Unfortunately, our cars often decide to give up on us when we need them the most. One of the most common inconveniences is when the ignition key doesn’t turn. If this happens to you, the best thing to do is stay calm, in order to avoid causing further damage. Here are 5 simple ways to fix an ignition key that won’t turn, from purchasing a car key replacement to checking the steering wheel.

How Does an Ignition Key Work?

For most modern cars, ignition keys are symmetrical in their shape, so that drivers can insert them into the ignition either way round for greater ease. When the key is turned in its slot, a set of tumblers in the ignition are forced into a specific arrangement, enabling the key to rotate. The circuit then provides power to the starter motor, typically through a computer chip, which ultimately starts the engine by allowing the current to flow through the ignition system.

5 Ways To Fix An Ignition Key That Won’t Turn

1. Try Turning The Steering Wheel 

The problem may not be with your ignition key at all - the steering wheel locking may be the thing causing issues.

Many steering wheels are designed to lock once the key has been removed from the ignition cylinder, resulting in the wheel sticking in one position. Try gently turning the steering wheel from right to left, while simultaneously turning the key carefully in the ignition. If this fails, try rocking the wheel instead, all while wiggling the key gently. Once the key turns, the steering wheel will unlock itself.

2. Wiggle The Key In The Ignition

Without touching the steering wheel, you can also try to gently wiggle the key inside the lock, in order to help enable the current to flow. Be careful when doing this - don’t apply too much force or pressure as this could result in further damage. By jiggling the key in the ignition, you may be able to free any slight destruction caused to the lock wafers that’s resulting in the key not turning.  

3. Try Lubricating The Lock

The issue may be with the lock itself, as opposed to the key. Try to lubricate the lock - this will help to release any dirt particles that are preventing the key from turning. A silicone-based lubricant is recommended, as these lubricants prevent dirt from building up and causing the same issue in the future.

Spray the lubricant into the lock, wiping away any excess that leaks out. Then, insert your key and turn it. If the key doesn’t turn, you can try gently wiggling it like in the previous step. Try adding more lubricant if this is still not successful.

Debris in the lock may not be the problem if this step doesn’t work after several minutes.

4. Check The Gear Shift Or Battery

A simple solution to getting the ignition key to turn may be as easy as checking the gear shift. In automatic cars, the ignition key won’t turn in the lock if it’s not parked or in neutral. Gently move the gear shift from side to side to check its fully in position, before trying to turn the key.

It’s also worth checking if the battery is dead in your car, as cars with more modern and innovative ignition systems won’t enable the driver to turn the key if the battery has gone. Although a dead car battery can be a frustrating issue, it’s also a very simple one to solve.

5. Get A New Car Key

If the above ways of fixing your ignition key don’t work for you, it may mean the key itself is broken. This problem can be fixed by getting either a car key replacement, or by getting your existing key repaired. It’s always a good idea to have a spare car key cut, so you can keep it on hand as an extra, just in case.

If you’re looking for the best type of cam lock to suit your needs, or simply want to know more about how they work, you’re in the right place. Here’s your extensive guide to cam locks.

What Are Cam Locks?

Cam locks are one of the most popular types of locks used, due to being both simple and affordable to use. The cam lock consists of two parts – a metal plate, called the cam, and a barrel, typically 20mm in length. The cam is attached to the edge of the barrel, and ultimately rests inside whatever it is you are locking, whereas the barrel rests on the outside. The barrel’s threaded body means that nuts can be used to secure them on to sections of furniture. From lockers to pedestal cabinets, cam locks provide great security, giving peace of mind at a great price.

How Do Cam Locks Work?

Cam locks work by turning a key that has been inserted into the lock-face either 90 or 180 degrees clockwise, which rotates the cam as the key is turned. The cam latch is secured on the inside of whatever it is you are locking, rotating as you lock and unlock the device. In order to unlock, the cam lock unlatches itself once the key is turned anti-clockwise, ultimately opening whatever piece of furniture the device is on.  

What Are Cam Locks Used For?

