The key just spins in the lock. This is a common problem. To understand why this happens, let’s look at how cylinder locks function.
The cylinder is made up of a plug (which is the keyhole) and either a tailbar or other connecting pieces, as well as a cam, if it’s a Euro cylinder. All the parts of a cylinder do the same job: they engage the cylinder to the lock. The innards of a cylinder lock convert the turning action of a key to the resulting thrown locking bolt.
The key will spin in the cylinder if there is something wrong with the connecting parts, i.e. if the cylinder lock and the lock are not connected correctly. For a Locksmith Cheltenham, visit besecure-locksmiths.co.uk/
Why does this happen?
Yale Locks: Yale locks, as mentioned above, have tailbars. The tailbar is the metal strip that connects the plug to the lock. When you turn the plug with the tailbar attached, it turns the lock and opens the door.
It’s a thin metal strip attached to the plug’s back by a thinner metal piece (basically, it’s a tiny pin). The metal strip could snap or the pin could come loose, disconnecting the plug.
Euro Cylinders: Instead of a tailbar, euro cylinders feature a cam in the centre. The plug is connected to the cam by several small and fiddly pieces. The connecting pieces rotate along with the key, which turns the cam, which throws the bolt.
You can imagine that a euro-cylinder is prone to having its innards dislodged, especially if the cylinder is old. It only takes one connecting piece to break and the entire cylinder could stop working.
What can I do to fix it?
Unfortunately, this problem is not usually repairable. To get into the cylinder to fix the interior, you must be able to turn the key. You can’t get into the lock if you don’t have the key.
