You paid for a spare key and it barely turns. It is one of the most common reasons people call us, and it is almost always fixable in minutes.
1. It was copied from a worn key
A copying machine traces the key you hand over, including years of wear. Ask for the copy to be cut from the key code instead, so it matches the lock as it was made.
2. The cut was rushed
Burrs left on the blade catch on the pins. A good keymaker deburrs every key and test-turns it before handing it over.
3. The wrong blank was used
Blanks that look alike can differ by a fraction of a millimetre in thickness or groove. The right blank slides in smoothly before it is even cut.
4. The lock itself is worn
If even the original key sticks, the pins are worn. Rekeying replaces them and gives you fresh keys at the same time.
Bring any sticky copy we cut back to the workshop and we will recut it free while you wait.