Control knobs on hob or oven are stiff or difficult to turn.

Safety first: For gas taps, do not force a stiff control; this can cause leaks. Turn off gas and power before disassembly.

Steps to check:

• Remove knobs: Pull off the control knobs and clean the area around the spindle with a mild degreaser. Dry thoroughly.
• Check knobs: Inspect for cracks or distortion. Replace if they bind on the fascia.
• Gas tap lubrication: If a gas tap is stiff, it may need to be stripped and lubricated with approved gas tap grease by a Gas Safe engineer.
• Electric switches: For electric selector switches, stiffness may indicate internal damage; replace the switch if necessary.