Locks and mechanisms that are not working well
A lock that sticks, fails to engage, turns loosely or needs repeated force can involve the cylinder, gearbox, keeps, multipoint mechanism, spindle, alignment or the frame. We examine the complete closing action rather than changing a visible part by guesswork. The aim is to restore suitable operation to an existing window or door where the hardware and frame can support a reliable repair.
A stiff lock should not be treated as a simple lubrication problem. Forcing it can damage the key, spindle or internal mechanism and can leave a door or window unsecured. Key Window Care repairs and replaces suitable locks and mechanisms; we do not advertise an emergency lockout or 24-hour service, and we cannot promise that every fault is repairable.
Tell us what the lock is doing
Useful symptoms include a key that will not turn, a handle that stops early, a lock that engages only when the door is lifted, or a window that closes but does not latch. Note whether the problem happens with the door or window open and closed, whether the key works from both sides, and whether the handle feels loose. A problem that disappears when the opening is open can point to alignment or pressure rather than the lock alone.
Do not force a key, drill a cylinder or remove the lock faceplate to investigate. If the opening is not secure, keep people away from it and tell us clearly when you enquire. For immediate danger or a suspected break-in, use the appropriate emergency service; our weekday repair service is not an emergency response.
How we diagnose the mechanism
We inspect the lock case or mechanism, cylinder where visible, keeps, handles, hinges and frame alignment. We check whether the moving parts meet correctly and whether the hardware is being loaded by a dropped or shifted opening. The correct replacement may depend on dimensions, fixing positions, backset, spindle, cylinder type and the number of locking points. These details cannot reliably be chosen from a generic photograph.
Send a whole-door or whole-window photograph, a close view of the handle and lock edge, and any safe view of the keeps or locking points. Tell us whether you can open and close the opening and whether the key is stuck. We will identify what the photographs show and arrange an inspection where the mechanism or compatibility needs confirmation.
Possible repair work
Depending on the fault, work may include alignment, adjustment, handle replacement, cylinder replacement or a suitable lock or multipoint mechanism. We check the operation before and after the work and make sure the opening closes and engages as expected. If a hinge or frame issue is loading the lock, correcting only the mechanism may not provide a lasting result.
Hardware must be compatible with the existing profile and fixing points. A lock that looks similar may have different dimensions or security features, so we do not fit an unverified part. If the frame, keeps or surrounding structure is damaged, we explain the limitation and what further advice may be needed.
Repair, replacement and security
A repair can be suitable when the frame and opening are sound and the fault is confined to accessible hardware. It can preserve the existing door or window and avoid disturbing a larger assembly. A complete replacement is a different project and may be considered where the frame is badly damaged or cannot hold hardware securely. Key Window Care repairs existing windows and doors and does not install complete replacements.
Security hardware should match the opening and the way it is used. We do not make broad claims about a lock being burglar-proof or suitable for every security requirement. If you need a particular security standard, fire performance or specialist assessment, say so at the enquiry stage so the limits of this repair service are clear.
What affects the quote
The quote depends on the mechanism, cylinder or lock type, compatibility, number of locking points, access, alignment and whether associated handles or hinges need attention. A lock that will not turn may need a different repair from a lock that turns but does not engage. We do not give a standard price because the hardware and fitting time vary.
Send the postcode, whole-opening photographs, the handle and lock edge, and a description of what happens when you try to close and secure it. Do not remove covers or disassemble a mechanism for a photograph. If the opening is currently unsafe, explain that at the start of the enquiry. Tell us whether the key is available, whether the door can be opened from inside and outside, and whether another locking point is working. These details help us plan a safe inspection without asking you to experiment with the mechanism.
The visit process
We work Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, from our Bristol base and cover Bristol, Bath and Weston-super-Mare within around 35 miles. There is no call-out fee. We discuss the symptoms, inspect the hardware and frame, explain suitable options and agree the work before proceeding. We do not promise same-day, emergency or 24-hour attendance.
Make the lock and closing edge accessible, keep keys available and secure pets. Tell us about shared entrances, restricted access or a door that cannot be left open. We will explain what can be done safely within the repair scope and when another specialist is needed.
Care after a lock repair
Use the key and handle without force and keep the closing edge and keeps free from grit. Do not slam a door or lift a window to make a lock engage. If the mechanism becomes stiff again, contact us before the key snaps or the opening becomes unsecured. Avoid spraying unknown products into a lock, as some lubricants can attract dirt or affect internal components.
We are public liability insured. Our 10-year guarantee applies to new double glazed units only; it does not automatically cover locks, mechanisms, handles, frames or every repair. We explain the cover for the agreed work and keep the limits of the service clear.
A lock should engage without the door or window being forced into position. If operation changes, note whether the opening was open or closed, whether the key turns fully and whether the handle feels different. Contact us before repeated attempts damage the key or mechanism. We can then assess the symptom in context rather than treating only the visible lock face.
Matching the mechanism to the opening
A replacement lock must suit the profile, dimensions, fixing points and closing action of the existing window or door. The most familiar-looking part is not always compatible. We check the mechanism in context and explain any uncertainty before fitting it. If the frame or keeps are contributing to the fault, that wider issue is included in the advice so a new lock is not treated as a complete answer by default.
