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. A locksmith will be able to help replace your homes locks, the most common reasons a new locks will need to be fitted range from the following: 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.) The most common lock types usually found on residential/commercial properties are the below three types of door locks: 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: 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. 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) 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: 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: Aluminium shop front doors Timber multipoint door locks Key switches that operate roller shutters on business premises 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: 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. 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 There are many different sizes of locks, fitting an incorrectly sized euro cylinder can lead to point 3 below. 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 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. Cost will also depend on your location, time of day and branding of lock/cylinder. We recommend getting a range of quotes from your local MLA locksmith. All articles about 'Cost information' Attend a home with a jammed lock or where the customer is locked out Locked yourself out of the house or got a jammed lock? While it can be tempting to try to pick or fix a lock yourself, locksmith Paul Flanagan from AHL Locksmiths in Isleworth, Middlesex strongly advises against it. “Trying to pick or fix a lock yourself, or asking a well-meaning friend to help, usually causes further damage to the door, frame or lock,” says Paul.
“Most often, you won’t succeed in getting back into the house or fixing the lock, and you’ll be lumbered with the extra expense of further repairs.” How can I make it cheaper? Call a qualified and recommended professional, such as a locksmith from Which? You can fix a price and be sure you won’t be overcharged. “Crooked locksmiths offering emergency services often give vulnerable customers a cheap quote and then charge more once they complete the job,” says Paul. Never attempt to open a lock using a credit card as you will damage your card and fail to open the lock. This only works in the movies! Change a uPVC door lock unit, handle or cylinder “uPVC doors (plastic doors that are often double-glazed) have locks, handles and cylinders that look similar,” explains locksmith Paul, “but they’re actually all different sizes. Plus, some units are obsolete.” Don’t try to buy and change these parts yourself, as you may damage the door. Hire a trusted local locksmith to change the faulty uPVC door parts.
“Avoid using a double glazing company,” says Paul, “as some will insist on changing the whole door rather than the faulty part or mechanism.” Retailers will sell gladly sell you a uPVC door lock unit, handle or cylinder but may not refund your money if you unsuccessfully attempt to fit the part yourself. Change locks at a new property The biggest risk and expense is failing to change the locks when you move into a new property. If you get burgled and there is no sign of damage, your insurance company may refuse to pay because you neglected to secure your home. “This is a locksmithing job you can’t afford to neglect,” says Paul. If you have just moved in to a new home, consider installing a safe for valuable documents and items. “Avoid a costly burglary by changing at least one lock on external doors,” says Paul. A good locksmith will give you advice about what type of lock is most appropriate. Ask them to fit a lock that meets British Standard ‘BS 3261’.
Windows ought to be secured with key-operated locks in order to satisfy insurers. Read more about locks for different types of windows. Before , ask your insurer what ‘grade’ of lock they require. If the wrong lock is fitted, your insurance company could use it as a reason not to pay out in the event of a claim. Fix a jammed antique cabinet lock which will not lock or unlock “Often, I visit customers who have attempted to force the lock with a pair of pliers or a screwdriver,” says Paul. “This can cause extra damage to the lock.” Also, if the furniture becomes scratched or dented, there is the added expense of a cabinet maker to repair the damage. “A good locksmith can pick the lock very easily, without causing further damage to your antique cabinet,” says Paul. Call three locksmiths from Which? Trusted Traders and ask for a fixed price quote. Check the keys for all of the locks in your home, particularly antique keys. A damaged key will jam your lock, resulting in an unnecessary visit from a locksmith.”