Should I, Can I Fit My Own Door Lock?

We will cover if you should fit your own door lock, along with a example of lock incorrectly fitted that would leave the lock at risk of lock snapping.

There’s nothing to stop you fitting your own door lock BUT the question really is “should you”?

What Door Lock Do I need?

Fitting and replacing a door lock you will have to know the below:

• The correct type of lock
• Correct size
• Does it meet your insurance requirements
• Is it fitted correctly?

Research has proved that staff at DIY superstores don’t have the required technical knowledge to provide advice required.

Confused about what door lock you have? see our types of door lock guide here we cover the main locks you will find in the home.

Secret Shopper reveals DIY stores don’t ask basic questions

We performed an exercise sending secret shoppers into a range of large DIY stores and were not surprised to see that in a lot of cases not even the most basic of questions were asked by the staff.

Example of an incorrectly fitted lock

Below is an example of lock for the front door has not been installed correctly, leaving the lock prone to lock snapping.

This is an actual cylinder fitted by a so-called “locksmith”

Fit a Door Lock capable to prevent Lock Snapping

There are numerous standards that relate to locks; EN1303, BS3621, BS8621, BS10621,TS0071 & 3 star, Kitemark, PAS3621, SS312 Diamond etc.

Find out how to tell if you have BS3621 locks in your home here our guide also covers what this popular standard of lock is.

How are you expected to know what you need, and just as importantly what your insurance stipulates you need in order to be covered?

Remember some Cylinder Locks are prone to a crime on the rise known as  “lock snapping” / “cylinder snapping“, an MLA Locksmith will be able to help and give advice on fitting the correct standard Euro Cylinder lock to prevent lock snapping.

Standard cylinder lock

Avocet ABS Anti-Snap Cylinder Lock 

Fitting your own Door Lock yourself is not advised

Your property not only keeps the most important thing in your world, your family and loved ones, safe, but what about all your possessions?

Do you really want to keep all this safe and secure with a bit of DIY? Bit of a hope and a prayer?

Incorrectly specified and/or fitted locks are pretty much useless so the best bet is to get advice from a specialist locksmith, as you do not want any security issues to arise.

To have your locks changed and fitted by a vetted locksmith, click here to find a MLA locksmith local to you.

Further Reading

• Locksmith Price Guide – Advice on locksmith pricing & costs
• Why use an MLA Approved Locksmith
• How to tell you have BS3621 Locks – British Standard locks explained