Quick summary
The three usual culprits when a metal shutter will not open are the floor lock (jammed bolts or a worn cylinder), the axle springs (fatigued or snapped: the shutter feels twice as heavy) and the guides (an impact or a derailed slat). Do not force it between two people: if a spring has snapped, the curtain can drop. Send a photo of the shutter over WhatsApp and we confirm an urgent visit.
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The three culprits: lock, springs and guides
The floor lock accounts for most cases: rusted or bent bolts that stay engaged, or a worn cylinder that spins without moving them. Next come the axle springs: when one fatigues or snaps, the shutter feels twice as heavy and jams at half height. Finally the guides: a delivery-van knock, a loose screw or a derailed slat blocks the way up.
What to check in two minutes, without forcing
Try the key in both locks (many shutters have two and one gets locked by mistake). Check whether the bolts have fully cleared the floor. See whether the shutter rises evenly or one side lags. And listen: a metallic crack when trying to lift points to a snapped spring. With those four clues the technician arrives knowing which part to bring.
Why you must not force it between two people
A roller shutter works because the axle springs offset its weight: 60, 80 or over 100 kilos. If a spring has snapped and you muscle it up, the curtain can crash down at once. Forcing it up with the lock half-open also bends bolts and ruins the cylinder — turning a simple technical opening into replacing the lock and several slats.
Every hour closed is lost revenue: how to request urgent service
Treat the fault as what it is: a commercial emergency. Send over WhatsApp a photo of the whole shutter, another of the lock, the street where the shop is and what time you must open. With that we confirm the visit, prioritise businesses before opening time and, if the repair needs a part not in stock, we leave the premises closed and secure with a temporary solution.
When to call
Call if the key turns without engaging, the shutter rises a hand-span and jams, one side rises higher than the other, or the shutter suddenly weighs double. We prioritise businesses that must open to the public and give a fixed quote before starting.
Frequently asked questions
The key turns but the shutter will not open — what is it?
Either the cylinder is worn and spins without moving the bolts, or a bolt is bent and still anchored in the floor. In most cases a technician opens it without destroying the lock.
Can the shutter be opened without breaking anything?
Almost always. Technical opening of the lock and freeing the guides are non-destructive. Cutting or drilling is a last resort, and we always tell you first.
The shutter suddenly weighs a ton — what is it?
A fatigued or snapped axle spring. Do not muscle it up: the curtain can fall. It is a common, quick repair with the right parts.
Can you arrive before opening time?
We prioritise shops in Barcelona and the metro area first thing in the morning. Send the photo over WhatsApp with your opening time and we confirm the visit straight away.