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Upgrade your door locks.
Multipoint lock, anti-snap cylinder, deadlock or smart lock — security upgrade by a locksmith.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
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Top tips
Hiring a doors, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Wrong cylinder length
Cylinders are sized 30/30, 35/35, 40/40 etc — the protrusion either side of the door. Get it wrong and either the cylinder is recessed (vulnerable) or the screw won't reach.
Brand mismatch on multi-point locks
Different manufacturers (Yale, ERA, Mila, Avocet) use different gearbox profiles. The replacement must match the existing keep pattern.
Stuck cylinders
Worn or grit-clogged cylinders won't turn. Lubricate with graphite powder — never oil (which gums up).
Cheap handles
Brass-effect aluminium handles flake and bend. Pay £30–£60 for solid brass or stainless.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
1-star Sold Secure cylinderBasic — not insurance-compliant
£15–£30
3-star Sold Secure cylinderAnti-snap, bump, drill, pick
£40–£90
Mortice deadlock (BS 3621)Insurance-compliant for timber doors
£50–£140
Multi-point lock gearboxuPVC/composite door lock body
£80–£220
Smart lock (Yale, Nuki, Ultion)Keypad and app control
£180–£400
Front door handle setBrass, satin nickel, antique
£30–£150
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
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Upgrading door locks and hardware is the cheapest insurance upgrade any UK homeowner can make. A 3-star Sold Secure cylinder costs £40–£90 and protects against the snap-attack that lets 70% of burglars in. Multi-point lock replacements run £150–£400. Front-door handle sets refresh the curb appeal for £40–£150.
What Does the Work Involve?
For a cylinder upgrade: measure the existing cylinder (Euro profile, length, offset), order a 3-star Sold Secure equivalent, remove the retaining screw, slide the old cylinder out (key in turn position), slide the new one in, refit the screw. Multi-point lock replacement is more involved — the lock body unscrews from inside the door edge, the gearbox is replaced, and the keeps in the frame may need re-cutting. Handle replacement is the simplest: undo two through-bolts, swap handles, retighten.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-star Sold Secure cylinder | 15 | 30 | Basic — not insurance-compliant |
| 3-star Sold Secure cylinder | 40 | 90 | Anti-snap, bump, drill, pick |
| Mortice deadlock (BS 3621) | 50 | 140 | Insurance-compliant for timber doors |
| Multi-point lock gearbox | 80 | 220 | uPVC/composite door lock body |
| Smart lock (Yale, Nuki, Ultion) | 180 | 400 | Keypad and app control |
| Front door handle set | 30 | 150 | Brass, satin nickel, antique |
| Locksmith call-out | 40 | 120 | First hour |
| Locksmith install labour | 40 | 180 | Per door, varies by work |
How Long Does It Take?
Cylinder swap: 10–20 minutes. Multi-point lock gearbox replacement: 1–2 hours. Mortice lock replacement on a timber door: 1–2 hours. Smart lock retrofit: 1 hour. Whole-house handle and cylinder refresh: half a day.
DIY or Professional?
Cylinder swaps are a confident DIYer's job — match the size and offset carefully. Multi-point gearbox replacement is best done by a locksmith because brand-matching matters and the keeps in the frame may need adjusting. Smart locks are usually DIY-installable with the manufacturer's instructions.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
Use an MLA-registered locksmith (Master Locksmiths Association). Avoid the £29 "we'll change your lock" Google ads — most are sub-contractors who upsell badly. Ask the call-out fee and per-hour rate up front. Get a written quote before they start.
UK Regulations
Insurance policies typically require BS 3621 mortice deadlocks on timber external doors, or PAS 24:2022 / 3-star Sold Secure cylinders on multi-point lock systems. Check your home insurance policy for the specific clause. Building Regs Part Q applies to new dwellings only.
Common Problems
- Wrong cylinder length: Cylinders are sized 30/30, 35/35, 40/40 etc — the protrusion either side of the door. Get it wrong and either the cylinder is recessed (vulnerable) or the screw won't reach.
- Brand mismatch on multi-point locks: Different manufacturers (Yale, ERA, Mila, Avocet) use different gearbox profiles. The replacement must match the existing keep pattern.
- Stuck cylinders: Worn or grit-clogged cylinders won't turn. Lubricate with graphite powder — never oil (which gums up).
- Cheap handles: Brass-effect aluminium handles flake and bend. Pay £30–£60 for solid brass or stainless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 3-star Sold Secure cylinder worth it?
Yes — snap attacks are the #1 break-in method in the UK and a 1-star cylinder snaps in 15 seconds. The 3-star adds anti-snap, anti-bump, anti-drill, and anti-pick protection for £40–£90.
How do I find my multi-point lock brand?
Open the door and look at the lock-body face plate on the door edge — most have the brand etched. Common UK brands: Yale, ERA, Mila, Avocet, Lockmaster, Winkhaus, Roto.
Are smart locks secure?
Yes — modern smart locks (Yale Conexis L2, Nuki, Ultion Nuki) work alongside a 3-star Euro cylinder and are insurance-approved. Avoid keypad-only locks with no physical override.
Why won't my key turn smoothly?
Usually grit and worn lubrication. Spray graphite powder (not oil) into the cylinder; work the key in and out. If it still binds, the cylinder is worn and needs replacement.
Can I rekey rather than replace?
Some cylinders are rekeyable by an MLA locksmith — they swap the pins to match a new key. Most domestic cylinders are cheaper to replace than rekey.
Do all the locks in the house need to match?
Keyed-alike sets (one key opens all) are convenient — most cylinder brands offer a master-keying service. Cost is usually £15–£30 per cylinder extra at the manufacturer.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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