There are many different types of furniture that cam locks are used for, with different reasons as to why we may wish for possessions and valuables to be kept safe and secure. One of these reasons includes ensuring that items are not only kept protected, but available to certified personnel only, so that unauthorised individuals can’t get to specific pieces of equipment or apparatus.

For instance, cam locks are used for securing panels that hold electrical items, as well as being fitted onto display cabinets, doors and windows. Cam locks are also particularly popular in workplace environments, used for office cabinet locks, filing cabinets, lockers and desk drawers that hold confidential and important records.    

How Do You Install A Cam Lock?

One of the many reasons as to why cam locks are so popular is because they’re really easy to install. There aren’t any specialist tools or equipment needed, as the locks are typically secured with either a horse-shoe clip or a fixing nut. Alternatively, cam locks can sometimes be fitted with a snap-in fix, making it even easier to install.

How Do You Open A Cam Lock Without The Key?

Keys are needed to open cam locks, which is what makes them so secure. They can also work with master key systems, which is useful for lockers and cabinet locks in schools for example, when multiple people need access.

If using a key isn’t the approach for you, there are other variations of the lock available such as coin return locks and digital locks, where a key is not needed.

Can You Undo Cam Locks?

At some point you may want to move or undo your cam lock and fix it to another piece of furniture - this is easily done.

How you undo a cam lock will depend on how you secured it in the first place. If screws were used, you simply need to remove the screws once the lock is open, using a screwdriver. If a clip was used to fix the cam lock onto the furniture, a flat-headed screwdriver can be used to pry the clip away, pulling the bolt tab off the rear of the lock.

What Types of Cam Locks Are There?

Due to their popularity, there are different variations of cam locks available including RPT cam locks and combination cam locks. Combination cam locks can provide added security and protection to your belongings, needing a digit code (usually 3 or 4 digits) to unlock them, often with a key override.

The well-being of our customers and colleagues remains paramount and throughout the pandemic we have been following Government advice and best practice to keep our community safe.

Our Premises will remain open during this third national lockdown and we will continue to provide products and services from our E-commerce website and our Wickford based Trade counter.

Social distancing measures are in place as well as a strict one-way system, all necessary PPE equipment is available to both staff and customers. Hand sanitiser and hand washing facilities are regularly maintained and are readily available.

Cabin hooks are an incredibly useful addition to any doorway or storage unit; they provide a stylish and effective way of keeping doors closed (or open!). They are available in a range of sizes and finishes, providing a multitude of décor options, whether they’re installed on French doors, cupboards or outdoor areas such as sheds and garden gates.

In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about cabin hooks, including why you may want to consider adding them to your home.

What Is a Cabin Hook?

Cabin hooks are small hook locks that contain an eye catch. They are used to hold doors and gates open, or to keep them closed.

Cabin hooks can be plated with numerous finishes, including chrome, nickel and brass. No matter what finish, cabin hooks tend to always hold a rustic and traditional look, making them perfect to use in traditional farmhouses or country estates.

How Do Cabin Hooks Work?

Simple yet efficient, cabin hooks contain two separate pieces – a metal hook and an eye catch plate. The hook is usually fitted onto the door frame, while the eye catch is fitted to the door, or vice versa.

In terms of mechanisms, the hook swings over towards the eye catch to secure the door open or closed.

When you purchase a cabin hook, it will come with a set of screws so you can quickly and easily install it. These hooks can be installed at any level, whether it’s above a key lock or right at the top of a door.

What Are Cabin Hooks Used For?

Cabin hooks are typically used for windows, doors and gates, to stop them from swinging open or closed. They are popularly used on French doors to keep them open during the warmer months.

What Is A Silent Cabin Hook?

Silent cabin hooks work in the same way as traditional cabin hooks but they are typically used for heavy-duty applications, as they have a tighter-fitting hook and eye. This minimises the risk of movement and therefore sound, which is why they are referred to as silent cabin hooks.

Silent cabin hooks are ideally suited to areas where you want to restrict the movement of a door or gate but want something more aesthetically-pleasing than a standard bolt. As with classic hook and eye locks, silent cabin hooks are available in various sizes and arm lengths, as well as in different finishes to blend in with décor styles.

How Do You Install A Cabin Hook?

