Lock repairs
Lock repairs
in East London
Stiff, sticking or jammed locks repaired on the spot where we can. You only pay for a new lock when the old one is beyond repair.
- MLA member
- Fully insured
- Open 24/7
- Card, cash, Clearpay or Klarna
Quick answer
Is it cheaper to repair a lock or replace it?
Usually repair, if the lock is in good shape and meets your insurer’s standard. We find what is wrong first and give you both prices, so you can choose.
Checked November 2026 by East London Locksmith Ltd, a Master Locksmiths Association member.
Fault finder
Common lock faults and the usual fix
Find what is happening to you. If it is not here, call us and describe it: we will tell you what it needs and what it will cost.
Tap what is happening to see the usual cause and fix.
| What you notice | Usually the cause | What we do |
|---|---|---|
| Key stiff or hard to turn | Dirt in the cylinder, or the door is out of line. | Cleaned, lubricated and the door adjusted. |
| Key only turns if you push or pull the door | The latch or bolt is rubbing on the keep. | Keep or hinges adjusted. Usually no new lock. |
| Key turns but nothing happens | A broken cam or spring inside the lock. | Part replaced, or a new cylinder. |
| Key needs jiggling | A worn key or a badly cut copy. | New keys from the original, or a new cylinder. |
| Handle loose or drooping | Worn spring or loose fixings. | Handle refitted or the spring replaced. |
Key stiff or hard to turn
Usually: Dirt in the cylinder, or the door is out of line.
Cleaned, lubricated and the door adjusted.
Key only turns if you push or pull the door
Usually: The latch or bolt is rubbing on the keep.
Keep or hinges adjusted. Usually no new lock.
Key turns but nothing happens
Usually: A broken cam or spring inside the lock.
Part replaced, or a new cylinder.
Key needs jiggling
Usually: A worn key or a badly cut copy.
New keys from the original, or a new cylinder.
Handle loose or drooping
Usually: Worn spring or loose fixings.
Handle refitted or the spring replaced.
Lock repairs
What we do
We explain what is wrong before any work starts, and show you the worn part if we replace it.
- Stiff or jammed locks
- Keys that will not turn
- Worn euro cylinders
- Mortice locks and nightlatches
- Loose handles and escutcheons
- Locks that will not lock
What is included
- We find what is wrong before any work starts
- Repair first, new parts only if you agree
- The worn part shown to you if we replace it
- Lock tested with the door open and shut
- Price agreed before we start
Look after your locks
Five minutes a year, fewer call-outs
Most of the stiff and sticking locks we see could have been avoided.
- Use the right sprayA PTFE or dry lock lubricant in the keyway. Some high-security cylinder makers ask you not to use WD40 or graphite.
- Cut spares from the originalA copy of a copy is less accurate and wears the lock faster.
- Never force a stiff keyIf you have to push or pull the door to turn it, the door needs adjusting. Call us before something snaps.
- Ease up on uPVC handlesA handle that needs real force to lift is a sign the door has dropped.
Good to know
Repair or replace? How we decide
We repair first if the lock is worth keeping.
- Stiff key, lock in good shapeClean and adjust. Usually a repair.
- Worn euro cylinderReplace the cylinder only, not the whole lock.
- Broken spring or latch in a morticeOften repairable. We check the lock case first.
- Lock below your insurer’s standardReplace it, and we tell you both prices first.
Good to knowRepair or replace? How we decide
- Stiff key, lock in good shapeClean and adjust. Usually a repair.
- Worn euro cylinderReplace the cylinder only, not the whole lock.
- Broken spring or latch in a morticeOften repairable. We check the lock case first.
- Lock below your insurer’s standardReplace it, and we tell you both prices first.
Four simple steps
How it works
7 days a week
- Tell us the symptomsWhat the key, handle or door is doing. We give you the price.
- We come to youSame day if you need it, or at a time you choose.
- We fix itWe clean, adjust or replace the worn part. Most repairs take under an hour.
- Tested with youWe test the lock with you before we leave.
Prices
Supplied and fitted prices
All prices are supplied and fitted: the lock, fitting and labour, with no hidden extras. We confirm your price on the call before we come out.
Nightlatches
The latch lock on many wooden front doors.- Nightlatch barrel (5-pin) replacement
- from £75
- Nightlatch replacement
- £90
- New nightlatch fitted
- £130
Mortice deadlocks
5-lever British Standard (BS 3621) locks for wooden doors.- Mortice deadlock replacement
- from £120
- New mortice deadlock fitted
- £150
uPVC doors
Multipoint locks on uPVC and composite doors.- Opening a door with a failed mechanism
- from £120
- uPVC door alignment
- from £90
- Mechanism replacement
- Priced on the call
The locks we fit
Quality locks, not cheap imports
Not all locksmiths use the same locks. Some fit cheap unbranded locks that can wear quickly and fail. We do not.
- From proper suppliersEvery lock we fit is bought from reputable, well-established UK locksmith wholesalers.
- British Standard and KitemarkedCylinders carry the BSI Kitemark to TS007, and our mortice deadlocks meet BS 3621, the standard most home insurers ask for.
- Built to lastBranded locks work smoothly for years. Cheap ones can stick, wear and fail, which means another call-out.
- One price, all-inclusiveThe lock, fitting and labour in one price, agreed on the call before we come out.
Where we work
Lock repairs across East London
The same service and the same prices in every borough we cover, 24 hours a day.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace?
Often a repair, if the lock is a good one. If it is worn out or below the standard your insurer asks for, we will tell you and give you both prices.
Can you repair old mortice locks?
Yes. We repair mortice locks and nightlatches as well as euro cylinders.
Should I use oil on a stiff lock?
Avoid cooking oil or thick grease, which collect dirt. A dry lock lubricant is better. If it is still stiff, call us before the key snaps.
Do you do same day repairs?
Yes. Call us and we will tell you when we can be there.
Can you show me what was wrong?
Yes. If we replace a part, we show you the old one.
Do you repair locks on the same day?
Usually, yes. We carry the common parts with us.
Checked November 2026 by East London Locksmith Ltd, a member of the Master Locksmiths Association. Standards and advice on this page follow UK guidance.
Sources and further help