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Frozen door lock? Avoid force and boiling water
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Don’t turn a stuck key into a broken one
Applying more force can leave you with a broken key as well as a door that won’t open. Avoid improvised heating or dismantling the lock while you’re unsure what is wrong. If you are outside and need access, call me rather than spending time trying a series of fixes.
What about de-icer?
The product needs to be suitable for the particular lock and used according to its instructions. A product intended for a windscreen is not automatically a recommendation for every lock. If you’re unsure what is fitted or what to use, ask before applying anything.
I don’t give a general method for heating keys here: keys, locks and nearby materials differ. There is no need to risk damage to find out whether temperature is the cause.
If it happens again
Repeated freezing or stiffness deserves a check. Moisture may be involved, but wear and other faults also need considering. I’ll look at the lock and discuss whether appropriate maintenance, an adjustment or a replacement is needed.
Read about stiffness and water damage. The job is assessed individually; freezing doesn’t automatically mean a new cylinder or mechanism.
Help outside normal hours
My prices don’t rise at night, at weekends or on bank holidays. A lockout is £65 to gain entry; repair work depends on what is needed and is agreed before I start. See prices and inclusions.
Call Brett on 07456 807068 with your location. If anyone is in immediate danger, call the emergency services rather than waiting for a locksmith.
A recent job · Werrington · January 2026
Winter locking problem in Werrington: alignment corrected
A real job from my records, start to finish. No names or addresses; the price is what the customer paid.
- 1
What was wrong
During a cold spell the front door became hard to lock. The customer thought the cylinder was frozen or needed replacing.
- 2
What I found
The lock worked with the door open, but the locking points met resistance when it was shut. It was alignment, not a failed cylinder; the cold weather was only the timing.
- 3
What I did
I adjusted the hinges and keeps, then tested the handle and key again and again.
- 4
The result
The door locked smoothly, with no replacement parts.
- 5
What this customer paid
Receipt · Werrington · January 2026
The alignment work and checks.
Total for this job£55
Door alignment usually costs £45–£65. Your door is checked first, and the price agreed before I start. See all prices →
Tell me whether the lock behaves differently with the door open. Don’t force the key, and don’t assume every winter locking problem is ice.
Urgent
Locked out, or can’t lock up?
Ring me now. I’m open 24 hours, there’s no call-out fee, and getting you in is £65 at any hour.
07456 807068Urgent? Ring now Or WhatsApp me a photoCan wait
A repair, a lock change or a key safe?
Pick a day and a time that suits you, and I’ll ring you to confirm. The price is agreed before I start.
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