Door Lock Not Working? Common Problems and What to Do

A door lock that stops working very suddenly can be extremely frustrating at the best of times. If it prevents you from getting into your home or securely locking the door when you leave, it can become a much more urgent problem.

The good news though, is that a door lock not working does not necessarily mean that the entire lock needs to be fully replaced, as sometimes the cause is relatively simple. It could be a problem with the key, dirt stuck inside the mechanism or just the door itself becoming slightly misaligned. In other cases, internal components may have become worn or damaged and professional repair or replacement may be necessary.

Grasping a good understanding of exactly what is causing the problem is the first step towards deciding what to do next.

Why Is My Door Lock Not Working?

Door locks contain many moving components that all need to align correctly with both the door and frame.

As time passes, standard everyday use, paired with weather conditions and general wearing can cause problems to develop.

Some of the most common reasons for a door lock not working include:

• A damaged or worn out key
• Dirt becoming trapped inside the lock
• A poorly lubricated mechanism
• Misalignment between the door and frame
• A damaged lock cylinder
• Worn internal components

The symptoms that you are likely to experience can often provide clues about what has gone wrong.

The Key Will Not Turn in the Lock

If your key enters the lock but completely refuses to turn, it is best to avoid immediately applying any more force.

Forcing a key can damage the lock and can potentially cause the key to completely snap off inside it, turning a relatively straightforward problem into a more difficult one.

Before you do anything else, make sure you check the key itself. Look for any obvious signs of bending or cracks. If you have a spare key, carefully try this instead.

If the spare works completely normally, then the original key is probably the problem.

When neither key works, the issue is then more likely to be within the lock itself or caused by the alignment of the door.

The Key Will Not Go Into the Lock

If you cannot fully insert the key, then check that you are using the correct key before doing anything else.

Assuming you are, there may be small pieces of debris inside the keyway or damage to the internal mechanism.

Look into the lock for any obvious obstruction, but avoid inserting any screwdrivers or other similar objects into it, as doing so can push an obstruction further inside or can damage delicate internal components.

If something appears to be lodged inside the lock and cannot be removed easily, calling a locksmith is generally safer than trying to force it.

The Door Lock Turns but Does Not Unlock

Sometimes the key appears to operate normally but the door remains locked.

This can indicate a problem between the lock cylinder and the mechanism responsible for releasing the door.

You might notice that the key turns slightly more freely than it usually does or that there is little resistance when you rotate it.

Problems like this sometimes require the lock or door mechanism to be inspected. Continuing to turn the key repeatedly is unlikely to solve an internal mechanical failure and could cause additional damage.

Why Does My Door Lock Work From One Side but Not the Other?

A lock working normally from inside but not outside, or vice versa, points towards a problem with the cylinder or internal mechanism.

The exact cause will depend on the type of lock that is fitted.

It is best to try another key if one is available. If the problem remains limited to one side of the door, the lock itself may need attention.

An experienced locksmith can inspect the mechanism and will be able to determine whether or not individual components can be repaired or whether a replacement would be the more reliable option.

Is the Door Causing the Lock Problem?

Not every apparent lock problem is actually caused by the lock.

Doors can move very slightly as time passes due to changes in temperature, moisture, or movement within the frame. Even a relatively small change can prevent the locking mechanism from lining up as it should with the keep or strike plate.

One useful test here is to see whether or not the lock works when the door is open.

If the lock operates nice and smoothly with the door open but becomes difficult or impossible to use when the door is closed, alignment could very well be the problem.

You might also notice that you need to lift or push the door with a little force before the key will actually turn.

Rather than repeatedly forcing the lock into position, the underlying alignment problem should be investigated.

UPVC Door Lock Not Working

UPVC doors commonly use multipoint locking systems rather than a single locking point.

When you lift the handle, several locking points will engage along the edge of the door before the key secures the mechanism.

If a UPVC door lock is not working, the problem could involve the cylinder, the locking strip or alignment of the actual door itself.

The most common symptoms of this include:

• The handle becoming unusually loose
• The handle refusing to lift
• The key becoming more and more difficult to turn
• The door only locks when additional pressure is being applied
• The mechanism working when the door is open but not when closed
• The key turning without properly operating the lock

Because several components work together, identifying the exact fault is important before you look to replace any parts.