The beauty of cabin hooks is in their simplicity; they’re easy to install as well as use.

The first decision you need to make is the placement of your cabin hook and eye. They can be installed at any height - from close to ground if you’re using them to keep doors open, or at eye level if you’re using them as a door lock. There are no rules - it’s all a matter of personal preference.

Once you’ve decided where you want the hook and eye to be, mark where it will sit with a pencil – ensure that it is level when you’re positioning it and make sure that there’s sufficient space between the arm of the hook and the eye plate so that it can be hooked over easily. A tape measure can be useful here to make sure the length of the gap is adequate.

When you’ve double checked that everything has been marked properly and is level, mark the positioning of the screw holes for the hook and screw in the fixings.

In Summary

Cabin hooks are aesthetically-pleasing and inconspicuous, serving as a great alternative to bolts, which can look out of place in certain applications. Cabin hooks are easy to fit, whether you’re a DIY amateur or an expert, and they add a subtle charm to doors, windows and outdoor spaces.

When it comes to securing your home, you might be surprised to learn that you’re making some common mistakes. Read on to discover five of the biggest security fails that can put your home at great risk.

1. Hiding Keys Under the Doormat

It might have worked ‘back in the day’, but hiding a key under your doormat provides an easy way for burglars to gain access to your home. It’s an obvious spot that burglars will look at immediately, so you might want to find a more creative place to store your spare keys.

The further from your house the key is hidden, the better. It’s a good idea to disguise the hiding place so that it’s not obvious what is stored there. For example, using a fake rock that is immersed within real rocks can be a great place to hide a key so that it’s invisible to everyone but you. Or, for guaranteed protection, you could use a key safe to store a spare key. Only those who know the locking combination will be able to access it.

2. Not Changing Your Locks

Getting handed the keys to your property is an amazing feeling, but you could be leaving it at risk of a break-in if you don’t switch the locks soon after you move in. You don’t know who has a spare key to your home if you keep the original locks, so getting replacement locks in place will give you added peace of mind.

3. Posting Too Much Information Online

It’s understandable that you’ll be excited about taking trips or going away on holiday, but if you’re posting about it to all your social media channels, you could be providing an open invitation for break-ins. Posting online lets people know when you’re not going to be home, making your property prime real estate for burglars.

Social media may feel like a safe space to share your whereabouts, but remember that it’s not only your friends and family that can see your posts – it’s also friends of friends who might be looking for a target. In order to keep your property safe from unwanted access, make sure that you’re careful about what you post and don’t give too many details about when you’re going to be away from your home.

4. Relying on Static Lights

For a lot of people, outdoor lighting serves as a solution to their home security requirements. It feels like a suitable deterrent to have a light that is either switched on at the end of the day or that is set to a timer in the evening. But while these lights are great for brightening up your outdoor space, it can also create pockets of shadows that are perfect for hiding behind.

Motion sensors are a better solution as they are triggered by movement, so they can scare intruders away when they suddenly switch on. They also save energy as they aren’t on all the time. These lights, when combined with secure locks and other security measures, will help to keep burglars away from your home.

5. Leaving Signals Like Packages and Post for Intruders

Whether it’s because you’ve gone away on holiday or because you work long hours during the day, it can be easy for post and packages to build up outside your home. These are little details that we don’t think twice about but a potential intruder will see this as evidence that you’re not home, making your property a target for a break-in.

It’s also a common misconception that break-ins and robberies don’t take place during the daytime - a lot of thieves actually take advantage of the fact that houses are empty during daylight hours. So, before you head off for your day, make sure that you have your alarm system on, the doors and windows are locked securely, and that you have some sound on inside (like a radio) to deter intruders.

It’s also a good idea to ask a neighbour to take in parcels if you’re going to be away for long periods of time to prevent them from building up outside. This not only prevents people from seeing that no-one is home, but it also keeps your parcels and letters safe, too.

Conclusion

Keeping your home safe is of paramount importance, but it’s the little mistakes that can often lead to us being caught out. From being careful about when and how often you post about your life to making sure your locks are secure, there are several ways to stay one step ahead of intruders.