Locksmith

Comms69

Takmon wrote: »

It really does take 2 minutes. You open the door, take out the retaining screw, slide out old lock, slide in new lock, put the retaining screw back and your done.

I'm not sure how you could make that last 5 minutes never mind 20!

As a man, I would stretch this to at least 30 minutes... 5 minutes fiddling around, 23 minutes drinking a beer, 2 minutes doing the job...

davidmcn

Takmon wrote: »

It really does take 2 minutes. You open the door, take out the retaining screw, slide out old lock, slide in new lock, put the retaining screw back and your done.

I'm not sure how you could make that last 5 minutes never mind 20!

Could be not the same size as the old one, could be umpteen coats of paint to chip off, screws not budging, etc...

wesleyad

davidmcn wrote: »

Could be not the same size as the old one, could be umpteen coats of paint to chip off, screws not budging, etc...

Yeah OK I should have said can be done in 2 mins, but could take more. I've done around 30 (moved a lot and always do all external doors), I've only ever had one that wasn't playing.

I've never seen paint around the important areas... you need access to the one screw inside the door, thats never painted. And if someone has painted the keyhole you have bigger problems! (handle doesn't need removed).

Remove old barrel and measure it as they are not standard.

But even if it takes 30 mins, you are saving a fortune on a locky (sorry if any locksmiths are reading!) :beer:

Takmon

davidmcn wrote: »

Could be not the same size as the old one, could be umpteen coats of paint to chip off, screws not budging, etc...

Well if the lock is too long then it still takes the same amount of time to fit, it will just stick out and look silly.

As wesleyad the lock isn't going to be painted and there is only 1 screw to undo. Have you actually changed a lock before because it sounds like you haven't, just try it and you will see how easy it really is.

davidmcn

Takmon wrote: »

Well if the lock is too long then it still takes the same amount of time to fit, it will just stick out and look silly.

As wesleyad the lock isn't going to be painted and there is only 1 screw to undo. Have you actually changed a lock before because it sounds like you haven't, just try it and you will see how easy it really is.

I certainly have and am speaking from experience about replacing a mortice lock. You might be talking about something else.

Mr.Generous

Takmon wrote: »

It really does take 2 minutes. You open the door, take out the retaining screw, slide out old lock, slide in new lock, put the retaining screw back and your done.

I'm not sure how you could make that last 5 minutes never mind 20!

You are talking about euro cylinder locks, OP didn't specify, they could be 5 lever mortice dead bolts or narrow casement double deadlocking nightlatches for all we know.

Also although all locks meet some standard they may well not meet the standard your insurance company requires, even an EN 1303 certified lock has quite a number of variation in standard, 8 categories are under this standard you can google it but basically there is a big range in quality if you want drill resistant, anti snap etc.

Takmon

davidmcn wrote: »

I certainly have and am speaking from experience about replacing a mortice lock. You might be talking about something else.

Well then surely you must have know from my description that i was not talking about a mortice lock, unless the one you did was missing a screw

Mr.Generous

Takmon wrote: »

Well then surely you must have know from my description that i was not talking about a mortice lock, unless the one you did was missing a screw

You are right Euro cylinders are very quick and easy to change unless the screw wont remove or the key missing, but the OP did not specify what type of locks the locksmith changed. It's misleading to say they only take 2 minutes they absolutely don't. Because you're doors have Euro cylinders you are assuming everybody does just as the guy talking about painted over and different sizes is relating it to his experiences.


The OP needs to give more details about what type of lock and what he asked for before we can give a more focussed response.

Zandoni

Comms69 wrote: »

No you aren't entitled to a receipt, why would you be??


Unless you supplied the new locks, the locksmith would most likely use what he had in stock.

If he supplied the lock then he should give some sort of receipt for the lock and his work.

Comms69 wrote: »

Even if used, I don't see that as a major issue.


The chances of the previous owner trying thousands of doors using an old key is incredibly unlikely.

Fitting used parts and passing them off as new is a massive issue. Would you accept a secondhand car if you paid for a new one?

bassc

Thanks for the replies all.

My instructions about BS and receipts were clear but I live overseas so DIY and even inspection is not possible.

What I am more interested in though is code of conduct. If two people approach a locksmith to get their locks changed, is it acceptable to simply swap the locks around with each other and reissue keys that have already been in circulation? Is the onus on the consumer to specifically request a “new” lock?

I’ve also hit the problem so many times with tradesmen who won’t provide itemised receipts or even breakdown materials from labour, is this acceptable practice in terms of trading standards? Can I rightfully withhold payment? Remember I am dealing with a locksmith who can easily access a property...