Symptoms worth getting checked

Common symptoms and what they often point to
Symptom	Often caused by	Read more
Key is stiff or hard to turn	Dirt or wear in the cylinder or lever mechanism, a worn key, or a bolt rubbing on the strike plate	Stiff door locks
Key turns but the door stays locked	Broken cam or tailpiece, a slipping connection between cylinder and lock body, or internal failure	Key turns, door won't unlock
Locks when open, not when closed	Door or frame misalignment, a dropped door or a misplaced strike plate	Locks open, not closed
Handle droops or doesn't return	A broken return spring in the handle or lock body	—
Part of a key snapped off inside	Worn or cracked key, or forcing a stiff lock	Broken-key extraction

These are common patterns, not a diagnosis. The same symptom can have different causes, which is why an on-site assessment matters.

What a lock repair can involve

Realigning or adjusting the strike plate (keep) so the bolt and latch engage cleanly.
Cleaning a contaminated mechanism and lubricating it with a product suited to that lock type, following the manufacturer's guidance where it's available.
Replacing a broken spring, cam or handle part where parts are available.
Freeing a jammed bolt and finding out why it jammed.
Advising on door adjustments where the door itself has dropped or swollen.

When repair isn't the right answer

Repair isn't always better value. Replacement is usually more sensible if the lock body is cracked or was damaged in a break-in, if parts are no longer made, if the lock is so worn that another failure is likely soon, or if you're not sure who has keys. Then we'll quote for lock replacement in Sandton instead, and explain why. Our guide to repair versus replacement sets out how that decision is made.

Things to avoid before we arrive

Avoid spraying general-purpose oils into a lock "to loosen it". Some products attract dust or don't suit the mechanism, and some lock makers specify what to use. Don't force a stiff key either: that's how keys snap. If the lock is getting worse, stop using it and call.

Price factors

The price depends on what's wrong, what parts are needed and how long the work takes. Call-out: R250 call-out fee. Quotations: The technician assesses the job on site and gives you the price before any work starts. Nothing is done until you agree. See what affects the price of a mobile locksmith visit.

Lock brands we work on

These are the lock and security-gate brands you'll find on most Sandton doors and gates, sold by Builders, Cashbuild, Leroy Merlin and locksmith suppliers across Gauteng. If yours isn't listed, send us a photo.

UnionMortice locksets, cylinders, gate locks
YaleLocksets, padlocks, smart locks
TrellidorSecurity-gate locks
CISACylinders, gate and door locks
Mul-T-LockHigh-security cylinders, padlocks
dormakabaCommercial locks and key systems
ABUSPadlocks
Master LockPadlocks

Brand names belong to their owners and are used only to describe what we work on. We're not an agent of, or endorsed by, these manufacturers.

Where this service is available

We provide lock repairs as part of our mobile locksmith service across Sandton. Areas we're often asked about include:

All Sandton areas we cover

Questions customers ask

Is it cheaper to repair a lock than replace it?

Often, but not always. A simple adjustment usually costs less than a new lock. A major repair on a worn, low-security lock can cost nearly as much as a better new one. You'll get the options before work starts.

Can you repair any brand?

It depends on the brand and whether parts are available. A photo of the lock, including any brand name, helps us tell you before the visit.

Door Lock Repair in Sandton