Back door won't unlock. Idea of locksmith cost?

hgnsvd

Hi,

I've moved into a circa-2006 new build home and can't get the back door to unlock. I've got the right key and although sometimes I can get something in the lock to 'click' I can't rotate the key any further. I've tried using the key from both sides of the lock. The door is a UPVC patio style door with a modern little normal-looking key.

I'm thinking of getting a locksmith out to replace this lock entirely and to do the same for the front door while he's at it. What sort of cost do you think I'd be looking at, including locks? Also, where would be the best place to buy the locks and what sort of thing should I be looking for?

Thank you.

bonzer

Had both front and back doors locks fail to open recently. Both normal PVC doors with multi-point locks.

Called a lock smith to both. For front door was charged £220. Thought that was a bit pricey. Got the back door done by a different locksmith for £150. Both prices all inclusive.

Both jobs involved opening the door from locked and replacing the lock mechanism. The barrel was not replaced on either lock. Both times the locksmith was on site about 2 hours.

teddysmum

You could ask a windows and doors company for a price. Possibly cheaper than a dedicated locksmith, if it's one of the smaller companies that also replaces window glass ? I had a leaflet, recently, from such a company and replacing your old door furniture was an option offered.

plumb1_2

If its a normal Euro lock. then simple to change. I can open a locked upvc door in less than 30 secs if its just the lock broken. And i only charge £60 per door to open and replace the lock barrel.

But always best to fit a Avocet ABS lock.

hgnsvd

Thanks guys - that's very helpful.

plumb1 - I hadn't really thought about what kind of lock to use. Are the Avocet ABS ones the best around? A quick googling suggests they're the best and it looks like you can get them for £30-40 each which seems quite affordable.

hgnsvd

Great news - thanks to your responses I've changed all the cylinders on my doors for new, more secure ones. Except for the back door which is still stuck... I think I'll have to get someone out to have a look at it. The key turns so far and makes a 'click' sound as if it's about to unlock but then nothing happens. I'm wondering if it's not the cylinder but the mechanical locky part that's broke. I've been quite rough with it and am getting nowhere.

martyn05

Sounds like the gearbox in the door has gone. A locksmith should charge about £50 to get the door open then around £150 to sort it all out. Depends where you live in the country.

atrixblue.-MFR-.

Hard to explain, the barrel lock I have in my back door has a metal cover which makes part of handle.


once the cover is off theres screws holding in the barrel, when my door lock fails to throw I undo those screws making it loose in the door, and put tension on it with a flat head driver at different angles then try again with the key. sometimes its enough to get enough bite to unlock the door and removes the barrel for a new one.

Dazedandconfused

I had mine done recently and paid £90 inc vat for an insurance approved lock but for their basic lock it would have been £75inc vat. He had my lock off in less than a minute. Mine was broken too you couldn't get the key out of the door