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More Lock Information Needed?
If your enquiry is not urgent and want information regarding the changing of locks or other service for your home, please complete the form shown.
You may be thinking ahead regarding a new house move or you have unfortunately had a burglary and need replacement locks.
Locksmith FAQs
Should I put WD40 on or in my Locks?
The answer is an empathic big fat NO!
Most, if not all locks are manufactured with their own oil or grease included. The addition of WD40 typically just clogs them up and does the opposite of what is intended. This makes them perform worse or in some instances stop them from working altogether.
Some locks do require regular lubricants and manufactures stipulate this when you buy the locks. So, either don’t put any lubricants in locks or follow the manufacturers guidelines for those locks that do require it.
Locksmiths will normally apply the correct lubricants when they service your locks.
What should I do if I break a key in a lock?
The first thing to remember is to NOT attempt to remove the key.
Without the right tools, you are more likely to make it more difficult for the key to be extracted without damaging the lock.
Get professional help by calling a locksmith.
My lock is jammed, what should I do?
Locks can get jammed for lots of reasons, let’s look at a couple of them.
A) You have a uPVC or composite door, and when you lift the handle up to engage the multi-point locks, they don’t seem to come out of the casing the whole way as they would normally do.
The likely problem is the lock gearbox has failed. In these circumstances you will need to get professional help by calling a qualified locksmith to either repair the gearbox or install a replacement.
B) You have a uPVC or composite door, and you have lifted the handle up to lock it but now the key in the cylinder (barrel) won’t turn all the way around to complete the locking process.
Once again this could be a gearbox failure or in some instances such as an ERA gearbox, typically a piece of the gearbox casing breaks off and works its way down the inside of the gearbox and prevents the cylinder from turning.
C) You have a mortice lock (typically in wooden doors) and the key is simply spinning around and around without locking or unlocking the door.
This happens where the snib on the lock bolt thrower has broken off. We appreciate this is a little technical, but that has what has happened.
The solution here is to replace the bolt thrower inside the lock or replace the lock, either way it’s a job from a professional locksmith.
Why won’t the handle lift up far enough when I try to lock the door?
This can occur when the door is not fitting properly within the door frame. The door may have dropped or is simply mis-aligned and is not engaging into the locks keeps properly.
If you keep trying to lock the door when it is in this condition you may jam it shut which means you maybe either locked out or locked in.
To ensure the door functions correctly and doesn’t do further damage to the lock, you will need to get the door re-aligned by a professional.
My door handles are drooping, loose or just spinning around, why?
In the case of the handles just being loose, the first step is to tighten up all the screws without causing the screw heads to be damaged.
If the handles are drooping or spinning around the likely problem is the door multi-point locking mechanism is not functioning properly.
Simply replacing the door handles will not solve the issue. The door mechanism will need repairing or the gearbox changing.
I can’t pull my key out of the lock, what should I do?
The probable cause of this problem is an inverted lock cam. This means that when the door is in the locked or unlocked position, the cam is in the wrong position for the key to be extracted.
The typical cause of this is when someone attempts to put a key into the cylinder (lock) while there is a key already in the other side of the lock. You will need to have a locksmith fix this for you or replace the lock.
Do you charge a call-out fee?
No, we never charge call-out fees for any job in York or surrounding areas.
Whether it’s an emergency lockout at 2am or a scheduled lock replacement, there are no hidden charges.
David will give you a fixed price quote before starting any work, and that’s exactly what you’ll pay.
How quickly can you reach me in York?
For emergency lockouts in York city center (YO1, YO10, YO23, YO24), we typically arrive within 30-45 minutes.
For surrounding areas like Acomb, Holgate, Tang Hall, and Clifton, expect 30-50 minutes.
Harrogate, Selby, and Malton typically take 45-75 minutes depending on traffic and current location.
We always aim to reach you as quickly as possible.
Do you provide genuine 24/7 emergency service?
Yes, David answers emergency calls personally 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including Christmas and New Year.
There’s no answering service, no delays, and no extra charges for evenings, weekends, or holidays.
When you call 07935 628828, you speak directly to David.
What areas do you cover?
We serve York, Harrogate, Selby, Malton, Wetherby, Easingwold, and all surrounding villages.
This includes all York postcodes (YO1-YO32), Harrogate (HG1-HG5), Selby (YO8), and the wider North Yorkshire area.
