Changing locks

Adz1000

Basically I am wanting to change the locks on my front door. I live in a flat and would like to change the lock (upgrade?). At the moment it is just a standard yale lock but I feel I want something a bit better but have absolutely no idea where to start! Which locks would you recommend or should I just stick with a simple yale one and just swap it like for like? Also, what would be the best lock for insurance purposes?

I assume I would have to go the route of a locksmith as I don't trust myself enough with this type of DIY, what sort of prices should I look at spending?

Just after any information from people who have changed locks previously?

ormus

make sure the yale lock is a deadlock type. thats not to hard to change. the cheap ones are not deadlocks.

but you should also fit a 5 lever chubb type mortice lock. much harder to diy, unless you are fairly competent.

macman

Most insurers want at least a 5 lever mortice, a Yale on it's own may invalidate any claim, as it's completely inadequate.

ormus

a 5 lever lock is about 20 quid and a yale deadlock is about 40 quid.

no idea of present locksmith charges, but a call out for a problem, with lost keys cost my auntie 190 quid recently.

Adz1000

ormus wrote: »

a 5 lever lock is about 20 quid and a yale deadlock is about 40 quid.

no idea of present locksmith charges, but a call out for a problem, with lost keys cost my auntie 190 quid recently.

That's pretty pricey! Worth it though I suppose in the long run!

Will get a few quotes then from local locksmiths, try and get a cheap on, would you advise on getting both a 5 lever lock and a yale deadlock then? Also, would you suggest buying the locks for the locksmith to fit, or do they normally want to use their own?

Locknut

Firstly is the door wooden or Upvc?

If it is a true yale rim cylinder (a disc stuck to the door) then you can put on a British standard nightlatch upgrade on there that would suffice insurance standards no need to fit a British standard mortice/chubb style lock.

Please dont just go for the cheapest quote though, try and get a reccomendation there are a lot of plroblems at the moment with badly trained IE 2 day course locksmiths making a hash of jobs and fitting cheap locks that I wouldnt secure my lunchbox with, rough price for the yale style fitted should be approx £100 fitted job done.

Where in the country are you? I may be able to reccomend a good firm.

Adz1000

Thanks guys, really helping

The door and frame is wooden, the lock isn't well secure really, must have been put in poorly previously - I can wiggle it from the outside (not much mind) and it isn't flush into the door, like they made a mess of the hole the lock is meant to go into as you can see a gap. Could this cause a problem with the next lock which will be fitted? Won't need a new door will I

As the frame is wooden, is there anything you can do to strengthen it, or will it be pretty good anyway?

I am in Nottingham mate, any recommendations for around here?

Thanks again!

Locknut

Rapid Locksmiths
08008 496809 (free) or 01159 843133

They should be able to help you out.