Lock Repair in Dulwich — Same-Day Service, Lasting Fixes
A lock that's becoming stiff, a key that needs force to turn, a handle that drops without engaging the bolts — these aren't just annoyances. They're warning signs of a mechanism that's failing, and a complete seizure leaving you locked in or out is often only weeks away. We carry out lock repairs across Dulwich and South London seven days a week, diagnosing the root cause — worn cylinder, failed UPVC gearbox, misaligned door, broken cam follower — and fixing it properly rather than masking the symptom.
- Broken key extraction from cylinder or ignition
- Stiff and seized euro cylinder replacement
- UPVC multipoint gearbox repair and replacement
- Cam and cam follower replacement
- Hook bolt and roller cam realignment
- Door frame and keep adjustment
- All door types — timber, UPVC, composite, steel
Why a Stiff Lock Is More Than an Inconvenience
A lock that requires increasing force to operate is telling you something important: the mechanism is failing. The most common causes are cylinder wear (the pins and driver springs have degraded), UPVC gearbox wear (the cam follower is stripping), door sagging or settlement causing the bolt to bind against the keep, and key wear — an original key cut from a worn blank can gradually deform the cylinder's pin stack.
The right response depends on the cause. Catching a gearbox failure early typically means a gearbox replacement — a clean, straightforward job. Ignoring it until the mechanism fails completely can mean a lockout at an inconvenient time, additional damage to the door frame, and a more involved repair.
Why Choose TrustLock for Lock Repair?
Honest Repair-vs-Replace Assessment
We tell you plainly whether a repair is worthwhile or whether replacement gives better long-term value. If your mechanism is 12 years old and repeatedly failing, a quality replacement part is usually the better investment.
Specialist Extraction and Repair Tools
Broken key extraction, UPVC gearbox removal and cylinder bypass all require specific tools that general handymen don't carry. We bring the right equipment and get it right the first time.
Repairs That Last
We use quality replacement parts — ERA, Fullex, Avocet, Mila and Fuhr mechanisms, Yale and Ultion cylinders — not cheap copies. A proper fix means you won't be calling us back for the same issue in six months.
Same-Day Priority
A faulty lock is a live security vulnerability. We treat lock repair calls as high priority and aim for same-day attendance across all SE and SW postcodes we cover.
UPVC Multipoint Lock Repairs — What's Actually Failing
A UPVC multipoint locking system is significantly more complex than a traditional mortice lock. The central gearbox (sometimes called the central case) drives multiple locking points — hook bolts, roller cams, mushroom cams, and deadbolts — from a single handle movement. Failure modes include gearbox wear (the follower hole that the handle spindle engages strips over time), hook bolt seizure (hooks corrode or deform and won't retract), and cam damage.
We stock mechanisms from ERA, Fullex, Avocet, Fuhr and Mila — the brands most commonly found in South London properties. Correct part identification matters: installing the wrong mechanism length or spindle size can cause new failures. We identify the correct part by measuring the existing case, not by guessing the brand from memory.
How It Works
- 1
Diagnose the Root Cause
We test the cylinder, mechanism, handle, cam follower, door alignment and frame condition to identify exactly what's failing — not just the symptom. Stiff locking often has three or four potential causes and treating the wrong one wastes your money.
- 2
Quote and Advise
We give you a fixed price to repair the identified fault, and an honest opinion on whether repair or full replacement is better value given the age and type of the lock.
- 3
On-Site Repair
The repair is completed at your property. For most cylinder, gearbox and extraction jobs we carry the necessary parts. For unusual or discontinued mechanisms we'll source the correct part and return — usually within 24 hours.
- 4
Test Under Load
We test the repaired lock with the door fully closed, engaging all locking points and confirming smooth operation before we leave. If the door alignment has contributed to the failure, we adjust it as part of the repair.
Snapped Key Extraction — What Not to Do First
When a key snaps inside a lock cylinder, the instinctive response is often to try to extract it with tweezers, a pin or a knife blade. In most cases this makes things significantly worse — pushing the fragment further into the barrel, widening the key way, or scratching the cylinder face. The correct approach uses tools designed specifically for the job: extraction hooks that engage the serrations on the broken blade and pull rather than push.
We carry a full extraction kit covering the common UK key profiles — Yale 1A/1A-AL, Chubb 3K78, ERA 5-lever mortice and standard euro cylinder profiles. In the majority of cases the fragment comes out cleanly in under five minutes. We then inspect the cylinder for any secondary damage before cutting a replacement key from the lock's key code.
Common Questions
Lock Repair FAQs
Answers to the questions we hear most often.
Yes. Broken key extraction is one of our most frequent jobs. We use hook-tip and spiral extraction tools to grip and draw the broken blade out without damaging the cylinder's pin stack. We then cut a replacement key to the same profile on-site.
Usually both are involved. The most common cause is a failed gearbox combined with slight door misalignment. The gearbox failure is a mechanical lock repair; the misalignment requires hinge and keep adjustment. We address both in the same visit.
It depends on the lock's age, type and cost. If it's a standard euro cylinder over ten years old without anti-snap protection, a new Ultion or Yale Platinum cylinder offers better security and costs only slightly more than a repair. We give you an honest recommendation either way.
Lock repair starts from £55, depending on the fault. Broken key extraction is typically £55–£75. UPVC gearbox replacement starts from £95 including the part. We confirm the exact price after diagnosis, before starting work.
Coverage
Lock Repair Across South London
We provide lock repair services throughout Dulwich and the surrounding South London area.
- lock repair in Dulwich
- East Dulwich lock repair
- fix locks in Peckham
- lock repair in Camberwell
- Brixton lock repair
- fix locks in Herne Hill
- lock repair in Southwark
Don't see your area? Contact us — we cover all of South London.
Need Lock Repair in Dulwich?
Call us now for a fixed price and fast response across South London.