In a place like Medway, where homes range from Victorian terraces to modern uPVC-heavy builds, door and lock issues are surprisingly common. Whether you’re in Rainham, Gillingham, Strood, Chatham, or Rochester, small lock problems often show up long before a lock fully fails — and dealing with them early can save you a lot of stress (and money).
Here are some of the most frequent lock issues our Locksmiths in Medway deal with, plus simple tips to keep your home secure.
1. Stiff or Hard-to-Turn Keys
When keys start feeling difficult to turn, it usually means the lock cylinder is wearing down or has collected dirt and debris.
Prevention tip:
Avoid forcing the key. A quick service or clean from a locksmith can prevent a future lockout.
2. Misaligned uPVC Doors (Extremely Common in Medway Homes)
Many uPVC doors across Medway drop over time due to heavy use or weather changes. When alignment shifts, the locking points stop lining up properly.
Prevention tip:
If you need to lift the handle higher than normal, get it realigned before the mechanism burns out.
3. Keys Snapping Inside the Lock
This happens more often than people think — especially with older or cheaply cut keys.
Prevention tip:
Replace worn keys early and never force a stiff lock. Most locksmiths can extract a broken key without damaging the mechanism.
4. Worn or Aging Cylinders
Older locks lose strength, become loose, or stop engaging cleanly. Many Medway properties still have original cylinders from decades ago.
Prevention tip:
If your lock feels loose or inconsistent, upgrading to a modern cylinder is a wise move — especially if it’s not anti-snap.
5. Jammed uPVC Multi-Point Locking Systems
This is one of the most frequent callouts for Locksmiths in Medway. If one internal component fails, the whole mechanism jams.
Prevention tip:
Don’t slam the door and get any stiffness checked before the gearbox fails — it’s cheaper to repair early.
6. Frozen or Weather-Affected Locks
Seaside air and cold nights can cause locks to stiffen, freeze, or rust faster.
Prevention tip:
Use a silicone-based lubricant seasonally (never WD-40) to keep moving parts working smoothly.
7. Locks That Don’t Meet Insurance Standards
Some older Medway homes still use non-compliant locks. If your locks don’t meet BS3621 or TS007 3-star, your insurance may not cover break-ins.
Prevention tip:
Check your locks and upgrade if needed — especially if you’ve recently moved in.
When to Contact a Local Locksmith in Medway
If a lock becomes unreliable, sticks regularly, or feels different from normal, it’s often the start of a bigger issue. A professional locksmith can assess the lock, repair the mechanism, or recommend a secure replacement if required.
Early intervention can prevent emergency callouts — and ensures your home stays protected.
��️ About TrustLock Solutions (Guest Post Author Bio)
TrustLock Solutions is an independent, fully qualified locksmith service covering Rainham, Gillingham, Chatham, Rochester, Strood, and the wider Medway towns.
Specialising in uPVC door and window mechanisms, emergency lockouts, lock repair, replacement, and home security upgrades, TrustLock Solutions provides a fast, reliable, and friendly service — 24 hours a day.
For more information or advice, visit TrustLock Solutions or contact the team directly for local Medway support.