Getting locks changed on day one

[Deleted User]

Try contacting a windows / double glazing place. Ones near us are desperate for business at the moment as they keep cold calling about conservatories. They may be able to offer a better price than a locksmith.

keystone

withabix wrote: »

Snapping the lock out? too much trouble for your average burglar.

Sorry if I appear rude but thats abject nonsense. Its the fastest and easiest way in through a modern door.

Cheers

daveyjp

Agree Keystone. We were victims of an attempt at this, but the lock defeated them. It really surprised the police who said burglars can be in in seconds with this method.

I saw a locksmith enter a property in 5 seconds by snapping the cylinder lock.

chrisw

Is it really necessary? I've never thought about changing the locks on moving and I don't know anyone who has. I can see why you might want to though.

martyn05

evoke wrote: »

I could do it myself but I will have a million things to worry about on the first day. I have several builders turning up to do surveys and quotes for lots of work.

A local locksmith has quoted me the following:

£65 + VAT for the labour (1 hour's labour)
£25 + VAT per lock barrel/cylinder change

As I have three locks in total to change, that works out at £140 + VAT. Is that extortionate or reasonable?

Labour charges do vary but you should expect to pay around £50 inc VAT for an hours labour. Even if they are only there for 30 mins, most will charge you for a full first hour. But not all of us.

I charge £25 inc of VAT for all the euro locks I fit. I only fit anti-snap or anti-bump if the customer really wants them.

I would only charge you £120 in total plus of course a cup of tea with 2 sugars.

While there I also check window locks, grease hinges etc. I try to go a bit further than most but thats me.

No matter what you fit, as a locksmith I can still get into your property, all you can do is slow a burglar down or put him off.

If you need further advice then please ask me, email me through my website and I tell you what you need. Free of course.

martyn05

chrisw wrote: »

Is it really necessary? I've never thought about changing the locks on moving and I don't know anyone who has. I can see why you might want to though.

I would recommend you change the locks whenever you move into a new property, you never know who has keys to it.

Peartree

chrisw wrote: »

Is it really necessary? I've never thought about changing the locks on moving and I don't know anyone who has. I can see why you might want to though.

Your view is very common but it is possibly one of the most important things that you do on arriving at your new house. Don't you care that any number of complete strangers could have keys to your home?

sancho

Because I'm tight I swapped the cylinder in my patio door for the one in the front door. Having the opinion that whoever had a key from the previous owners would be likely to only have a front door key