Door Lock Replacement and Lock Change in Harrow
Just moved in, lost track of who’s got a key, or want to bring your security up to standard? A lock change or full door lock replacement buys real peace of mind. I fit British Standard and anti-snap locks across Harrow and the surrounding areas: labour from £89, no call-out fee, and a 12-month warranty, with a fixed price agreed before I start. See my prices for full rates.Not sure whether your lock needs replacing or just repairing? Have a look at the common lock problems in Harrow homes I get called out to most.
Short answer: lock changes start at £89 labour plus the lock itself, with no call-out fee and no VAT. I show you the options and what each one costs before I start. You choose, I never decide your budget for you.
You may need a lock change if:
Moved to new home or office, your locks are damaged or you want to upgrade the locks to highest security level, whatever the reason I am here to help. It is important to choose a right lock and get professional advice. Andrew the Locksmith can suggest the best lock for your doors, needs and budget. I only install the highest quality locks made by the leading manufacturers in the industry.
Repair or Replace?
If your locks are faulty or broken, is it better to have them repaired or completely replaced? In a lot of cases, locks can be fixed with just a minor adjustment, or with a lock cylinder replacement. I will always do my best to repair the lock if possible. However, especially when the locking mechanism, mortice lock or cylinder is old, it has a high potential of causing more issues in the future. In that case I would recommend that you have the entire lock replaced.
British Standard locks
Choosing the right lock is crucial. When upgrading your security I recommend high-security British Standard locks. I fit British Standard mortice locks, cylinders and nightlatches from leading manufacturers, and I’ll suggest the right one for your door, needs and budget. I don’t upsell locks you don’t need.
Anti-snap euro cylinders: if you’ve got a uPVC or composite door, the euro cylinder is the weak point. A basic one can be snapped in seconds. As part of a lock change I fit British Standard TS007 3-star / SS312 Diamond anti-snap cylinders, cut to the correct length. Want the full story? Read what lock snapping is and how to prevent it.
From basic to British Standard
The same lock change, done to the standard insurers ask for. Here is the difference on the two doors we see most.
uPVC & composite doors: basic cylinder → 3-star anti-snap
Before
Basic euro cylinder. Unrated, snaps in seconds.
After
APECS 3-star anti-snap. Kitemarked to the British Standard.
Timber doors: basic 3-lever → BS3621 mortice
Before
Old 3-lever mortice. Worn, and never insurance rated.
After
ERA BS3621 mortice. The lock most insurers ask for.
Independent Locksmith in Harrow.
I work independently and I will be able to assess your problem by phone as well as by coming out to you. I am 5* rated in Google. And I don’t charge call out fees. I am fast, efficient, qualified and friendly. Started my business in Harrow and now I cover all surrounding areas including Brent, Ealing, Hillingdon, Barnet, Hertsmere, Watford, Three Rivers.
Are anti-snap cylinders worth it? The numbers say yes. After the TS007 3-star and Sold Secure Diamond standards arrived, recorded lock snapping fell from about a quarter of break-ins at its peak to under 10%. It’s the single most cost-effective upgrade on a uPVC or composite door. See how break-ins actually happen locally: Burglary in Harrow.
Banham lock replacement
Banham is about as strong as door security gets, so if you want the best, I fit and replace them across Harrow and the surrounding areas. I can put a Banham in place of your existing lock, even if that’s already British Standard, for a proper step up in security, or install one from scratch on a new or upgraded door. It isn’t the cheapest lock out there, but for the protection it gives you, the price is fair.
One thing I’ll always be straight about: Banham keys are registered to you, so copies are cut by Banham direct, at their showroom with your ID. I can fit and replace your Banham locks, but if you need extra keys later, that part goes through Banham, not me.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be home for a lock change?
Ideally yes. I need access to the door and someone to take the new keys and confirm they’re happy. It’s quick though; most straightforward changes are done within the hour.
Can you change just the cylinder, or does the whole lock come off?
Often just the cylinder, on a uPVC or composite door that’s usually all that’s needed, and it’s the cheaper route. On a wooden door it’s the mortice lock body itself. I’ll tell you which your door needs and what each costs before I start.
How many keys will I get with a new lock?
Standard cylinders come with three. Need more for family or tenants? Tell me and I’ll cut extra keys to the new lock, so everyone’s sorted from day one.
Do you take the old lock away, and is the door secure straight after?
Yes. Old lock out, new one fitted and tested from both sides, keys in your hand. Your door’s fully secure before I leave, and I’ll take the old hardware away unless you want to keep it.
Got another question? See my full Locksmith FAQs page.