# Key snapped in lock - agency wants to charge me for a whole new door! **URL:** \ **Category:** Repairs & Maintenance\ **Created:** [22 March 2025 07:57 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/key-snapped-in-lock-agency-wants-to-charge-me-for-a-whole-new-door/79972 "2025-03-22T07:57:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Donk](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/donk/32/450_2.png) [@Donk](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/Donk)\ **Post date:** [26 March 2025 10:40 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/key-snapped-in-lock-agency-wants-to-charge-me-for-a-whole-new-door/79972/21 "2025-03-26T10:40:17Z")
I would never trust the agent’s word. They benefit from more expensive repairs as they take a % of the cost. Get your own locksmith in to have a look. Most agents are a waste of time and money in my experience. ---
**Author:** ![hase2000](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/hase2000/32/26149_2.png) [@hase2000](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/hase2000)\ **Post date:** [26 March 2025 14:34 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/key-snapped-in-lock-agency-wants-to-charge-me-for-a-whole-new-door/79972/22 "2025-03-26T14:34:27Z")
Thanks all, I decided to call a local locksmith to inspect - he was able to change the cylinder and gearbox for £160. Just goes to show it is worth getting a third opinion in this case! Thanks all for the advice. ---
**Author:** ![Mark10](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/mark10/32/11325_2.png) [@Mark10](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/Mark10)\ **Post date:** [26 March 2025 14:56 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/key-snapped-in-lock-agency-wants-to-charge-me-for-a-whole-new-door/79972/23 "2025-03-26T14:56:52Z")
Anything arranged by agent I would be suspicious of, seems evident here. Well done for going with your gut. ---
**Author:** ![Nilesh](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/nilesh/32/515_2.png) [@Nilesh](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/Nilesh)\ **Post date:** [26 March 2025 21:42 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/key-snapped-in-lock-agency-wants-to-charge-me-for-a-whole-new-door/79972/24 "2025-03-26T21:42:24Z")
Graphite from pencil better for locks. Any type of wet lubricant can lead to clogging of the mechanism. ---
**Author:** ![Colin3](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/colin3/32/450_2.png) [@Colin3](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/Colin3)\ **Post date:** [26 March 2025 21:48 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/key-snapped-in-lock-agency-wants-to-charge-me-for-a-whole-new-door/79972/25 "2025-03-26T21:48:55Z")
how do you get the pencil into the lock? ---
**Author:** ![Nilesh](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/nilesh/32/515_2.png) [@Nilesh](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/Nilesh)\ **Post date:** [26 March 2025 23:08 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/key-snapped-in-lock-agency-wants-to-charge-me-for-a-whole-new-door/79972/26 "2025-03-26T23:08:42Z")
Rub the pencil on the key. ---
**Author:** ![Karina5](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/karina5/32/17440_2.png) [@Karina5](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/Karina5)\ **Post date:** [27 March 2025 09:44 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/key-snapped-in-lock-agency-wants-to-charge-me-for-a-whole-new-door/79972/27 "2025-03-27T09:44:31Z")
I should add that the opinion has come from the supplier TO THE AGENCY, these suppliers pay a percentage to the introductory agent, so it’s very likely that it reflected in the amount. I’d be inclined to either 1) ask the tenant if he/she knows of locksmiths locally or 2) google it and send an independent there to have a look. I can’t imagine for one moment that a whole door is required so I agree with you. ---
**Author:** ![Colin3](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/colin3/32/450_2.png) [@Colin3](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/Colin3)\ **Post date:** [27 March 2025 16:02 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/key-snapped-in-lock-agency-wants-to-charge-me-for-a-whole-new-door/79972/28 "2025-03-27T16:02:23Z")
Drat it Now I have to get the pencil out of the keyhole. ---
**Author:** ![A\_Z](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/a_z/32/450_2.png) [@A\_Z](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/A_Z)\ **Post date:** [27 March 2025 16:04 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/key-snapped-in-lock-agency-wants-to-charge-me-for-a-whole-new-door/79972/29 "2025-03-27T16:04:06Z")
What density did you use Maybe an h rather than a b ??? ---
**Author:** ![Colin3](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/colin3/32/450_2.png) [@Colin3](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/Colin3)\ **Post date:** [27 March 2025 16:06 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/key-snapped-in-lock-agency-wants-to-charge-me-for-a-whole-new-door/79972/30 "2025-03-27T16:06:28Z")
you are right 4h .I should have drawn on your experience. ---
