Job Spotlight

When a Key Won’t Turn—The Hidden Culprit Behind a Stubborn Lock

This week, I was called out to a Bromsgrove home where the front door lock had suddenly stopped working. The key would insert fine, but when trying to turn it to lock the door, it simply wouldn’t budge. The homeowner was understandably concerned about securing the property.

After a careful inspection, the issue became clear: a clump of sawdust had worked its way into the gear box mechanism. It was preventing the slider from fully engaging when the handle was lifted, essentially jamming the lock mid-cycle.

🧼 A thorough clean-out of the gear box and a touch of professional-grade lubricant was all it took to restore smooth operation. No parts needed replacing, no drilling required—just precision, patience, and the right know-how.

This kind of issue is more common than you might think, especially after home renovations or DIY work nearby. Even tiny debris can interfere with the delicate workings of modern multi-point locking systems.

✅ If your key isn’t turning or your door feels stiff, don’t force it. A quick visit from a locksmith can often resolve the issue without costly repairs. At Oliver’s Locks, we always aim for non-destructive solutions first—because your peace of mind shouldn’t come at the expense of your hardware.