When a key will not turn
Stop before the key bends or breaks. A key that will not turn can involve the key, cylinder, door alignment or a different operating condition, so describe the behavior rather than forcing it.
Record what changed
Is this the correct key, and did it work before? Did the problem begin suddenly or become gradually worse? Tell the locksmith whether a known working spare behaves the same way. A newly made copy that never worked is a different starting point from an original that recently began catching. Keep the affected key available and do not file or reshape it before it can be assessed.
Separate a door lock from an ignition
For a property lock, say whether the door is open or closed and whether the handle and latch work normally. Do not close a currently open door just to recreate a fault that could lock you out. For a vehicle ignition, provide the year, make and model and follow its normal operating instructions. Avoid applying a generic ignition technique or an unapproved lubricant.
Ask about the correct next work
A replacement key may help a key problem, but will not correct every cylinder or alignment fault. If part of the key breaks, stop and retain the loose piece. Related requests may be lock repair, ignition lock repair or broken key extraction. Explain whether you need urgent authorized entry as well as the underlying repair, since these are separate parts of the request.
Arrange the next step
Tell WVC Locksmith what the key does, where the lock is and whether you still have access. Useful observations can narrow the assessment without risking another broken key. Confirm the proposed work and charges before authorizing a repair or replacement.