Lock Change Golders Green - Premier Locksmith of Portsdown

Whether you have moved into a new home, lost a set of keys, or need to upgrade after a break-in, a professional lock change is one of the most effective ways to restore security. Our Golders Green team carries a full range of euro cylinders and mortice deadlocks in the van for same-day fitting on timber, UPVC, and composite doors across NW London.

When to Consider a Lock Change

There are several key moments when a lock change becomes essential. Moving into a new home is the most common — there is no way to know how many copies of the existing keys are circulating. After a burglary, even if nothing was taken, the compromised lock should always be replaced with an upgraded model rather than simply repaired.

Worn or malfunctioning locks are another clear signal. If a key sticks, the barrel turns stiffly, or the latch no longer catches properly, the lock is close to failure. Replacing it before it fails completely avoids a lockout at the worst possible time. Relationship breakdowns and landlord tenant changeovers are also situations where changing the locks is standard practice across Golders Green and NW London.

How We Change Your Locks: Step by Step

We start with a survey of your existing door and lock. This tells us the door material (timber, UPVC, or composite), the current lock type, and the measurements we need for the replacement. We then discuss your security requirements and recommend a lock that meets the relevant British Standard.

Once you have chosen, we remove the old lock, fit the new one, and test it thoroughly — checking the key turns smoothly from both sides, the latch engages fully, and the door closes and locks without force. We clean up the area and hand over all new keys before leaving.

UK Security Standards for Lock Changes

The British Standard BS3621 sets the benchmark for mortice deadlocks on timber doors. Insurance companies across the UK typically require BS3621-rated locks on all external timber doors as a condition of cover.

For UPVC and composite doors, the TS007 3-star standard applies to euro cylinders. A 3-star cylinder resists the most common break-in method in NW London — lock snapping — where an intruder snaps a standard euro cylinder in half and turns the remaining stub to open the door. Barnet borough recorded 2,099 burglaries in the 12 months to November 2025, with lock snapping as the leading entry method.

Lock Brands We Fit

We carry a range of euro cylinders and mortice locks from leading UK manufacturers. Each brand offers specific advantages depending on your door type and security requirements:

  1. Ultion Smart — TS007 3-star, SS312 Diamond rated, with Lockdown Mode that activates if an attack is detected. The top choice for UPVC and composite doors across Golders Green.
  2. ABS Master — TS007 3-star with a restricted keyway that prevents unauthorised key copies at high-street key cutters.
  3. Yale Superior — TS007 3-star with 10 anti-pick pins, a solid mid-range option for residential properties.
  4. ERA Fortress — A budget-friendly 3-star cylinder that still meets insurance requirements.
  5. Mul-T-Lock MT5+ — High-security cylinder with patented key control, popular in Hampstead and Marylebone properties.

Need a Lock Change in Golders Green?

Call us any day, 7am to 11pm. Same-day service across NW London.

020 3856 3400
What else can we help with?

Our Locksmith Services

Euro Cylinder Sizes for Your Lock Change

Getting the correct euro cylinder size is essential for a proper fit. The measurement is taken from the centre of the screw hole to each end of the cylinder, giving two numbers (e.g., 40/45mm).

Common Euro Cylinder Sizes

The three most common sizes we fit across NW London properties are:

  1. Standard 30/30mm — found on many domestic timber doors with a nightlatch and deadlock setup.
  2. Profile 40/40mm — the most common size on UPVC doors with multipoint locking systems.
  3. Extended 45/50mm or 50/55mm — required on doors with thicker profiles, handles, or letter plates that offset the cylinder position.

Measuring Your Cylinder

To measure your existing cylinder, remove it from the door by unscrewing the single fixing screw on the edge of the door. Measure from the centre of the screw hole to the outer edge on each side. Note both measurements separately — euro cylinders are rarely symmetrical, and ordering the wrong size means the key will either not reach the lock or the cylinder will protrude and become a snapping risk.

Choosing the Right Type

For UPVC and composite doors, a thumbturn cylinder (key on the outside, thumbturn on the inside) is the standard choice. For timber doors with a separate deadlock, a double-key cylinder is more common. Whichever type you choose, make sure the security rating is TS007 3-star to meet insurance requirements and protect against lock snapping.

Areas We Serve

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a lock change take?

A straightforward euro cylinder swap takes around 15 to 20 minutes. A full mortice deadlock change on a timber door takes 30 to 45 minutes, as the lock body sits inside the door and requires more precise fitting. If you need multiple locks changed, we can usually complete a full house in under two hours.

Can I change locks myself?

Euro cylinders on UPVC doors are relatively simple to swap if you have the correct size and a screwdriver. Mortice deadlocks on timber doors are more involved — the lock body is recessed into the door, and incorrect fitting can damage the door or leave the lock insecure. We recommend professional fitting for any lock that is part of your home insurance requirements.

What locks are best for residential properties?

For timber front doors, a BS3621-rated mortice deadlock such as the Union 2134E or ERA Fortress 5-lever. For UPVC and composite doors, a TS007 3-star euro cylinder — Ultion, ABS Master, or Yale Superior are all strong choices. Smart locks like the Yale Conexis L2 or Nuki 4.0 add keyless convenience while maintaining physical security.

Will my insurance accept a new lock?

Most UK home insurance policies require BS3621 mortice deadlocks on timber doors and TS007 3-star cylinders on UPVC or composite doors. All the locks we fit meet or exceed these standards. We can provide a written confirmation of the lock specifications for your insurer if needed.

Do you offer emergency lock changes?

Yes. If you have been burgled, lost your keys, or have a lock that has failed, we can attend the same day — often within the hour across Golders Green and NW London. Call 020 3856 3400 any day of the week from 7am to 11pm.