Addiscombe Locksmith Service Team
Local locksmith team
2 Sep 2026 3 min read
You push the key in, give it a turn, and nothing happens. It sits there, half-engaged, refusing to move no matter which way you try. It is one of those small mechanical moments that can quickly spiral into a stressful situation — especially on a wet evening in Croydon when you are standing on the doorstep with shopping bags at your feet. The good news is that a key that will not turn is almost always diagnosable, and in many cases a trained locksmith can resolve it without replacing the whole lock. The bad news is that forcing it is rarely the answer.
This guide walks you through why locks seize up, what you can safely try yourself, and — crucially — when to put the key down and call a professional before you make things worse. If you are already past the point of trying and you need help right now, call Addiscombe Locksmith on 020 4542 3118 and we will send someone straight out to you.
Frequently asked questions
My key goes in but won't turn at all — is the lock broken or is it something simpler?+
Not necessarily broken, no. The three most common causes are a build-up of debris or dried lubricant inside the cylinder, a door that has dropped slightly so the bolt is under tension against the keep, and a worn cylinder that can no longer read the key reliably. Try applying graphite lubricant and gently lifting the door handle while applying light turning pressure. If that does not work, stop and call a locksmith — forcing it risks snapping the cylinder, which makes the door harder and more costly to open.
What do I do if I'm locked out of my house late at night or over a bank holiday?+
The process is the same at any hour. Check for a spare key with a neighbour or a trusted contact, and check whether any other entrance to the property is accessible. If not, call Addiscombe Locksmith on 020 4542 3118 — we operate as a 24 hour locksmith Croydon service, so we answer and dispatch throughout the night, at weekends, and on bank holidays. We confirm the exact price before anyone travels to you, and we aim to arrive in around 30 minutes.
Do I need to change the lock after a lockout, or can the existing one be saved?+
It depends on what caused the lockout. If the lock seized due to debris or a misaligned door, the cylinder itself may be perfectly serviceable once the underlying issue is addressed. If the cylinder is worn, damaged, or was forced during the lockout, a lock change is usually the safer and more cost-effective outcome. We will assess the condition of the lock when we arrive and explain clearly what we recommend and why before we do anything. Factors that influence the final quote include the type of lock, any parts required, and the time of day.
How do I know if my uPVC door lock needs repairing or fully replacing?+
A uPVC door with a multipoint locking system can fail in several different ways — a worn cylinder, a seized gearbox, bent hook bolts, or the door itself going out of alignment. A skilled locksmith can usually identify the fault quickly on inspection. In some cases only the cylinder needs changing; in others the gearbox or hardware needs replacing. We will give you a clear explanation and a confirmed upfront price covering the specific parts and work involved, so there are no surprises once the job is done.
