a few questions to understand the issue and give you an honest idea of what might be involved.
~2 minutesOn-Site Diagnosis
We inspect the lock, mechanism, and door alignment to find the root cause—not just the symptoms. Sometimes the obvious problem isn't the real problem.
~10 minutesHonest Assessment
We explain what's wrong in plain English and give you options. Repair if viable, replacement if not. We tell you the cost before any work starts. You decide.
~5 minutesThe Repair Itself
Quality parts and proper techniques to restore full function. No shortcuts, no temporary fixes — work that lasts. We test through the full lock cycle, not just one turn, before we consider it done.
15-45 minutesWorking Lock, Happy Customer
Smooth operation, proper security. We test everything thoroughly before we leave and show you the difference. Payment only when you're satisfied.
Problem solved Our Expertise
Lock Problems We Fix
From simple stiffness to complex mechanism failures — we work across the common types and most uncommon ones too.
Snapped Key Extraction
Key broken off in the cylinder — we remove the broken portion using extraction tools, test the cylinder, and decide whether it needs a service or full replacement before you pay for either.
Cylinder Issues
Stiff, grinding, or seized cylinders are common ground for us. Often we can free up, service, or replace just the cylinder — saving the cost of a full lock change.
Multipoint Gearbox
Hooks not engaging, broken spindle (the bar the handle turns), failed gearboxes. We diagnose multipoint lock issues accurately and repair or replace individual components without replacing the whole mechanism unnecessarily.
Door Alignment
Lock working fine but door won't close properly? Misalignment is often the real culprit—especially on older houses or after weather changes. Adjustable with the right tools and knowledge.
Lever Mechanisms
Traditional mortice locks with stiff or broken levers. Often repairable without replacing the entire lock, preserving the original character of period doors.
Latch Problems
Latch not retracting properly or won't spring back? A common issue caused by worn springs, dirt buildup, or misalignment. Usually a straightforward fix.
Strike Plate Adjustment
Lock engages but feels forced? Door needs pushing or lifting? The strike plate may need repositioning for smooth operation. A simple adjustment with significant impact.
Full Service
What's Included in Your Repair
Professional service from diagnosis to solution.
Full Diagnosis
Complete inspection of the lock, door, and frame. We find the actual cause, not just the obvious symptoms.
Clear Explanation
We tell you exactly what's wrong in plain language, what it takes to fix it, and give you options—repair or replace.
Done Once, Properly
Quality parts kept on the van. We test through the full lock cycle, not just one turn — most fixes hold for years.
Function Test
Thorough testing before we consider the job done. Lock, door, mechanism—we make sure everything works smoothly.
Maintenance Advice
Tips to keep your locks working smoothly and how to spot early warning signs before they become problems.
Work Warranty
Our repairs are backed by a workmanship guarantee. If the same problem comes back, so do we—at no extra cost.
What Our Customers Say
Real stories from people whose locks work properly again.
"My front door lock had been getting stiffer for months. Trulox came out, diagnosed a worn cylinder, and had it working smoothly in twenty minutes. Wish I'd called sooner instead of fighting with it every day."
Verified customer
"The multipoint lock on my back door stopped engaging properly. I thought I'd need a whole new door — turns out it was the gearbox, fixed without a callout fee. Honest service."
Verified customer
"After years of lifting and shifting the door to lock it, I finally called someone. The fix was straightforward — alignment and a service. Should have done it years ago. Door works cleanly now."
Verified customer
Common Questions About Lock Repair
Honest answers to help you make the right decision.
Is it worth repairing an old lock or should I just replace it?
Repair vs Replace
It depends on the lock type and the problem. Many issues—stiff mechanisms, minor misalignment, worn springs—can be fixed for a fraction of replacement cost. We'll give you an honest assessment: if repair makes sense, we'll do it. If replacement is the better option, we'll tell you why.
Why has my lock suddenly become stiff?
Diagnosis
Common causes include dirt buildup, lack of lubrication, worn internal components, or cylinder damage. Sometimes it's the door itself causing pressure on the mechanism. We diagnose the actual cause rather than just treating symptoms.
Can you fix a lock without replacing it?
Repair Options
Often, yes. Many problems can be solved by cleaning, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing individual components. Full lock replacement is only needed when the mechanism is beyond repair or when upgrading makes more sense.
How do I know if the problem is the lock or the door?
Understanding
If the lock works fine when the door is open but sticks when closed, the issue is usually door alignment rather than the lock itself. We check both and address the actual problem—not just the obvious one.
What if you can't repair it — do I still pay?
Cost Clarity
If we can't fix the problem, we'll explain why and give you options. There's no call-out fee for the diagnosis — you only pay if you accept the quote, and any repair or replacement costs are agreed in writing before any work starts.
Should I try lubricating the lock myself first?
DIY Advice
Light lubrication with a proper lock lubricant (not WD-40) can help minor stiffness. But if the problem persists or you're using excessive force, stop—you might make it worse. Some issues need professional attention before they become emergencies.
Why does my lock only stick in cold weather?
Seasonal Issues
Metal contracts in cold weather, which can tighten tolerances in worn mechanisms. Moisture can also freeze inside the lock. If it happens every winter, there's usually an underlying issue that gets worse each year.
Can a damaged lock be a security risk even if it still works?
Security
Yes. A lock that's been forced, has a loose cylinder, or doesn't engage properly may appear functional but could be vulnerable to attack. If you've had any break-in attempts, even unsuccessful ones, get the lock checked.
How long does a typical lock repair take?
Time
Most repairs take 15-45 minutes once we've diagnosed the problem. Simple fixes like lubrication or adjustment are quick. Component replacement or multipoint gearbox work takes longer. We'll give you a realistic timeframe.
What maintenance can I do to prevent future problems?
Prevention
Keep locks clean and lightly lubricated with graphite or PTFE spray (not oil-based products). Don't force stiff locks—address problems early. Check door alignment seasonally, especially on wooden frames that swell and shrink.
Our Guarantee
Family-Run, In Writing
Trulox is independent and family-run — the engineer who quotes is the engineer who carries out the repair. Here's what we put in writing on every job.
12-Month Workmanship Warranty
Every repair comes with a 12-month workmanship warranty in writing. If the same problem returns and it's down to how we fitted it, we come back and put it right at no charge.
Quote First, Then Repair
You know the exact cost before any work starts — no call-out fee, no surprise charges on the day. You only pay if you accept the quote. If the price needs to change once we open up the lock, we stop and explain before continuing.
Repair First, Replace If Needed
We won't replace what we can repair. If a service or part swap restores full function, that's the recommendation. If the mechanism is genuinely beyond repair, we explain why and offer BS3621-standard replacement options.
£2M Public Liability Cover
Specific £2M Public Liability cover in force on every job. Insurance documentation supplied on request. DBS-checked engineers, no subcontractors, every time.
Expert Advice
Related Reading
Helpful guides for understanding and maintaining your locks.
Lock Problem Diagnosis: Identify Before Calling
Quick diagnostic guide to understand what's wrong before seeking help.
uPVC Multipoint Lock Problems
Gearbox failures, hook issues, and common multipoint mechanism faults.
Mortice Lock Repair Guide
Traditional lock problems—diagnosis, repair options, and when to upgrade.