Changing locks and which ones to buy?

GoldenShadow

Property we are buying was previously a rental and I prefer the thought of changing the locks.

House has UPVC front and back doors and a set of French doors out from the lounge. All are basic euro cylinders.

I've seen on Amazon some anti snap, anti pick, anti bump locks. They're about £40 per cylinder, does that sound like a sensible option? Is it worth asking a locksmith what they would quote, I am guessing they know the safest locks etc?

Everything seems to say French doors are a big weakness as are euro cylinders, so would like to try and at least upgrade the locks in some way as replacing them anyway. From what I gather, the add ons such as sash jammers have mixed opinions anyway...

Can anyone help or share their experience?

benjus

I used Avocet ABS MK3 locks last time I changed Euro-type locks. They seem good but I'm no expert.

I doubt you'd be able to switch from Euro cylinders to something else without changing the doors.

My current place has Banham locks which are very solid but cost a ****** fortune to change the cylinders.

G_M

Read up on such sites as:

https://www.locksonline.co.uk/

http://www.nothingbutlocks.com/Euro-Cylinders-Oval-Cylinders-s/2.htm#axzz2lOKjiNQL

http://www.easylocks.co.uk/euro-cylinders-locks

Obviously make sure you comply with the minimum requirements of your insurer, but personally I reckon it's worth spending a bit more for a top quality lock. It's a one-off cost which will last for years so get the best.

Sammydog

We had a problem with our uPVC door lock and a local locksmith replaced it with an anti bump barrel. He did the back door at the same time so we could have one key for both and I think it was about £90 fitted for everything.


He did warn us not to lose the keys or lock ourselves out as they are apparently very difficult to bypass unlike the standard barrel.

kinger101

I have to agree with others on the anti snap/bump/pick/drill locks. If it can delay a burglar by a minute or two, they might decide your neighbour's house is a softer target.

Having looked online, the cylinders look a easy to change though, so I'd have a go myself.

chrisjdw

Call a locksmith, this is what i did and he recommended the ones to get on my old property (forgotten what they're called).
I've had an old friend who was a lock and he came round the day before i got them fitted and was through my yale standard lock in 4 seconds. The day after with the new one fitted, he tried for 40 minutes. It's not unusual for very good locks to take locksmiths hours to get into so very burglar proof but very costly if you lose your keys!

kinger101

chrisjdw wrote: »

but very costly if you lose your keys!

Just leave a spare under the plant pot by the door. No one will ever look there.

Marktheshark

A Locksmith is for when you need a lock picking you have no keys for.
A joiner usually fits most new door locks as they are door furniture.

Marktheshark

How to find what to buy :

Open the door, bend down ! find the screw bolt on the edge of the door that lines up with the centre of the lock .
Measure left from the screw in mm to the edge of the lock barrel using a good eye.
EG 40mm

Measure Right in MM to the edge of the barrel. EG 50 mm

These two sizes are the size of the lock 40/40 50/40 50/50 50/40.
buy the barrel that matches your two measurements.
Undo the large screw lock bolt in the door edge , pull the lock out, put the new lock in, put the screw bolt back.

The hardest part will be bending down.

On locks, they are all only as good as the door and without discussing the latest method, just buy a good anti snap as they will fool the old school.
Those that know the latest method, they dont even touch the lock.

martindow

The simplest thing is to remove the lock and take it along to a shop to buy a new one the same size while someone stays in the house to fight off burglars. Return with a new lock that you know is the right size and fit it.

GoldenShadow

Thanks everyone. Think we have decided some Kaba locks. They seem to have the highest rating and seems quite useful how one key can unlock all the doors.