The Lock Doc

04/03/2026

I was called out for a routine lock job. While I was there, the owner mentioned an old writing box she had inherited from her grandmother.

She had owned it for fifteen years but never had a key and did not want to force it open.

I examined the lock and made a new key through the keyhole so the box could be opened without damage.

When the lock turned and we lifted the lid, inside were several old documents, including two university diplomas dated 1887 from an Irish university.

She was very pleased to discover them and to uncover a piece of her family history that had been hidden for a long time.

What started as a normal job turned into something quite special.

04/03/2025

**** SECURITY UPGRADE ****

I upgraded the security on an external door leading into the walled garden, which also serves as the main entrance to the house.

I replaced the existing mortice lock, which only offers six possible key combinations and isn't very secure, with a cylinder lock that provides at least 1,000 different key variations, greatly improving security.

Additionally, I installed a heavy-duty, lockable bolt higher up on the door, featuring a 20mm thick square bolt that locks into a steel receiver with a key from either side of the door.

The customer was so pleased with the results that they left me a glowing review on Google.

*****
"Colin was highly recommended to us by a friend, and he didn't disappoint! He replied promptly to our query, visited the property to discuss what we needed and both supplied and fitted the new, significantly more secure locks, as well as providing several copies of the new keys as we'd requested. We would have no hesitation in recommending him for his quick response and professional work."
*****

Get in touch if you would like to have a chat about your home security.

Siret: 889 802 823 00019
https://www.facebook.com/TheLockDocFrance
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 06 52 69 30 04

04/02/2025

I recently replaced several window locking bars in a 14th Château.

The original windows used wooden bars running the length of the frame, pivoting from the centre and locking behind an angled plate.

To enhance security and aesthetics, I supplied and fitted Cremone bolts with black and antique brass handles, carefully chosen to complement the period style of the newly refurbished château.

The owner was absolutely delighted with the look of the new retro bars.



Refurbished room images taken from https://www.chateaudebelet.com/

19/01/2025

Are you struggling to lock your UPVC or wooden window?

Is your window handle so hard to move that you cannot turn it all the way?

Do you have windows you cannot open anymore?

Are your windows out of alignment?

I can help resolve all your window lock problem with my simple "3 'R's" system



-align

Don't struggle with your window locks anymore. Call me and let's get your windows secure!

11/01/2025

** Car Roof Box Replacement Keys **
A few days ago, I was changing the front door lock for a couple, and they mentioned they were heading to Spain for a month or so. However, they had lost the keys to their car’s storage top box.

These boxes have two locks that work with the same key. I removed one of the locks, brought it back to my workshop, and carefully disassembled it. After identifying the correct blank, I hand-cut the grooves in the key to match the original lock.

I then made two additional copies of the key. Finally, I reinstalled the lock on the storage box, so they could securely lock their belongings before heading off on their holiday.

If you need replacement keys for your car roof box. get in touch, as I can show you how to remove the lock and post to me if not local :)

24/12/2024

15/12/2024

💪 Is Your Door Handle Challenging You to an Arm-Wrestling Match?

If you’re forcing your handle up so hard it feels like you're competing in a strongman contest just to lock your door, we need to talk! 🥵

The problem isn’t your strength (though, wow, impressive 💥); it’s your lock. Most door handles in France don’t have springs, so it’s actually the lock that’s struggling to keep things in place.

Still lifting the handle like a gym barbell? Slamming the door shut because it’s catching? If your door has turned into an uncooperative workout machine, it’s time for a fix! 💡

Keep this up, and you could seriously damage your lock—or worse, end up locked out altogether. Don’t let your door outmuscle you—get it realigned, repaired, or replaced before it goes full heavyweight champion. 🛠️🚪

Let me help you retire from the door-handle Olympics! Drop us a message today. 😄

11/12/2024

WOW What a Job!!!

Bespoke Château Internal Door Lock and Receiver Fitting

I was asked by a Château owner for a solution to lock an area for his private quarters.

The entrance was a limestone arch in the main entrance hall which had never had a door fitted. A joiner on site manufactured and fitted a bespoke door into the frame.

I supplied and fitted a euro mortice deadlock complete with a 95mm cylinder with an antique-style decorative plate (Escutcheon) in keeping with the rest of the Chateau.

As the arch stonework was uneven limestone the Châteauowner did not want a full-length piece of wood as it would look far too messy.

I cut a 45cm piece of wood thick enough to take the boxed receiver. I chamfered the edges and morticed in the box receiver. I stained the wood to match the door and fired the receiver to age it appropriately.

Then came the hard bit …

I cut into the stone (with a sharp wide wood chisel!) to fit the receiver evenly, so it would have the right gap all the way down with a flat surface to sit against.

To finish off, I sourced an unusual antique hinged pull-handle from a local Brocante, which I cleaned, waxed aged and fitted to the door close to the lock to pull the door into position to lock it.

I really enjoyed this job as it certainly put my skills to the test (got my grey matter working on all levels!) but loved every minute of it.

10/12/2024

I helped a family with their beautiful old grandfather clock.

A family heirloom made in Frodsham, Cheshire is also where the family was from and is now based in France. The key had been lost and they needed to open it to wind the clock and get it working again. I opened the lock and made a new key for them on-site.

It was such a lovely job to work on and made the whole family happy who happened to be home at the time (no pun intended 🤣)

02/12/2024

One of my latest jobs was on a lock for a lady struggling to turn the key because the keyhole and key were worn down with age.

I removed the lock and returned to my workshop, where I stripped, cleaned and refurbished inside and out.

I then made 3 new keys by hand, resetting the height of the cuts using blanks that had a thicker stem to take up the play in the keyhole.

This was a complete lock restoration enabling the original lock to be placed back onto the lovely historic front door.

10/11/2024

https://thelockdoc.fr/made-new-keys-for-a-glass-cabinet/

Made New Keys for a Glass Cabinet - Locksmith Services Dordogne

12/08/2024

Is your lock faulty?

- Do your handles droop, or does your door refuse to stay closed?

- Are you having to lift the handle just to close the door?

- Do you need to slam your door because it’s catching on the floor?

- Are you concerned about the security of your home?

- Do you find it difficult to lock or unlock your door, especially in hot or cold weather?

- Are you worried about potential damage to your door because your handle is hard to push up all the way?

If any of these sound familiar, your door may need realignment, or your lock might need repairing/replacing.

Call me and let's get your door and lock functioning as they should.

Colin Clarke - Locksmith - Siret: 889 802 823 00027

Call: 06 52 69 30 04
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://thelockdoc.fr/