Euro Lock Cylinder not accepting key

[Jupiter01]

My front door is no longer taking my key for some reason..
It has a thumb twist on the inside and I have no other means to get in

How do I tackle this please? Thanks in advance.

 

[bernardgreen]

Use the right key.....

Or has someone changed the lock while you were out ?

 

[JohnD]

it's possible that a vandal or potential burglar has pushed a paper clip or other foreign object in the keyhole. There's a very faint chance you might be able to pull it out with tweezers or a pin

What shape is the key?

is there a letterbox close to the keyhole?

 

[Jupiter01]

def the right key and certainly not in the dog house

 

[Jupiter01]

I don't see any objects in the lock. I have an externally mounted post box.
Here's a picture of the key:

 

[EddieM]

Change the lock, and get a better one in the process, 10 min job.

 

[Jupiter01]

Thanks but how do I change the lock in the current situation i.e. outside the house with a key that doesn't work!

 

[JohnD]

is there anybody else that has a key? (though I don't see any sign of damage on yours)

is there anybody who might have changed the lock while you were out?

Eurocylinders are notoriously easy to break open, and quite dim teen burglars have learned some techniques to do it. I suppose your tools are all locked away inside the house or garage so you will have to get someone to help you. Try not to call a "24 hour emergency locksmith" without establishing what they will charge. There are stories of some who will spend 61 minutes tinkering fruitlessless before breaking the cylinder and charging you for two hours work plus a premium price for fitting a replacement. You could do it yourself with a drill or a mole wrench.

If you can remember who your home insurance company is, they may have some kind of cover.

In my house when the door blew shut while I was moving in, it was less expensive to effect entry by breaking glass, then undo the door from the inside and change the cylinder myself (all DIY)

 

[Jupiter01]

Thanks @JohnD.
I cant believe that the lock has been changed. It's a house that I rent out as a HMO. The tenants have a key each and I would be interested to know if their keys work. I wont know until tonight, at which point I have a serious issue on my hands, if the lock has failed.

I have all my tools and want to plan a resolution should it be required later today. I would appreciate your guidance with this.

 

[JohnD]

I cant believe that the lock has been changed. It's a house that I rent out as a HMO.

I could believe it.

Suppose, for example, a key fell into the hands of an undesirable, and the residents wanted to keep her from entering without permission.

 

[Jupiter01]

I spoke to each tenant this morning and they weren't aware of any issues.
If I do need to replace this lock tonight, is there a tried-and-tested method?

 

[JohnD]

yes, you measure the length of the old cylinder and (provided the length is correct for your door and handles) buy another of the same length. The old one is removed by opening the door and undoing the one retaining screw.

 

[Jupiter01]

I'm familiar with the approach to replace the lock cylinder when the door is unlocked.
I am concerned that I will learn later today that none of the others can get in either. In that situation I need to replace the lock whilst the door is locked. I've never done this and would appreciate your guidance with this please.

 

[^woody^]

My front door is no longer taking my key for some reason..

OK lets help this poor guy

but later

It's a house that I rent out as a HMO.

Oh, a shady landlord.

is there a tried-and-tested method?

Yeah. You know that rent that you have pouring in? Spend some of it

 

[Jupiter01]

Thanks for your input on a DIY forum @^woody^!