**Author:** ![A\_Z](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/a_z/32/450_2.png) [@A\_Z](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/A_Z)\ **Post date:** [27 March 2025 16:49 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/key-snapped-in-lock-agency-wants-to-charge-me-for-a-whole-new-door/79972/31 "2025-03-27T16:49:44Z")
ive never done it.. I don’t really understand how it works ---
**Author:** ![David79](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/david79/32/515_2.png) [@David79](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/David79)\ **Post date:** [27 March 2025 21:39 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/key-snapped-in-lock-agency-wants-to-charge-me-for-a-whole-new-door/79972/32 "2025-03-27T21:39:39Z")
> [@Colin3](#): > > Drat it Now I have to get the pencil out of the keyhole. You can’t erase a mistake like that Colin… you’ll have to sharpen up ! ---
**Author:** ![tatemono](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/tatemono/32/19789_2.png) [@tatemono](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/tatemono)\ **Post date:** [28 March 2025 10:15 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/key-snapped-in-lock-agency-wants-to-charge-me-for-a-whole-new-door/79972/33 "2025-03-28T10:15:45Z")
maybe then he’ll get the point and won’t be lead astray in the future. ---
**Author:** ![Brian7](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/brian7/32/450_2.png) [@Brian7](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/Brian7)\ **Post date:** [29 March 2025 06:42 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/key-snapped-in-lock-agency-wants-to-charge-me-for-a-whole-new-door/79972/34 "2025-03-29T06:42:03Z")
Based on your agents action - twice. I would be changing them ---
**Author:** ![Kathy2](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/kathy2/32/450_2.png) [@Kathy2](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/Kathy2)\ **Post date:** [26 April 2025 11:10 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/key-snapped-in-lock-agency-wants-to-charge-me-for-a-whole-new-door/79972/35 "2025-04-26T11:10:14Z")
Buy graphite lubricant powder in a bottle from locksmiths or good diy shops. Apply every 6 to 12 months onto key before inserting and turning in locks. ---
**Author:** ![Nilesh](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/nilesh/32/515_2.png) [@Nilesh](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/Nilesh)\ **Post date:** [27 April 2025 22:00 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/key-snapped-in-lock-agency-wants-to-charge-me-for-a-whole-new-door/79972/36 "2025-04-27T22:00:00Z")
I would recommend only doing that when it needs to be done. ---
**Author:** ![rabora555](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/rabora555/32/26149_2.png) [@rabora555](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/rabora555)\ **Post date:** [20 May 2025 13:24 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/key-snapped-in-lock-agency-wants-to-charge-me-for-a-whole-new-door/79972/37 "2025-05-20T13:24:59Z")
if im living far away from any local [locksmiths](https://www.locksmithscardiffdirect.co.uk) company, is there sum analogs for graphite powder? WD 40 maybe or somethings like that (i have local construction shop nearby and i dont see powder on their website) ---
**Author:** ![tatemono](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/tatemono/32/19789_2.png) [@tatemono](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/tatemono)\ **Post date:** [20 May 2025 16:08 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/key-snapped-in-lock-agency-wants-to-charge-me-for-a-whole-new-door/79972/38 "2025-05-20T16:08:36Z")
don’t use WD40, use silicon spray ---
**Author:** ![qourafun](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/qourafun/32/26149_2.png) [@qourafun](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/qourafun)\ **Post date:** [20 May 2025 17:56 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/key-snapped-in-lock-agency-wants-to-charge-me-for-a-whole-new-door/79972/39 "2025-05-20T17:56:36Z")
one more vote for silicon spray ---
**Author:** ![Kathy2](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/kathy2/32/450_2.png) [@Kathy2](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/Kathy2)\ **Post date:** [20 May 2025 18:16 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/key-snapped-in-lock-agency-wants-to-charge-me-for-a-whole-new-door/79972/40 "2025-05-20T18:16:50Z")
Google " graphite powder for locks" find many choices on amazon around £3 a bottle. Its like finely ground up pencil lead - graphite lubricant.silicon spray probably does a similar job, but not sure. [Previous page](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/key-snapped-in-lock-agency-wants-to-charge-me-for-a-whole-new-door/79972.md?page=1) [Next page](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/key-snapped-in-lock-agency-wants-to-charge-me-for-a-whole-new-door/79972.md?page=3)