

Is your cylinder wobly? We are here to help quickly! A wobbly cylinder is unsightly, annoying and it makes you question how secure your door is. It’s when you put your key in the metal component and notice some side-to-side cylinder movement. It not only looks and feels tacky, but can compromise security if it’s more than a normal bit of play room. A tiny amount of cylinder wobble can be fine, but it shouldn’t be noticeable. If you’re seeing and feeling cylinder movement, it’s a problem.
Luckily, it’s easily corrected. Call us and we’ll have someone out to you within 30 minutes – no booking required. Once we inspect your cylinder rotation and ensure perfect alignment, the slight rotational movement will disappear – along with your worries.
Get in touch today if you’re concerned about cylinder wobble and looking for a locksmith in your location, or read on to find out what causes this kind of movement in your lock and how much cylinder wobble is a problem.
A small amount of cylinder movement in a door lock can happen over time because of natural wear and tear. Other common causes include vibration, poor installation and damage to the cylinder chamber. You might also be noticing end shake, which is the slight in-and-out movement of the lock cylinder inside its frame.
Both end shake and a little wobble from your cylinder can happen even when components are perfectly aligned. But if we’re talking about end shake where there’s a visible in-and-out movement happening when you pull and push the key, it’s almost certainly worn or loose, and in need of replacing or fixing.
Don’t leave your home security to chance. If there’s even a little wobble, let us take a look before it becomes a bigger problem. We emphasise quality and speed in our service because we know issues like this can play on your mind. Our locksmiths will get to you fast and prepared.

In terms of how much movement is normal, a little play is fine. One-to-two millimetres of end shake helps the cylinder move around freely without getting stuck. Even with perfect alignment, you can expect to feel the tiniest wobble if you pay attention.
But if you’re noticing a significant wobble without applying much force, that’s probably not intentional play room – there’s likely an issue with the accuracy or alignment of parts. It could be an issue with the installation or it could be the lock itself, particulary if it’s of the cheap mass production variety.
If your end shake is severe enough that you’ve arrived on this page, joined a forum community or looked at our image gallery, the cylinder almost certainly out of position and in need of a fix. Get in touch today and we’ll have someone out to your location within the hour to ensure the alignment is accurate.
A bit of rotational movement in your cylinder, also called end shake, is correct when locking and unlocking doors. This play room is something installers measure and allow for so it can rotate smoothly. It’s difficult to measure at what point it becomes a cause for concern. In a nutshell, when it rotates past its normal range – which is when you can see and feel it without applying force – it’s a problem.
It’s usually easy to correct and make your cylinder stop moving. Our locksmiths will tighten and replace parts so it sits perfectly aligned and works how it did fresh out of the factory. Get in touch today and we’ll give you an approximate quote over the phone and a full quote upon inspecting the issue.
If you’re sure there’s an issue with your lock or cylinder but don’t know what to do, rest assured, we can help – and fast. Chelsea Locksmith London can fix most issues within 24 hours, but if it’s an emergency, we’ll be there within the hour.
Besides arriving fast and prepared, we’ll provide you with the most competitive quote in London, whether you need a repair, replacement cylinder or you’re locked out. We also offer free expert advice on the best locks and security options for your home to ensure complete peace of mind.
We stock all the best and most popular types of locks. Every lock we install is measured and fitted with care to guarantee a perfect fit. The quality of installation matters most when it comes to security and smooth operation.
Chelsea Locksmith London takes care of every detail, whether you’re upgrading your home security or replacing a worn mechanism.
Deadbolts are generally thought to be the best kind of locks you can buy for doors. They’re incredibly strong and resistant to tampering thanks to their solid bolt that goes all the way into the door frame once locked. We replace and install deadbolts that lock cleanly into the strike plate, tightening every bolt and adjusting each notch so there’s no excessive end shake and wobble.
These locks are some of the most commonly used in the UK, as they provide great protection, are versatile and are quick and easy to install and replace. Our installers can remove, measure and fit cylinders quickly, ensuring they fit neatly into the frame to reduce unwanted movement.
If you’ve been scrolling through online forums on the search for DIY cylinder fixes, remember, they’re easy to install for pros, but not necessarily for newbies. You’ll always get a better repair from an expert than you can manage on your own.
Rim locks and night latches are common on wooden doors. They latch neatly into the frame and are simple and convenient to use. When turning the key, you’ll feel the precise engagement between the index finger and the latch handle, always smooth, controlled, and secure.
Our locksmiths often review manufacturer updates, forums and related threads to stay informed on modern lock standards. Some of our experts also post regularly and are some of the most popular forums top contributors.
A traditional choice for British homes, mortise locks sit deep inside the door, locking directly into the frame. We measure each cavity to ensure the new lock body sits neatly aligned, with no gaps or wiggling components.
Don’t waste hours scrolling through a forum community dedicated to DIY lock fixes. Let an expert handle it. Whether your cylinder feels loose, misaligned, or completely worn, our locksmiths will repair or replace it fast.
Every cylinder we fit is measured, built and secured with precision to keep your property safe. Call us at anytime – we’re open 24 hours. We also provide an emergency call-out service when you’re locked out. Give us a call and we’ll be there within 30 minutes.
No, you shouldn’t use WD-40 on locks. It’s not designed to be used as a long-term lubricant and can make the issue worse by attracting dust and causing stickiness.
There are lubricants available that are specially made for locking mechanisms, using chemicals like graphite and Teflon in powder and spray form. These protect your cylinder from dirt and corrosion, making them a good choice for some applications.
But most of the time, it’s not lubrication a lock needs, but cleaning. A clean cylinder will operate smoothly while a dirty one might stick and wobble.
Every job is different, so we need to take a look before we can provide an accurate quote. We can offer a general quote over the phone but for a precise quote we need to know the location, lock type and problem. But, we promise to never add any hidden charges or fees. What we quote is what you’ll pay.
Chelsea Locksmith London is the best company for whatever your locksmith needs may be. Anytime you need a security expert, we are here to provide the best service for your locked doors. We can also supply and fit any type of lock for your property. Get in touch 24 hour!