A commercial customer in Weybridge called on a Friday afternoon because the key was stuck in the shutter-door lock just as they were preparing to close.
On the first inspection, the cylinder had overturned and trapped the key so it could not be removed.
The barrel was old and only standard security, so after discussing it with the customer I removed the failed cylinder and replaced it with a better-security alternative.
At that stage the gearbox still appeared to work, although it was clearly showing its age. I explained that it might need replacing sooner rather than later, but because it was operating we left it in service.
A couple of weeks later the customer called back after the same type of problem returned.
This time I replaced the gearbox as well.
After the second repair, the shutter-door locking system was operating properly again with both the newer cylinder and replacement gearbox in place.
