Who should pay? Lock.

bluesnake

Think it is a bit too late for lube, just buy the barrel.

How can life hacker be wrong about WD40 http://lifehacker.com/5891936/when-should-i-not-use-wd-40

mate, Gaffer tape rules

shoe*diva79

Hi again!

okay, so I took the whole lock off and took it to the local locksmith/DIY shop and the guy was great. It was a oiling problem. He got the remains of my broken key out the lock, oiled it all and cut me a new key. I have re-fitted the lock and altho it isn't perfect (i have to turn the key abut 12 times before it catches and opens the door!), it works! Cost me £5.50 for the new key :-)

Thanks for all the advice and trying to help me, it was much appreciated.

chris_m

Mrs_pbradley936 wrote: »

Cheeky!!

Graphite powder is readily available:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1/279-9464668-7791907?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=+graphite+powder&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3A+graphite+powder
but I doubt many people would have it "just in case". I have several collections of things which might be needed in for example a sewing box - needles, cotton, pins, tape measure and scissors. I also have a tool box with several screwdrivers, washers, WD40, Stanley knife, duct tape, masking tape etc.

It's even more readily available than that in most homes I suspect - until I happened to spot a bottle at the local B&Q (or was it Wickes??) I always managed with a piece of sandpaper and a pencil. Homes without sandpaper will very likely have something like a nail file which would serve just as well

DaftyDuck

shoe*diva79 wrote: »

Hi again!

okay, so I took the whole lock off and took it to the local locksmith/DIY shop and the guy was great. It was a oiling problem. He got the remains of my broken key out the lock, oiled it all and cut me a new key. I have re-fitted the lock and altho it isn't perfect (i have to turn the key abut 12 times before it catches and opens the door!), it works! Cost me £5.50 for the new key :-)

Thanks for all the advice and trying to help me, it was much appreciated.

Well done! :T However, it does sound like it might fail again. Write to the LL and request a repair or replacement.... and don't tell him the key broke in the lock!

Good friendly locksmith too. Remember his number.... you may need it!

thesaint

You need to sort the lock out.
You have paid £5.50 instead of a tenner for a temporary fix which will fail at a time that is most inconvenient.

kinger101

thesaint wrote: »

You need to sort the lock out.
You have paid £5.50 instead of a tenner for a temporary fix which will fail at a time that is most inconvenient.

Probably when they're busting for a pee.

Kynthia

thesaint wrote: »

You need to sort the lock out.
You have paid £5.50 instead of a tenner for a temporary fix which will fail at a time that is most inconvenient.

True but it's not a disaster. The OP can hopefully get in and out of their home over the bank holiday until one of the LL's maintenance people is back. Also the LL will never know the OP had a key broken in the lock at one point.

G_M

shoe*diva79 wrote: »

Hi again!

okay, so I took the whole lock off and took it to the local locksmith/DIY shop and the guy was great. It was a oiling problem. He got the remains of my broken key out the lock, oiled it all and cut me a new key. I have re-fitted the lock and altho it isn't perfect (i have to turn the key abut 12 times before it catches and opens the door!), it works! Cost me £5.50 for the new key :-)

Thanks for all the advice and trying to help me, it was much appreciated.

Well done! :T

Now, treat this as a temporary fix. the '12 times' clearly indicates a problem. The risk is that next time it fails, you are locked out with noone inside to open the door.

As you now know, to get the lock off, you need the door open. If the door is locked shut, then you need a locksmith. And their call-out charges start around £50.