Photo checklist (fastest way to identify)

Send what you can. The goal is simple: enough detail to match the key/cylinder correctly and avoid mis-orders.

Keys (both sides)
Sharp close-up of the blade and shoulder. Include any head markings or codes.
Cylinder / lock face
Front view showing the keyway and any markings. If it’s on a door, include a wider shot for context.
Door edge + lock case
If relevant, show the door edge, lock case, and hardware type. Helps avoid mismatches.
Environment shot
If coastal/marine: show exposure (spray, salt air, standing water). This informs spec choices.
Any existing documentation
Key register, cylinder schedule, old invoices, or even a hand-drawn door list.
Where the parts need to go
Port/shipyard/agent/direct-to-vessel + the deadline. This changes what “safe fast” looks like.

Common situations (and the safest next step)

Identification is the “unblocker”. Once we know what you have, the next step becomes obvious.

You only have one key (and it’s worn)

We can still usually identify it. Worn keys are a signal to consider spares and cylinder condition.

You have a cylinder but no keys

Start with cylinder photos and any markings. Then we can advise replacement or rekey options.

The vessel departs soon

We focus on the quickest safe route: identify, decide containment level, then ship to the right receiver.

You inherited an unknown suite

If there’s uncertainty about what opens what, identification is the first step before any changes.

If you inherited an unknown suite

If you’re unsure what opens what, resist the urge to “change things and see”. Identification + controlled process prevents accidental lockouts and long-term drift.

What happens after identification

Once the hardware is known, we can choose the right fix level and get parts moving on a route that matches your reality.

1) We identify what you have

We confirm the key/cylinder type from photos and any markings, and sanity-check compatibility.

2) We choose the right “fix level”

Key replacement vs selective rekey vs higher-impact containment-based on exposure and deadline.

3) We plan delivery properly

Port/shipyard/agent/direct delivery, with clear receiver details to prevent delays.

4) We recommend spares if it makes sense

Spare keys/cylinders are cheap compared to the cost of an overseas emergency.

Where are you receiving parts?

Choosing the right delivery route avoids delays. These pages reflect common receiving patterns.

Relevant environments

Different environments change what “fast” and “safe” look like.

View all industries

Want us to identify it quickly?

Email clear photos of the key (both sides) and the cylinder face, plus the deadline and where parts need to go. We’ll confirm what you have and recommend the safest next step.

Prefer to talk?

Phone: 01296 752080
Email: info@lockandkey.co.uk

Vessel departing soon? Urgent vessel rekey