If you’re unsure whether we cover your location, just call and ask.
Can you give me a price over the phone?
In most cases, yes. David can provide a fixed price quote after understanding your specific situation over the phone.
You’ll know the exact cost before we travel to you.
Prices depend on the type of lock, door type, and work required, but we’re always transparent and competitive.
No surprises, no hidden fees.
Are you a real local locksmith or a call center?
Towergate Locksmiths is an independent, family-run business based in York.
When you call, you speak directly to David, the owner – not a call center, not a third party, not an answering service.
David personally handles every job or works alongside his trusted team. We’re a genuine local business serving our community.
My UPVC door won't lock properly - what's wrong?
If your UPVC door handle feels stiff, won’t lift properly, or the key won’t turn to lock, this usually indicates a failed multipoint locking mechanism or gearbox.This is very common in UPVC and composite doors, especially those over 10 years old.David can diagnose the issue and either repair the mechanism or replace it if needed.Most UPVC door repairs are completed the same day.Do I need to replace my lock or can it be repaired?
Not all faulty locks need complete replacement.During every call, David assesses whether repair or replacement offers better value and security. Common repairs include adjusting stiff locks, replacing worn components, realigning strike plates, and fixing loose handles.You’ll always get honest advice – if replacement is more cost-effective or secure, we’ll explain why.Our goal is the best solution for your situation, not the most expensive one.
Google Reviews
Rating
David was excellent, knowledgeable and it was all very easy :) Definitely recommend :)
David was extremely helpful resolving our shattered lock within a day. He arrived well before the time he said he would, was kind enough to go and get a part from his van which was at the garage, returned and completed the job with no fuss. We are so grateful that the matter was resolved promptly. His prices seemed really reasonable and he did a lot of running around for the price he charged. He ensured that we all knew how to operate the new locking mechanism properly before leaving in order to ensure that it did not get damaged again. Thank you so much David!
Cannot find a fault with David’s service - speedy, informative and reassuring. Thank you!
If I could rate higher than 5 stars I absolutely would. I called David late afternoon, as my door refused to lock properly. He came to look at it promptly (without charging a call out fee) as he didn’t want me to feel unsafe in my own home. He was friendly, professional and explained what the problem was and his recommendations to fix it. All within hours of me calling him. He went out of his way to help and get the whole lock and mechanism replaced for me. Thank you David. Appreciate your kindness and expertise - I’ll certainly be pointing friends and family in your direction if ever they need a locksmith 😊
Arrived home after a shopping spree to the front door that wouldn't open and one of those 'Oh No!!' moments. When what I thought was the door handle that had broken I googled a locksmith then rang Towergate and spoke to Dave. He said he could help or at least, take a look after his current job. Dave arrived promptly and after investigation he managed to get the door open (so at least I could get in the house) and he knew straight away what the issue was.. AND.. he had the part.... Phew! 15mins later along with some good advice, the job was done. Friendly and knowledgeable though I can only apologise to his wife for his dedication to his trade as he promised to her no more jobs.. Thanks Dave
David was so pleasant and helpful, a real pro. We have other work that needs doing and wouldn't consider anyone else. I highly recommend him to anyone with lock issues 100% . Thanks David again
Absolutely brilliant service - came out in Easter Sunday as an emergency call out. Quick, professional and excellent. A quality craftsman, polite, on time and good value.
Very helpful, polite. Turned up when he said he would, fixed the problem and then cleaned everything down. He had us test it and make sure we were happy before leaving.
Speedy, good at his job, non-judgmental (I like that he didn't make me feel stupid for locking myself out). And very fairly priced. I'd highly recommend.
Guarantee & Prices
Our Locksmith Guarantee
Whatever your lock problem, you can be assured of a prompt response, a full explanation of the issue and a successful resolution.
We always stand behind the quality of our work with a full 12 month warranty on parts and labour.
Prices & Call Out Fees
24/7 Service for Emergency Lockouts and No Call-Out Fee.
No fee either for a scheduled appointment which will always be arranged to suit you.
We’re a trusted, local, independent locksmith, no hidden charges.
Just honest pricing and expert service you can always count on.
We think we have some of the best locksmith prices in Yorkshire.
Call for a no obligation quote and compare our cost to local and national competitors