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Hi there , hopefully someone on here can advise on this problem one of my housemates snapped they key in our patio door then replaced the barrel with one that is 2 short , he closed the door pulled up the handle and it locked fine but the key will only turn back the other way a little bit like shown in the picture, if I drill the lock will that enable it to turn?

The problem probably has nothing to do with the cylinder being too short. But rather the cam being a different size.
If it is what i think it is, drilling won't solve your problem. Snapping may be a better option. But i suggest you call a locksmith.

Ok thanks , I’ll try and snap it with molegrips then and if that fails it will have to be the locksmith

or is it simply part of the key bow snagging on the handle plate, in which case a little filling will fix it

viewtopic.php?f=96&t=11453&hilit=hOPPE
Had a similar situation awhile back, maybe try removing the trim to see if its possible to shift the cylinder to where the cam rotates correctly.
Good luck.

It is not an incorrect size cam, it's the only thing thats a standard size on euro locks.

Take the handles off, see if cylinder is loose, gently tap from one side and try key, tap in from other side and try key.

Either cylinder wasn't aligned properly when fitted,
Cylinder holding screw wound in too tight with battery drill,
Handles tightened up too tight,

Two things to note, that's either a second hand cylinder or this hasn't been done recently as that cylinder is old and secondly sterling is probably the cheapest and shittest lock you could buy, it is very possible the cylinder has just failed especially if youre using poorly cut key copies.

Call a locksmith, get that removed and somthing insurance worthy fitted. I would charge 95 for that job.

Thanks for that , the barrel is very loose so going to give it a try when I get home

It worked thank you , it only took a couple of taps on one side

Now tighten your lock retaining screw up