FAQ's
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.