5 signs you need a lock replacement

Most people only think about their locks when one stops working entirely. But locks tend to give warning signs well before they fail completely, and catching them early is a lot cheaper than dealing with a lockout at 11pm. Here's what to look out for.

1. The key sticks or needs jiggling

A key that used to turn smoothly and now needs a bit of a wiggle isn't just annoying — it's usually a sign the internal pins or the cylinder itself are wearing down. Left alone, this tends to get worse, not better, and can end with a key snapping off inside the lock.

2. The lock has already been drilled or bumped

If a lock has been drilled out during a previous lockout, or you suspect it may have been bumped, it's no longer offering the security it was designed for. This is one of the more common jobs we're called out for — swapping a compromised cylinder for a British Standard anti-snap one.

3. Your door handle feels loose

A loose handle usually means the mechanism behind it is wearing out. On UPVC doors especially, this often points to the multipoint locking gearbox rather than the handle itself, and it's worth having it looked at before the door stops locking altogether.

4. You've moved into a new property

You never know how many sets of keys are floating around for a property you've just bought or rented. Changing the locks on move-in day is one of the simplest security decisions you can make.

5. The lock is visibly old or corroded

Older euro-cylinder locks, especially ones without anti-snap protection, are a known weak point for break-ins. If your locks pre-date 2015 or so, it's worth having them assessed.

If any of this sounds familiar, we're happy to take a look and tell you honestly whether it's worth replacing or not — no pressure either way.