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Door won’t open? Help with a door stuck shut

If the key turns but the door won’t open, or the handle won’t release it, call me and describe what happens.

Google reviews5.0★★★★★Based on 55 reviews
Basic DBS checked June 2025£2m public liability12-month guaranteeTrained 2024 MPL & KeytekNo call-out fee

What it usually costs

Gearbox, including opening a door stuck shut£150–£180

One door, supplied and fitted, including opening it if it is stuck shut when I arrive.

No call-out fee. Same price day or night. Cost agreed before I start.

A stuck door can involve the lock, gearbox or another part of the mechanism. I’ll check the fault and agree the work and price before I start, rather than diagnose it from one symptom.

What happens when you try the key and handle?

Tell me whether the key turns, whether it feels stiff and whether the handle moves freely. Also say whether you are inside or outside, and whether another safe exit is available. Don’t force the key or handle, or take apart a door you cannot open.

If anyone is in immediate danger or needs emergency rescue, call 999. If you’re simply locked out because the keys are inside, the lockout page explains that service.

Why can a door stick shut?

I’ve found mechanisms where water ingress and corrosion have left parts sticking instead of releasing. Wear, alignment and other failed components can also be involved. What I find on inspection determines the repair; a stiff handle doesn’t prove that the whole strip needs replacing.

Is opening the door included in the repair?

Yes, if it is stuck shut when I arrive and the job is a gearbox or full mechanism replacement. Most gearbox replacements are £150–£180 and full mechanisms £180–£250, supplied and fitted. Opening the initially stuck door is included in those jobs.

If a different repair is needed, I assess that work and agree the quote with you. I don’t add a lockout fee automatically to every stuck-door repair.

Will the door be damaged?

The approach depends on the failure, the lock and the door’s condition. I will discuss the work with you; I won’t promise damage-free opening in every case before inspecting it.

My prices are unchanged at night, weekends and bank holidays. There is no call-out fee, and repairs carry a 12-month guarantee covering parts and labour.

Call Brett on 07456 807068. I cover Stoke-on-Trent and the Moorlands from Forsbrook.

Which part has failed?

You don’t need to know before you ring. Tell me what the key and handle are doing; these are the usual prices for each part, and I check the door before recommending anything.

Where the fault may be on a uPVC doorA door outline with four numbered points: the handle and gearbox, the cylinder, the hinges and alignment, and the full multipoint strip. 1234
1Handle and gearbox“The handle just spins” or has gone floppy.£150–£1802Cylinder (the barrel)“The key won’t turn” or the key has snapped.£80–£1103Hinges and alignment“I have to lift the handle hard to lock it.”£45–£654Full multipoint strip“Nothing engages” along the edge of the door.£180–£250

A recent job · Cheadle · August 2026

Door stuck shut in Cheadle: gearbox replaced

A real job from my records, start to finish. No names or addresses; the price is what the customer paid.

  1. 1

    What was wrong

    The uPVC door wouldn’t open from inside or out. The handle had become unreliable, and the customer was worried the whole door might need replacing.

  2. 2

    What I found

    Once I had the door open, the central gearbox had failed. The rest of the locking strip was sound and fine to keep.

  3. 3

    What I did

    I supplied and fitted a compatible gearbox, then checked the door alignment and the locking points.

  4. 4

    The result

    The door opened, closed and locked normally again, keeping the working parts of the mechanism.

  5. 5

    What this customer paid

    Receipt · Cheadle · August 2026

    Opening the stuck door, the replacement gearbox, fitting and checks. No separate £65 lockout charge was added.

    Total for this job£175

    Door gearbox usually costs £150–£180. Your door is checked first, and the price agreed before I start. See all prices →

    If a handle goes stiff or loose, don’t force it. Tell me whether the door is stuck shut and whether the handle or key still moves.

Other jobs I do

Every price is agreed with you before I start, with no call-out fee.

uPVC mechanismsWhen the whole multipoint lock has failed, a full replacement.Typical price£180–£250Gearbox replacementHandle spinning or the door won’t lock? It’s usually the gearbox.Typical price£150–£180LockoutsLocked out of your home? I’ll get you back inside, day or night.Any hour£65
All prices →

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 photo

Can 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.

Plan a visitCan wait? Pick a day