Door Lock Not Working From the Inside

A lock that cannot be operated properly from inside the property should be taken seriously, particularly if the door forms part of an important exit route.

The cause could be mechanical failure, could be damage to the handle or an issue with the internal locking mechanism.

Avoid ever relying on a faulty door lock if it could prevent the door from being opened when necessary.

City Locks provides lock repairs and replacements throughout Norwich and the surrounding areas and can inspect the problem in order to establish which component has failed.

Should You Lubricate a Door Lock?

Lubrication can sometimes help when a lock feels a little bit stiff, but it is important to use a product that is actually suitable for locks.

If you add an unsuitable lubricant it can attract dirt or can leave residue inside the mechanism, potentially making the problem much worse over time.

Lubrication is also very unlikely to solve problems that have been caused by broken components, or poor door alignment.

If a lock has suddenly started to become significantly more difficult to operate, it is well worth finding the underlying cause rather than repeatedly adding lubricant.

What Should You Do if Your Door Will Not Lock?

A front or external door that will not lock creates a security problem that should be dealt with promptly.

Start by checking whether there is anything obvious that is preventing the door from closing correctly. You can also carefully test the locking mechanism while the door is open.

Do not slam the door repeatedly or force the handle or the key, as this could cause further damage to the mechanism.

If you cannot secure an external door, contacting a locksmith is by far the safest option.

City Locks are locksmiths in Norwich, who operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year across the city and all of its surrounding areas, including nights, weekends and bank holidays.

Can a Broken Door Lock Be Repaired?

In many cases, yes it can. 

Whether a lock can be repaired or not depends on the type of lock and the actual component that has failed, along with the extent of the damage.

Sometimes a relatively small component can be repaired or replaced without having to change the whole locking system. In other situations, replacing the lock may provide a more secure and reliable long term solution.

A professional locksmith should be able to identify the fault and explain the available options before work is carried out.

When Should You Call Out a Locksmith?

Some simple issues can be checked yourself, particularly if you have a spare key or you suspect that the door has become slightly misaligned.

However, you should consider contacting a locksmith if:

• You are unable to get into your property
• Your external door will not lock
• The key will not turn
• The key has broken inside the lock
• The lock works inconsistently
• The handle or locking mechanism has failed
• The lock has been damaged
• You suspect an attempted break in
• You cannot identify the cause of the problem

Trying to force a damaged lock aggressively can make repairs much more difficult and can potentially leave the property less secure.

Need Help With a Door Lock in Norwich?

If your door lock is not working and you cannot resolve the problem safely, City Locks can help.

Established in 2006, City Locks provides domestic and commercial locksmith services throughout Norwich, Norfolk and all of its surrounding areas.

Our vans carry an extensive range of locks that are most commonly used throughout the area, giving our locksmiths the opportunity to repair or replace many faulty locks during the initial visit without needing to wait for parts.

Emergency assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if you are locked out or unable to secure your property.

Contact City Locks to discuss the problem and arrange assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why has my door lock suddenly stopped working?

A door lock can stop working because of a damaged key, internal wear, dirt inside the mechanism, door misalignment or failure of an individual locking component. The symptoms and type of lock will help determine the likely cause.

Why will my key go into the lock but not turn?

The key itself could be worn or damaged, or there may be a problem with the lock mechanism. Try a spare key if you have one, but avoid forcing the key if it still refuses to turn.

Why does my door lock work when the door is open but not closed?

This often indicates an alignment problem. The lock may not be lining up correctly with the relevant parts of the door frame when the door is closed.

Can I fix a door lock myself?

Simple issues such as checking a spare key or identifying an obvious obstruction may be possible yourself. Internal lock repairs and more complicated faults are generally better handled by a locksmith, particularly when the problem affects the security of an external door.

Should I replace a lock that keeps failing?

A lock that repeatedly develops problems should be inspected. Depending on its condition, repair may still be possible, but replacement could provide a more reliable solution if components are badly worn or damaged.

What should I do if my front door will not lock at night?

If you cannot secure your property, contact an emergency locksmith rather than leaving the door unsecured. City Locks provides a 24 hour locksmith service across Norwich and surrounding areas.

Can City Locks replace a faulty door lock?

Yes. City Locks provides lock repairs, replacements and new lock installations for domestic and commercial customers throughout Norwich and the surrounding areas.