Good reasons to replace a lock

Keys are lost, stolen or unaccounted for — after moving in, after a tenant or staff member leaves, or after a bag is stolen.
The lock was damaged in a break-in or attempted forced entry.
The lock is worn out and repair would be uneconomical or unreliable.
You want a higher security level than the existing lock offers.
Parts are no longer available for the existing lock.

Making sure the new lock fits

The replacement has to suit the door you have. The technician checks the lock type (mortice, cylinder or multipoint), the measurements that decide fit (such as the backset and the case size for mortice locks, or the cylinder length and profile for cylinder locks), the door's thickness and material, and which way it opens. A lock that "nearly fits" usually means extra cutting into the door, weaker fixing or a poorly aligned bolt. Read more in choosing a replacement lock that fits the existing door.

In some situations only part of a lock needs changing. On many cylinder locks, for example, the cylinder can be replaced without changing the whole mechanism. That can be a quicker and cheaper way to make lost keys useless.

Security level: what you're choosing between

Locks differ in how well they resist picking, drilling, snapping and forcing. A standard Union or Yale lockset suits most internal and many external doors. High-security cylinders such as Mul-T-Lock, CISA or dormakaba cost more and are sometimes restricted (keys can only be ordered with proof of ownership). The right level depends on the door's purpose, what's behind it, insurance requirements and your budget. We'll explain the options; ask your insurer if they set a minimum standard.

Keys for the new lock

New locks come with the keys their manufacturer supplies. We don't offer key cutting or duplication, so if you need more copies, plan for that when choosing the lock — restricted-key systems have their own process for ordering keys.

Body corporates, landlords and estates

If you rent, or live in a sectional-title complex or estate, check whether you need permission to change the lock on your front door and whether a particular type is required. Landlords may also need a key. For business premises, see our commercial locksmith service.

What affects the price

The main factors are the lock itself (type, brand, security level), how many locks are being changed, whether the door needs extra work to take the new lock, and the time on site. Call-out: R250 call-out fee. Quotations: The technician assesses the job on site and gives you the price before any work starts. Nothing is done until you agree.

Lock brands we work on

These are the lock and security-gate brands you'll find on most Sandton doors and gates, sold by Builders, Cashbuild, Leroy Merlin and locksmith suppliers across Gauteng. If yours isn't listed, send us a photo.

UnionMortice locksets, cylinders, gate locks
YaleLocksets, padlocks, smart locks
TrellidorSecurity-gate locks
CISACylinders, gate and door locks
Mul-T-LockHigh-security cylinders, padlocks
dormakabaCommercial locks and key systems
ABUSPadlocks
Master LockPadlocks

Brand names belong to their owners and are used only to describe what we work on. We're not an agent of, or endorsed by, these manufacturers.

Where this service is available

We provide lock replacement as part of our mobile locksmith service across Sandton. Areas we're often asked about include:

All Sandton areas we cover

Questions customers ask

Should I change the locks when I move into a house?

It's sensible when you can't be sure how many keys exist or who has them. Our moving-home lock-security checklist helps you decide which locks matter most.

Can you install a lock I've already bought?

Tell us the make and model when you call. We'll check whether it suits your door before the visit, and tell you if it doesn't.

How many keys come with a new lock?

That depends on the manufacturer and product. We'll tell you when we quote.

Lock Replacement in Sandton