FIND A LOCKSMITH
To find a locksmith near you to change, fit or replace your door locks
Please enter your postcode or location in the search box below.
If you are thinking about changing or replacing door locks ( or window ) on your house/apartment/flat/bungalow or new business premises than a MLA approved locksmith will be able to assist you in fitting a replacement lock. Should you have just moved in a new home the first thing you should do is change your door locks. You may also want to upgrade your locks to comply with insurance standards or need to replace the locks due to damage.
Changing & Replacing Door Locks
Common Reasons For This
- Moved into a new home/flat/apartment or changed business address and need to retain key authority.
- Locks require upgrading for insurance reasons (for example your insurance may stipulate that locks have to be British Standard 3621) or for peace of mind.
- Lost key or someone has a key that should not.
- Lock is beginning to be unreliable and can be difficult to operate. (Usually either worn or faulty.)
What Type of Door Lock Do You To Replace or Change?
The most common lock types usually found on residential/commercial properties are the below three types of door locks:
1. Nightlatch (often referred to as a Yale type lock)
For this type of door lock, even though there are many different types of nightlatch, and different back sets / dimensions, the same principal in most cases applies.
- Pull or ‘slam’ door shut (door is latch locked) and requires a key to open from outside
- On the inside the latch part of the lock is retracted usually by operating a small lever or handle.
- Used on front/back and other entrance doors
Leading manufacturers of Nightlatch locks:
A Nightlatch
2. Mortice style lock
This type of lock is normally fitted into the door and is usually operated by a longer brass or silver flag type key with teeth on the end in a symmetrical pattern.
- Ranges in security usually ranging between 2 lever and 5 lever British Standard.
- This standard is preferred by insurance companies as it means the lock has been tested against popular types of attack for a certain period of time. Which should ensure your property or business is secure if attacked.
Mortice Sash Lock
If you have handles on your mortice style lock this lock type is referred to as a sash lock, the handles operate the latch on the lock which keeps the door shut when pushed or pulled closed)
Mortice Deadlock
A deadlock does not have a handle and is always operated by a key, opened from one of both sides by key.
Leading manufacturers of Mortice locks:
- Union (formally Chubb)
- Yale
- Era
- Asec
- Securefast
A Mortice Lock
3. Euro Lock Cylinder
This type of lock is extremely popular and found on many different types of door locks and security applications.
Common door types a euro lock cylinder is found on:
- UPVC
- Aluminium shop front doors
- Timber multipoint door locks
- Apartment doors
- Key switches that operate roller shutters on business premises
- and much more.
Euro locks come in an array of sizes and security levels and different finishes to suit application and hardware fitted or required.
Advantages of Euro profile cylinder locks
- The sometimes have a thumbturn on the inside so exiting the property in a emergency is easy and can be done without a key.
- These locks can also be keyed alike to suit (1 key works all locks if required.)
Leading manufacturers of Euro locks:
- Era
- Yale
- Asec
- Evva
- Union
- Mul-T-Lock
- Avocet/ABS
- Brisant
- Federal
Euro Profile Lock Cylinder
Can I Fit The Lock Myself?
Fitting and changing any type of lock yourself is a risky thing to do, especially as you could inadvertently be putting your property at risk of burglary if you fit the wrong lock or fit the right lock incorrectly.
1. There Is Not Just One Standard Of Lock
There any many standards of locks ( EN1303, BS3621, BS8621, BS10621, TS0071 & 3 star, Kitemark, PAS3621, SS312 Diamond ) – so you need to know what these means, what minimum requirement your insurance requires and whether or not you want to go for a higher level for peace of mind
Sold Secure SS312 Diamond Standard
Kitemark 3 Star (TS007)
2. Not Just One Size of Lock
There are many different sizes of locks, fitting an incorrectly sized euro cylinder can lead to point 3 below.
3. Incorrectly Fitted Lock Can Lead to Lock Snapping
Fitting a Euro Cylinder incorrectly can lead to your lock being vulnerable to ‘lock snapping’. We recommend finding out which is the most secure lock cylinder in order to prevent becoming a victim of this crime.
Find a Local Locksmith now
to help change, replace & install new locks
How much does it cost to change the locks??
The price a locksmith charges will vary between various locksmiths this is due to there being no governing body for locksmiths, so there is no price structure that locksmiths have to follow.
The price will depend on:
1. Where you live
2. The time of day you need the job completing
3. The manufacturer of lock/cylinder you require changing. We recommend getting a range of quotes from a MLA locksmith in your area.
External Resources
- Door & Window Lock Standards Explained – Secured by Design
