Lock Change Services — New Cylinders, Deadlocks and Multipoint Locks
Changing the locks on your home or business is one of the most effective security improvements you can make. Whether you have recently moved into a new property, ended a tenancy, lost a key, or simply want to upgrade to a higher-security lock, our lock change service covers the full range of UK residential and commercial lock types. All work is priced upfront, and we carry a comprehensive stock of cylinders, deadlocks, and multipoint mechanisms in our vans.
When Should You Change Your Locks?
There are several situations where changing the locks is not merely advisable but essential:
- Moving into a new property — You have no way of knowing how many copies of the existing keys are in circulation. Previous owners, estate agents, tradespeople, and neighbours may all have keys to your new home. Changing the locks when you move in is basic security practice.
- End of tenancy — Landlords should change the locks between every tenancy. There is no way to verify that all keys issued to outgoing tenants have been returned. This is also an insurance requirement under many landlord policies.
- After a break-in — Any lock that has been forced is compromised and cannot be relied upon. Most insurers require forced locks to be replaced before cover continues.
- Lost or stolen keys — A lost key with a home address attached (such as a key fob with a loyalty card, or a key recovered with a wallet) means your property is at risk. Lock change is the only certain remedy.
- Relationship breakdown — Where a former partner or household member has keys and access is no longer authorised, an immediate lock change restores your security and legal control of the property.
- Security upgrade — Older locks — particularly the five-lever mortice locks fitted to Victorian and Edwardian properties before modern security standards existed — may not meet your insurer’s requirements. Upgrading to British Standard BS3621 cylinders or deadlocks often reduces home insurance premiums.
Types of Lock Change We Carry Out
Euro cylinder replacement is the most common lock change request. Most modern uPVC, composite, and timber doors have a euro cylinder (the barrel you turn with a key), which can be swapped out in around 15-20 minutes without changing the entire lock body. We can upgrade a standard cylinder to an anti-snap, anti-pick, anti-drill Ultion, Yale Platinum, or Mul-T-Lock equivalent cylinder. These snap-resistant cylinders are now required by most insurers and Sold Secure Diamond-rated alarm systems.
Mortice deadlock replacement is required for older timber doors with a separate keyhole below the door handle. We replace five-lever mortice deadlocks to British Standard BS3621 specification, which is the minimum required by most UK home insurers. We carry Chubb, Union, and ERA mortice locks in a full range of case sizes to fit the backsets and case dimensions found in UK housing stock from Victorian terraces to 1980s new-builds.
Rim lock and nightlatch replacement covers Yale-style surface-mounted locks, common on older front doors. We replace standard rim latches with high-security equivalents including Yale Superior and Banham products. For properties where a nightlatch is the primary lock, we also assess whether an additional mortice deadlock should be fitted to meet insurer requirements.
Multipoint lock mechanism replacement covers uPVC and composite doors that lock at multiple points up and down the door when the key is turned. Occasionally the entire mechanism needs replacement rather than just the cylinder. We carry the most common Maco, Winkhaus, Roto, and ERA multipoint mechanisms.
Key Cutting and Spare Keys
When we fit a new cylinder or lock, we will provide the number of keys specified on the order — typically two or three. If additional keys are required, we can cut extras at the same visit. All keys are cut from the manufacturer’s blank to ensure smooth operation.
British Standard and Insurance Compliance
Most UK home insurance policies require locks to meet British Standard BS3621. This standard covers deadlocks (mortice and rim) with a minimum of five levers, bolt-through construction, and a hardened steel bolt. Many policies also specify that euro cylinders must be anti-snap. Our engineers know the insurance requirements for the most common UK insurers and will confirm that the lock being fitted meets your policy requirements. We can provide a written confirmation of the locks installed on request.
Commercial Lock Changes
We carry out lock changes on commercial premises including shops, offices, industrial units, and multi-occupancy buildings. Commercial lock changes often involve master-key systems, high-security cylinders, or access control integration. We carry the most common commercial cylinder profiles including British Standard, Euro, and Oval, in Mul-T-Lock, ASSA Abloy, and Medeco specifications.
Pricing
Lock change prices depend on the lock type and the number of locks being changed. A single euro cylinder replacement typically starts from £49 for standard security and £79 for high-security anti-snap cylinders, including a new cylinder and two keys. Multi-lock jobs attract a per-lock discount. All prices are given upfront before work begins. There is no call-out fee.
Call 0330 341 4041 for a quote or to book a same-day lock change.
