Can I replace those locks myself?

tristanjourney

Hi all,

I want to replace the locks of all external doors (3 of them). Recently purchased this property and we don't want to still use the old keys that other people might have copies.

I did some basic research, I think if it is a DIY job largely depend on the door/lock I have.

I've attached the picture of those doors. Can anyone please take a look and give me some direction?

Thanks all!


 Door in the kitchen:



Door in the dining room (go to the rear garden):




The front door:

oldernonethewiser

This video should help
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Nne0pZRULnk

I've done a few of the double glazing type ones, very easy. 

The older lock you can remove and check then make sure you buy the same size unit to refit. 

All straightforward. 

mi-key

Yes, they are all easy to replace. For the old wooden door you will need to get a mortice lock the same size. For the upvc you only need to change the lock barrel itself, not the whole mechanism.

Screwfix sell both, you will need to take out the mortice lock - remove the door handles by unscrewing the plates on both sides, and take out the spindle, then take out the two screws holding the lock in and the whole mechanism will come out.  Then measure it and compare to the ones they sell as they come in various different sizes.

For the UPVC, the barrel is held in with just one screw - the one on the edge under the acutal lock tongue. Take this out, then turn the key part way and the barrel will come out.  They are a standard size other than the length and how far along the barrel the mounting hole is located.

Is a very easy DIY job 

GDB2222

The wooden door one looks like this one
https://www.screwfix.com/p/union-5-lever-stainless-steel-5-lever-mortice-sashlock-68mm-case-45mm-backset/9200d

However, they come in various shapes and sizes that are similar but subtly different. You will need to remove the old lock then compare it with the new one, to make sure it is exactly the same size, and the keyhole lines up, as well as the hole for the handle. 

You may have to shop around to get the same model. 

The one I linked to doesn’t say it meets the BS, but your insurance may require that. 

tristanjourney

Are there any requirements from the home insurance perspective? e.g., BS3621, SS312 etc

I mean, how can I tell if one lock is securer than the other when buying the new ones?

tacpot12

You need to look for a five levers, BS3621:2017 and the British Standard Kite mark on mortice locks. Look for three stars, TS007 and the British Standard Kite mark on Euro cylinders. 

When my daughter moved into her new house, I bought her two Ultion thumbturn cylinders, that were keyed-alike so that she has one key that she can use to open all the doors. The locks and keys are super expensive, but you will not find a stronger lock to protect your home. Lock-snapping of Euro cylinders is the most common way that theives enter your home, so don't buy cheap cylinders. Don't forget to buy the lock lubricant if you buy Ultion locks. 

You could replace the mortice lock with a Eurocylidner lock, and have just one key for all three locks. 

GDB2222

tristanjourney said:

Are there any requirements from the home insurance perspective? e.g., BS3621, SS312 etc

I mean, how can I tell if one lock is securer than the other when buying the new ones?

You can’t tell how strong a lock is, just by looking. BS3621 is often required by insurance companies, so I would go for one that meets that standard. That’s for the wooden door. 

Just to be realistic, I defeated a very high security mortise lock with an angle grinder in just a few minutes. I could have been much faster, but I wanted to minimise damage to the door. A burglar would not be bothered by such concerns. 

mi-key

GDB2222 said:

tristanjourney said:

Are there any requirements from the home insurance perspective? e.g., BS3621, SS312 etc

I mean, how can I tell if one lock is securer than the other when buying the new ones?

You can’t tell how strong a lock is, just by looking. BS3621 is often required by insurance companies, so I would go for one that meets that standard. That’s for the wooden door. 

Just to be realistic, I defeated a very high security mortise lock with an angle grinder in just a few minutes. I could have been much faster, but I wanted to minimise damage to the door. A burglar would not be bothered by such concerns. 

An angle grinder with metal cutting disc will get through pretty much any lock, as I found out when my front door key snapped off halfway down the barrel with the door locked shut !

FreeBear

mi-key said: Screwfix sell both, you will need to take out the mortice lock - remove the door handles by unscrewing the plates on both sides, and take out the spindle,

You can usually get away with removing just one door plate. One thing to watch for is the taper on the latch - If it is round the wrong way when you purchase a new mortice lock, it needs taking out and flipping round. Some dismantling of the lock is sometimes required, but the latch bolt is often secured by a single screw. The fitting instructions should detail how to swap it round.

elsien

I got someone to housesit while I took my old lock down to an independent local locksmith and waved at them to make sure I had the right type. They were also happy to give advice and exchange it if it was still wrong. There are not always so many of those family owned business around but they can be well worth keeping afloat rather than saving the odd pound online. 

zoej47

I think if you replace yourself, you might be in violation of your home insurance, some companies have a clause to sya you need to have a professional locksmith do this. Might be worth checking