i have a upvc door and it will lock, but i can`t take the key out, if the door is locked i have to leave the key in the lock. when the door is open i can take the key out. why is this happening? it only happened today, i`ve had this door for 18yrs. is the barrel knackered? or do i have to replace the whole lock? or can you tell me how to fix it? thankyou...

helen, December 2008

Its the Euro barrel that is faulty. There is a cam in the middle that will have moved into the wrong position so the easiest thing to do is replace it.

Mark, December 2008

The cylinder is faulty - either due to its age and wear or due to a poor quality cut key being slightly too short. Either way the central cam on the cylinder has slipped half a turn.

Only sure fire solution is to replace the cylinder.

999locks, December 2008

hmmmm when you lift the handle to lift the lock and put the key in just turn the key till u hear it lock then it should pull out

Q) is the key you are using a cut key if so then that sometimes causes problems like this

Laminate Leez, December 2008