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Shaun and Jayden attended an outbuilding in Waltham Abbey EN9 after the homeowner reported that a key had broken in the lock, leaving them unable to open the door.
Before ASJ Locksmiths arrived, the homeowner had already managed to gain access to the building through a window. Believing the broken key was preventing the door from opening, they removed both the handles and attempted to gain access themselves. During the process, the existing lock cylinder was snapped, however the door still remained securely locked.
On arrival, Shaun and Jayden carried out a full assessment. With the handles removed and the damaged cylinder no longer connected to the mechanism, they first attempted to operate the locking mechanism directly using a multitool. When this proved unsuccessful, it confirmed that the broken key and snapped cylinder were not the cause of the problem.
The true fault was a failed UPVC multipoint locking mechanism. Using specialist locksmith tools, Shaun and Jayden carefully released the locking hooks, allowing the door to be opened without causing unnecessary damage to the door itself.
As the correct replacement mechanism was not immediately available, an overnight mechanism was installed together with the homeowner's original handles. Because the original cylinder had been snapped during the homeowner's attempt to gain access, a new replacement cylinder was also supplied and installed. This allowed the outbuilding to be fully secured and used normally while the correct replacement mechanism was ordered.
Two days later, Shaun and Jayden returned to complete the repair. The temporary mechanism was removed, the new multipoint locking mechanism professionally installed and the homeowner's original handles refitted. The replacement cylinder remained in place, as it had already been installed during the first visit. As with every ASJ Locksmiths job, the completed repair was thoroughly tested before the homeowner was invited to operate the door themselves to confirm everything was opening, closing and locking smoothly once again.
Why wasn't the broken key the problem?
Although the broken key was the reason the homeowner called ASJ Locksmiths, further testing showed that the locking mechanism itself had failed. Even with the handles removed and the damaged cylinder disconnected, the mechanism still could not be operated, confirming the real fault was inside the door rather than the lock cylinder.
Why was a new cylinder installed?
The original cylinder was not replaced because it had failed. It was replaced because it had been snapped during the homeowner's attempt to gain access before ASJ Locksmiths arrived. A new cylinder was therefore fitted alongside the temporary mechanism so the outbuilding could be fully secured until the final repair was completed.
Practical Advice
If a key breaks inside a UPVC door lock, don't assume the cylinder is always the cause of the problem. In some cases, the broken key is simply the first sign of a failing gearbox or multipoint locking mechanism. Avoid forcing the lock or attempting to dismantle it, as this can sometimes create additional damage. A professional diagnosis can identify the true fault and ensure only the necessary components are replaced.
By looking beyond the broken key, accurately diagnosing the failed multipoint locking mechanism and installing a temporary solution that included a replacement cylinder, Shaun and Jayden restored the security of the outbuilding before returning to complete the repair with the correct replacement mechanism.
If you're experiencing problems with a UPVC door, need a multipoint locking mechanism replacement, or require a trusted locksmith in Waltham Abbey, ASJ Locksmiths provide honest advice, accurate diagnosis and professional locksmith services throughout Waltham Abbey and the surrounding areas.
