One of the most common things a locksmith gets asked to do is lock replacement, changing and fitting.
There are many reasons why you may require this service.
You might be thinking of replacing or upgrading your door or window locks at home or work to enhance your security.
Your locks may have been damaged or have become faulty after years of use with no servicing or maintenance.
You might have moved into a new home and want the peace of mind of knowing that you have the only set of keys.
Or you might even need to upgrade your locks to comply with your insurance requirements.
Whatever your reason, if you’re looking for lock replacement, changing and fitting, a professional locksmith will be able to save you the time and hassle of doing it yourself.
Door Lock Replacement & Fitting
There are many different types of doors and locks that might need upgrading, changing or replacing. These include:
- Mortice
- Cylinder rim (Yale)
- Euro cylinder
- Anti-snap
- uPVC, garage or patio door
- smart, electronic or keyless
- BSI
First things first, it’s essential to know which type of lock you need changing and what to look for. The advice you get from a professional locksmith is invaluable in helping you to make the right decision and choose the right lock for your needs.
Here is a rundown of the most common door locks and when you should use them:
BS3621 Standard Locks
Many insurers require locks to conform to BS3621 standards. To check whether yours do, look out for the BSI kitemark symbol on the faceplate of the lock. If it doesn’t conform to BS3621, it might be time to think about upgrading.
BS3621 locks are good quality, theft-resistant locks that are usually fitted to external exit doors to provide a decent level of security.
They are usually used with timber doors and doorframes.
Mortice lock and cylinder rim locks are both made to BS3621 standards and are widely available.
At Gray Locksmiths Derby, we would always recommend choosing these locks for any ground floor exit doors.
Mortice Locks
Mortice locks are one of the most popular types of lock on the market. They are embedded into the door and can be opened only with the correct key.
They are usually found on back doors but can also be fitted to front doors along with a cylinder rim, or Yale, lock to provide added security.
Mortice locks come in two forms. A deadlock has a keyhole and a bolt, while a sash lock has a bolt, latch and a handle on either side.
You can get mortice locks with two, three, five or seven lever mechanisms. Generally speaking, the more levers a lock has, the more difficult it is to pick and the more secure it will be. Only mortice locks with five or seven levers meet the British Standard.
Cylinder rim (Yale) locks
Cylinder rim locks automatically lock when you shut your door and require a key to open it from the outside. They are also known as Yale locks because that is the most popular brand on the market.
They are fitted to the surface of the door and mounted on the inside of the door with a cylinder connecting to the keyhole on the exterior.
They offer additional protection and security to any door, especially when fitted in combination with a separate mortice lock.
Anti-snap locks
One of the quickest and easiest ways for an intruder to gain entry into your home is to snap the lock. It can be done in a matter of seconds, using a hammer or pair of pliers. Once the lock is snapped, removing the deadbolt or locking mechanism is straightforward.
Euro locks and other locks with protruding cylinders are the easiest to snap, so if you have locks of this type, it may be worth considering upgrading.
The best solution is an anti-snap lock. These locks are designed to reduce or eliminate the risk of snapping. They are stronger, more robust and can resist more force than regular locks.
They are also designed with ‘built to fail’ components that snap off when excessive force is applied, making it harder to grip and break the recessed cylinder.
Window locks
Windows are the point of entry in around a third of all burglaries in the UK.
While you can’t really prevent someone from breaking the glass of your window, you can make it more difficult for them to open it to get in by fitting a window lock.
Window locks are especially useful when fitted to easily accessible windows, such as downstairs windows or those close to drainpipes or flat roofs.
Not only will they make your windows more secure, but they can also act as a visual deterrent to would-be burglars. Just don’t forget to remove any keys, you don’t want to make it easy for any unwelcome visitors to open them.
Professional locksmith company Derby
Grays Locksmiths Derby has been providing trusted locksmith services to the people of Derbyshire and across the East Midlands for more than three decades.
We aim to make all our customers feel safe and secure in their homes and businesses.
We are compliant with BS3621 standards and strive to stay ahead of the curve with all the latest security trends to ensure you are always getting the best advice and solutions on the market.
To find out more about our products and services, give us a call on 01332 404255 or email sales@derbylocksmith.org.uk.
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