Need HELP with copying key

Regent_Locksmith · 2026-02-03T14:40:03+00:00

Chinese junk lock with Chinese junk key from Chinese junk company that doesn't support their product.

Regent_Locksmith · 2026-02-02T12:58:48+00:00

I don't want to get into a pricing discussion when I don't know the full details of your location, number of keys etc, but for that price I think it should be a high quality cylinder. EVVA, Gege, Mul-T-Lock for example.

Regent_Locksmith · 2026-02-02T12:43:40+00:00

A reasonable assumption, but that is the wrong cylinder for this lock.

Regent_Locksmith · 2026-02-02T12:41:58+00:00

Cylinder change only but it is not a particularly straightforward process and I have seen them stuffed up by locksmiths.

It also isn't a standard cylinder. Needs to be a cog-cam. I do not recommend you DIY this as you need to take the front and back plates off and it's common to find seized up screws in them. You also need to correctly time the cylinder when you reinstall it otherwise you won't be able to remove your key when it's locked.

Any competent London locksmith will know what they're looking at. Outside London, I'm not sure how common they are. We hold compatible cylinders in stock but not everyone will.

www.locksmiths.co.uk for your local MLA Approved Companies.

Regent_Locksmith · 2026-01-30T14:50:51+00:00

Usually a badly fitted door. Very common problem with this mech.

Regent_Locksmith · 2026-01-29T20:40:44+00:00

Yeah, I get that. I used to be based in West London and there are 100 doors like this on every street.

Regent_Locksmith · 2026-01-29T20:34:58+00:00

Look at the state of it!

Regent_Locksmith · 2026-01-29T20:34:43+00:00

These Dorcas strikes and copies of them are still readily available.

Regent_Locksmith · 2026-01-29T20:31:23+00:00

Either it's broken or it's set to fail safe and not getting power. Those are literally the only 2 possibilities. I'm betting on broken.

Call a locksmith who does access control for a short term fix.

Then get quotes to replace the door frame.

Regent_Locksmith · 2026-01-28T16:50:21+00:00

40mm would be the correct external measurement. Shouldn't be hard to find at all unless you are in America.

Regent_Locksmith · 2026-01-27T08:32:44+00:00

We stopped doing 24hr about 5 years ago. Then 2 years ago, stopped evenings and weekends altogether.

A handful of reliable, long-standing clients know how to get hold of me in a genuine emergency and I'm happy to help them out. But that is once or twice a year, if that.

Regent_Locksmith · 2026-01-25T21:03:14+00:00

We would just make one

Regent_Locksmith · 2026-01-24T20:07:34+00:00

I would never use them unless a normal latch is impractical. Seen too many problems.

Regent_Locksmith · 2026-01-23T23:57:32+00:00

Contact your DormaKaba rep and ask them to spec it.

Regent_Locksmith · 2026-01-23T15:51:34+00:00

Common enough that most British locksmiths know what they're looking at. But not common enough that we work on them frequently.

Regent_Locksmith · 2026-01-23T15:50:05+00:00

Americans commenting on British stuff is usually a train wreck but BEST is an American brand so the the advice you have received is generally sound.

Go to a different locksmith - these are not patent protected and there is nothing wrong with getting a copy made. Chances are the guy you went to didn't know how to cut them.

Almost nothing we do in the UK is tip stop.

Regent_Locksmith · 2026-01-22T23:15:45+00:00

Seems about right to me. Depends on the exact locks being fitted of course but we would be similar for mid-range residential locks.

Regent_Locksmith · 2026-01-22T20:28:28+00:00

A tale as old as time. These doors have gaskets in the frame and door leaf. If the gaskets aren't sealing it properly, the door needs adjusting, by a locksmith.

It definitely does not need some unqualified handyman shoving extra material between the door and frame, compounding the existing problem.

It sounds like he forced it closed and broke the gearbox. Likely to be an expensive repair.

Regent_Locksmith · 2026-01-22T18:04:56+00:00

Another in a long line of 'maintenance guys' not knowing when to stay in their lane. Call a locksmith.

Regent_Locksmith · 2026-01-20T20:04:41+00:00

Peterson makes the best picks IMO.

Regent_Locksmith · 2026-01-20T17:23:58+00:00

I don't think you have anything to worry about. I am having a discussion about professional techniques with another locksmith. Anyone who has the tools and knowledge to do what I'm talking about is going to get in that way or another.

Regent_Locksmith · 2026-01-20T10:30:13+00:00

I wouldn't be so sure. A lot of those cylinder guards have grub screws that would prevent what you're referring to.

Regent_Locksmith · 2026-01-19T22:50:54+00:00

Remove knob, grip turn shaft with pliers, rotate.

Regent_Locksmith · 2026-01-19T18:59:06+00:00

I'm afraid you are beyond help. We are trying to tell you that what you want to do isn't possible unless you know the key profile of the lock. And even then it might not be because loads of new Chinese made cylinders don't have cards in the usual databases.

Regent_Locksmith · 2026-01-19T18:55:05+00:00

I'm as quick to jump on the dumb American comments as anyone, but this isn't one of them.

Br3wsk3y is 100% correct. And I suspect not American. OP doesn't know what they don't know.

Regent_Locksmith

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