The cost of a multi-point lock, or a similar brand, for use in a uPVC door is likely to cost in the region of £35-£50.
However, you should also factor in the labour cost of using a professional locksmith.
This will be dependent on your location, but you can expect to pay anywhere between £75 and £120 for replacement work, with a reputable company.
Cost to Change a Cylinder
For a reasonably skilled DIY practitioner, changing a cylinder lock should be a relatively straightforward task, meaning you would only need to factor in the cost of the lock itself for the job.
For a good standard cylinder lock, you might expect to pay anywhere between £30 and £80 dependent on the type and quality.
If you do call upon a locksmith, then this type of job is likely to be charged in the region of £50 – £70.
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Yale lock
Traditional Yale locks are a version of the cylinder lock (known as a rim cylinder) and have been the standard in many UK homes for many years, although these days their dominance is very much challenged by the Euro lock.
Cost to Change a Yale Lock
There can be quite a variation in the prices of Yale locks should you look to buy from your local Hardware supplier or DIY store.
Costs can range from anywhere between £15 and more than £100, depending on type and quality level. For peace of mind for longevity and security, you should not really be looking at locks for less than £40 in this range.
If you require the services of a locksmith, they are likely (subject to regional differences) to charge a call out rate somewhere in the region of £70 – £100.
Bolt (Latch)
There are two types of bolt/latch lock. These are:
- Dead Bolt – By inserting the correct key into the lock cylinder the bolt will engage and slide into place within a slot in the door frame. A deadbolt is considered a very secure option as the lock can only be released by using the key itself. These locks are typically used as secondary security on a residential front or back door.
- Spring Bolt – These are the types of locks you might often find on a hotel room door or similar. They comprise a small clip that keeps the spring-loaded bolt in place. When you move the key in the lock, the internal mechanism causes the clip to compress and unlock the bolt. When the door closes, the spring is released, causing the bolt to reengage and lock the door.
Cost to Install a Deadlock
If you are planning to install a deadlock yourself, then the cost for the unit itself will be anywhere between £25 and £120, although for a mid-range, reliable lock you should be paying in excess of £50.
If you’re not confident of replacing the lock yourself, then a locksmith is likely to cost you in the region of £70 – £100 for the work.
Strike Plate
This type of lock mechanism involves the lock attaching to the frame of the door, which holds it in place when locked. This involves a metal plate, screwed to the frame, with the bolt latching into a small hole, usually referred to as the box.
In the section below we will explore how you go about making the change, and the different types of locks we would typically find in use in a UK property. Also, given the increase in the use of uPVC door locks within UK homes, we’ll examine replacing and the cost for changing these.
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The Obvious Importance of a Secure Lock
Locks are pretty important.
I think we can all agree on this, can’t we?
We might all crave living in a Utopian world where doors can be left open without care or worry, safe in the knowledge that our belongings will remain unharmed and untouched.
Sadly, that’s not the way of the world.
Locks provide an essential component of our security at our homes, our offices and other properties. And, a door that either doesn’t have a lock, or has one that’s broken or weakened in some way, poses a risk to the security of your home, your possessions, and the safety of you and your loved ones.
Furthermore, failing to repair or replace a faulty lock can have some pretty costly implications. If you examine the details of your building and contents insurance, the odds are you will find clauses that indicate your duty to ensure that you are taking due care to secure your property.
A door that doesn’t lock might, therefore, become a reason for an insurer to dispute paying out should you become the victim of crime.
Other Reasons for Changing Your Lock
Your lock might be working fine, but there are other reasons why you might consider changing it.
Such as:
- Lost keys – if you’ve lost your keys and you have no spares, then changing the locks on your door might be the only solution. Or maybe you’ve lost a key that has your address on it (not really a good idea, but who knows). This then poses a security risk that might necessitate a change
- You’ve moved into a new house – It’s amazing how many people when moving into a new home, retain the locks used by the previous owners. Do you know these people? Can you trust them? Are you sure they handed over all the keys? Are there other people you’re unaware of who have keys to your property?
