Broken or forced lock cylinder

A broken lock cylinder may be down to wear, or it may be an attempt to force the door. The difference matters, because it changes the order in which things need to be done.

How to tell if it has been forced

Suspect forcing if you see any of these signs:

• The cylinder sticks out further than before or has snapped off flush with the door.
• There are scratches, dents or tool marks around the keyway.
• The escutcheon has been moved, lifted or broken.
• There are traces of glue, silicone or something pushed into the lock.
• The key goes in but spins freely, or will not go in at all.

What to do now

• If you think it has been forced, call the police and do not touch the lock or the door until they have been. If the door is open or you think someone may be inside, do not go in.
• Take photos of the cylinder and the door once the police allow you to.
• If it is wear, stop using that lock until we replace it, so the key does not snap.
• Keep the broken cylinder when we take it out: it may be useful for the police report or your insurance.

What not to do

• Do not try to fix it with glue or hammer the cylinder back in.
• Do not leave the door like that overnight if you can avoid it: a forced cylinder is an open door.
• Do not throw away the broken parts.

How we sort it out

We work 24 hours a day, every day, in Torrevieja and the Vega Baja. With a photo on WhatsApp we know which cylinder to bring and give you a fixed quote.

If you are outside and cannot get in, we check that you have the right to enter and open the door. We remove the damaged cylinder, check that the lock and the escutcheon are in good order and fit a new cylinder. If someone has tried to force it, we recommend one with protection against the most common opening techniques and, if you do not have one, an escutcheon to cover it.

You will find the details under lock cylinder replacement. If you need a document explaining how the lock was forced for the police report or your insurance, we prepare it on the same visit: forced lock report.

If there has been a burglary

If, as well as forcing the cylinder, someone has got in, follow the steps in home burglary: police first, and do not touch anything.

Pay by card, Bizum or cash, and talk to us on WhatsApp in your own language.