A Guide to Door Lock Types & Prices

This is our guide to identifying different types of door locks. Whether you require a lock change, opening, lock repairs, or high security door locks installation a locksmith can’t provide a real price without knowing what type of lock you have.

Different Types of Locks

The cost of a locksmith job depends on; The type of lock + The work required + The cost of a replacement lock

If you are quoted without being asked for any information about your lock then you can expect that the quote is unlikely to be the final price. It is not a case of one size fits all! So don’t be fooled by rock bottom prices.

How Much is a New Lock?

The cost of a new lock will depend on the type of lock you have and the brand of lock you choose as a replacement lock. Our experienced locksmiths will present you with options and explain what you are getting for your money when you invest in a particular lock.

Lock Types & Costs

Use our image guide to find out how to identify door lock types, from a 5 lever mortice deadlock, an anti-snap lock, or any cylinder or mortice lock.

Types of Cylinder Locks

Cylinder locks are used in both wooden, UPVC and composite doors. Many cylinder locks (eg. a traditional Yale lock) will lock automatically when slammed shut.

Cylinder locks range from £20.00 (excluding VAT and fitting). *All prices below exclude VAT and fitting.

IKS Locksmiths always advise choosing a high quality replacement cylinder lock that meets insurance standards where possible.

Types of Mortice Locks

Mortice locks are traditionally found on wooden doors and are most commonly manually locked with a key from the inside and outside (or with a thumb turn on the inside of the door which many new build flats require for exiting in the event of a fire). The lock is morticed (cut) into the centre of the door.

Mortice locks range from £20.00 (excludes VAT and fitting). *All prices below exclude VAT and fitting.

Installing a mortice lock requires considerable skill and experience. It is vital to choose an experienced expert to avoid damage to your wooden door.

British Standard Insurance Approved Locks

The Best 5 Lever Lock for a Wooden Door

The best 5 lever deadlock for security and insurance purposes is a British Standard Insurance Approved lock which complies to BS3621. There are many different brands of 5 lever deadlock, our preference for high quailty and security is Union (formerly Chubb).

The Best Anti-snap Locks for UPVC Doors

The best lock for a UPVC door is a British Standard 3 star anti-snap euro cylinder lock. We always recommend choosing the best anti snap locks for UPVC doors, which are vulnerable to burglary by lock snapping.

The Best Lock Brands

We only use high quality lock brands. These are our most popular lock brands;

Choosing an unknown, cheap lock brand is a big mistake.

Here is some information on the most sought after lock brands;

Banham Locks

Installation of Banham locks is a popular trend in London, particularly in central London and West London areas like Kensington & Chelsea. You can buy Banham mortice locks and cylinder locks, they are high quality locks with a premium price tag. There are alternatives to Banham that are also high quality and cost much less. If you want to replace a Banham lock our locksmiths can advise you on the best value option.

Yale Locks

One of the most common lock manufacturers on the market is Yale. Yale is a global institution and the traditional Yale rim night latch is found on many people’s front doors. Many customers specifically ask for a Yale night latch for front doors or a Yale lock for a garden gate.

If you want to know how to open a Yale lock or you need Yale lock repairs in London we can help. Our Locksmiths are experienced in opening, replacing and fitting traditional Yale locks.

Chubb Locks

Chubb locks are now owned by Union. Union or Chubb locks are best known for their high quality BS3621 5 lever deadlocks. They are high quality locks you can reply on.

Mul-t-lock – High security locks and keys

The Mul-T-Lock Integrator is our most popular high security lock. We also do fast and efficient Mul-T-Lock key cutting online for Integrator and Garrison keys. Visit our high security key cutting shop for Mul-t-lock key cutting in the UK.

Ingersoll Locks

Ingersoll locks are owned by Assa Abloy. They are a well established high quailty, a high security lock brand preferred by many locksmiths including ourselves. They provide high security and excellent value for money.

How Much Does a Locksmith Cost?

The cost of a locksmith in London should be anything upwards from £70+vat for Labour charge plus the cost of the particular lock required for the particular job. Anything less than this is unrealistic.

How Much Do Emergency Locksmiths Charge?

The cost of a locksmith will be more expensive out of hours. In the evenings and on bank holidays you can expect the labour cost to increase by 50%. The cost of the materials should remain consistent.

Cheap London Locksmiths

Locksmiths quoting less than the prices above are likely to over inflate the cost of materials or increase the price on the job.

It is vital to choose a reliable locksmith and agree on a fixed price (if possible) before booking the job.

Avoid Drilling a Lock Open

A locksmith should avoid drilling a lock open where possible. Unfortunately, many locksmiths destroy locks unnecessarily and charge a customer more than is fair for the cost of drilling and the cost of a new lock.

Non Destructive Entry

A reliable locksmith will aim for non-destructive entry where possible. A trustworthy locksmith will look for opportunities to save a customer money.

A Reliable Locksmith in London

At IKS locksmiths our aim is customer satisfaction. Our business model relies on customers who will recommend our property security services. Our mission is to provide our customers with the best value locksmith service in London.

Choosing a Trusted Locksmith

Beware there are many UK locksmiths who are not even DBS checked!

The locksmith industry is unregulated and unfortunately, there are many locksmiths taking advantage of the lack of legislation to protect consumers.

You can read about why you should choose a locksmith approved by the Master Locksmiths Association here.

MLA Approved London Locksmith

IKS are MLA approved locksmiths based in Barnet, North London. Our focus is on high quality and excellent prices. If you need a locksmith in London or Hertfordshire contact us for a competitive fixed price quote.