Forced cylinder rotation

Forced cylinder rotation is a technique in which the lock cylinder is forced to turn, overcoming and breaking its inner mechanism, so that the cam operates the lock and the door opens. It is destructive entry: the cylinder will not work again and has to be replaced.

The locksmith uses it when the cylinder is broken, jammed or has a piece of key inside that cannot be removed, and the alternative would be to do more damage to the door. Done properly, the lock and the door leaf stay intact and all that is needed is a new cylinder.

Security cylinders usually include hardened steel parts and reinforcements designed to resist this kind of force. Before taking this route we tell you and give you a fixed quote with the new cylinder. More on our door opening page.