- You’ve been burgled recently – If you’ve recently been the victim of crime, you’re likely already feeling vulnerable. Can you be sure that the security of your existing locks, even if they remain in use, have not been compromised in some way?
uPVC Door Locks
There’s a number of reasons why uPVC doors have increased in popularity over the last decade or two. One of these reasons is the multi-point locking system that is built-in, providing a high level of added security on your doors.
The multi-point locking mechanism found within a uPVC door lock will comprise of a combination (or perhaps all) of:
- Deadbolt
- Latch
- Hook bolts
- Compression bolts
Most of us are familiar with the locking procedure for a uPVC door, in which the mechanism is engaged by first lifting the handle before turning the key to activate the locks.
Such is the complexity of the locking system; these door locks provide exceptional security. However, with so many components and moving parts, over time they can start to fail (although you should expect to get at least ten years out of a standard lock).
Should you have a problem or fault with the lock then first you might want to identify the manufacturer, as this can inform you of next steps in terms of repair or replace.
Common brands such as Yale locks, Winkhaus or Fullex might have their logo or brand name on the lock itself. If it’s more difficult to identify then you should speak with a professional locksmith.
While it is possible to change these locks as a DIY project, using a locksmith can be a prudent option as you really want the job done to the best standard for your peace of mind.
Types of Traditional Door Lock Mechanisms
Cylinder
The cylinder lock has a series of pins, spring-loaded contained within, that move when you insert the matching key. As you move the key deeper into the cylinder so the pins move to cause the locking bolt to open.
You can buy single and double cylinder locks. The difference between the two kinds is that with a single-cylinder, there’s only room to insert a key on the side. On the other side, there’s a knob that locks the door by twisting.
Double cylinder locks, on the other hand, have keyholes on both sides, meaning that the door can only be fully locked by using the key on either side.
Common Types of Door Lock
There are a range of different door locks that you might need to consider when it comes to changing, repairing or installing on a new door.
These are:
Door Knob Locks
Very common in UK households, the doorknob lock is often found on both interior rooms and front doors (with a front door they are commonly used in conjunction with a deadbolt).
The locks will have knobs on both sides of the door, with the locking mechanism contained with the knob.
Handle sets
These types of locks comprise a keyed or twist lock on one side (the interior), with a handle to open on the other. Using a deadlock mechanism, they are often used for aesthetic as well as security reasons as they can come in a range of ornate designs.
Hand Levers
Typically found on internal doors, be it bedrooms or even closet areas, they comprise a simple handle lever and a twist knob lock.
Providing only a minimal security barrier, they are ideal for shutting off inside rooms temporarily as they can be easily and quickly released, but not a good option for external security.
What to do When Your Locks Need Replacing
If you have a door lock that needs replacing for any of the reasons that we’ve already mentioned, then you really shouldn’t delay in getting the work done. It could cost you money and jeopardise your security if you do.
In many cases, the changing of a lock can be a fairly straightforward job.
For instance, replacing a cylinder or deadbolt lock can be achieved pretty quickly utilising no tool more complicated than a standard screwdriver. Simply remove the screws holding the outer casing and internal mechanism from the door, then slot the new lock into the hole space, screwing back up.
However, if you’re replacing a Yale lock then things can be a little fiddlier so it might be more appropriate to call a locksmith. After all, you want it to be fitted correctly and the last thing you need is to install incorrectly and have a lock that doesn’t work as you need it.
The same can be true for some of the more complex multi-point locks for modern uPVC doors.
If you’ve any doubts, then call in the professionals as it really is imperative that any replacement work is carried out exactly right.
Conclusion
Door locks need replacing if they become faulty, or if you have recently moved into a new property, suffered a burglary or lost your keys.
If they’re not replaced, then you are putting your home and property at risk and jeopardising the terms of your home insurance policy.
The good news is that replacing a fairly painless task, and generally not too prohibitive in cost.
More simple locks can be changed in a short time by yourself or, should you need the services of a locksmith then you should be able to find a reputable professional in your locality who can come and get the job done. Naturally, taking this route means you’ll pay a bit more, but you will have the peace of mind that your door lock has been changed correctly and that your home has the security you should expect.
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