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Locksmith services
Lock Change in Barking
Need a lock change in Barking? Whether you’ve moved into a new place, lost keys, had a tenant changeover, or you’re tightening security, a proper lock change is about more than swapping a part. It’s making sure the new lock is correctly matched to your door, installed cleanly, and tested so it works smoothly every time.
IG11 Locksmith Barking provides a dedicated lock change service across Barking and nearby areas, focused on doing one thing properly: changing your lock so you regain control of access.
As your local Barking locksmith team, we also offer related services such as door lock replacement and door lock installation.
If you’re locked out or need urgent attendance, use our emergency locksmith service.
Our lock change service is available to residents and businesses across Barking, ideal for new property moves, lost keys, and tenant changeovers.
Locksmith services
This page is only about lock change
If you’re here for a lock change, you’re in the right place. Everything on this page is about:
changing the lock,
choosing the correct lock type and security level,
fitting it correctly,
and confirming the door locks/unlocks reliably.
When to act
When you should book a lock change
Lock changes aren’t only for emergencies. Most people book a lock change for one of these reasons:
After moving in
Even if the previous owner seems trustworthy, you can’t know how many copies of the keys exist. A lock change gives you a clean start.
Lost, stolen, or unaccounted-for keys
If keys are missing and you can’t be sure where they’ll end up, a lock change restores control of access.
Tenant or staff changeovers
If multiple people have had keys over time, a lock change helps prevent “old keys” being used later.
After a break-in attempt or forced entry
Even if the door still works, the lock (and surrounding fixing/keep area) may be stressed or compromised. A lock change ensures the locking points and cylinder/mechanism are reliable again.
Upgrading security (without changing the door)
Many doors can accept a higher-security lock option without major work, as long as the correct spec is chosen for the door.
Worn lock that’s becoming unreliable
If the lock is stiff, inconsistent, or starts causing key-turn issues, it’s usually smarter to book a lock change before it fails at the worst time. If the keys are still secure and the issue may be repairable, see lock repair.
Common issues
Where lock changes are commonly needed
Property types
Flats and maisonettes
Houses (front, back, side access doors)
Rental properties (landlord changeovers)
HMOs and multi-let buildings (restricted access doors)
Shops, offices, and small commercial units
Communal doors (where permitted by the dutyholder/building manager)
Door locations people typically change locks on
Main entrance doors
Back doors and garden access doors
Side access doors and lockable gates (where the lock type allows a true “lock change”)
Internal access doors controlling sensitive areas (storerooms, offices, staff areas)
Communal entrance doors (subject to site rules and permission)
Locksmith services
What a lock change includes with IG11 Locksmith Barking
A professional lock change should leave you with a lock that’s secure, smooth, and correctly aligned.
What we do during a lock change
- Identify the exact lock type currently fitted (so the replacement is compatible)
- Measure correctly (so it sits flush, operates smoothly, and doesn’t protrude)
- Remove the old lock cleanly
- Fit the new lock and secure it properly
- Align the lock with the keep/strike so it locks without force
- Test thoroughly:lock/unlock from both sides (where applicable)key turns smoothly (no gritty feel, no “catch” points)bolt/latch engagement is cleandoor closes and locks consistently without “lifting” or “pulling” tricks
- Provide the new keys supplied with the lock
What we check to make sure the new lock feels right in daily use
Door alignment and pressure on the lock (a common reason locks feel stiff)
Keep/strike position so the bolt/latch engages fully
Fixing integrity (so the lock doesn’t loosen and drift over time)
Flush fitting (reduces vulnerability and improves stability)
What a lock change does not involve
No guess fitting or forcing incompatible parts
No leaving you with a stiff lock that only works if you lift/pull the door
No mixing random components that don’t match your door type
Your options
Lock change options (what we can change, and what you should choose)
1) Euro cylinder lock change (very common on multi-point doors)
Often found on uPVC doors, composite doors, some modern timber doors with multi-point locking, and some aluminium door systems.
- Correct size (internal/external measurement so it sits centred and stable)
- Flush fit (avoids protrusion and improves security)
- Correct cam behaviour (so locking is smooth and consistent)
- Security level (basic vs high-security features such as anti-snap/anti-drill/anti-pick)
- Whether you want:key operation from both sides,thumbturn on the inside (common where fast exit is needed),an emergency function cylinder (design-dependent),keyed alike (same key for multiple doors, where compatible).
Using the wrong cylinder length (leaving it protruding or sitting loose)
Fitting a cylinder that binds because door alignment hasn’t been checked
Ignoring how the door actually locks (multi-point doors must throw correctly and consistently)
2) Mortice lock change (often on timber doors)
Often found on traditional wooden front doors and older internal access doors.
Correct case size and backset (so it fits the existing cut-out properly)
Correct forend size (so it sits flush and neat)
Strike/keep alignment (so it closes and locks without forcing)
Security grade choice (many people choose an insurer-recognised option for external doors)
“The key turns but doesn’t throw the bolt cleanly”
“The bolt scrapes or catches”
“The lock works with the door open, but not shut”
A proper lock change includes correcting alignment so the new mortice lock works smoothly in real use.
3) Nightlatch lock change (common on many front doors)
Often found on timber doors with a rim-mounted latch and key cylinder.
Correct backset and fitting position
Correct cylinder tail length (so key operation is reliable)
Door thickness and internal clearance
Choosing an operation style that fits daily use
If you actually need replacement, not a change
If the lock hardware is damaged, compromised, or failing internally (beyond a clean access reset), you may need a full like-for-like hardware swap. In those cases, see door lock replacement.
We regularly carry out lock changes in the wider Barking area, providing fresh keys and renewed security with same-day service.
Locksmith services
Business lock changes and key control
If you need lock changes across offices, shutters, staff entrances, or multiple doors on one site (including planning keyed-alike or structured access), see commercial locksmiths.
Need a locksmith in Barking now?
020 3883 9920Pricing
What affects the cost of a lock change
Lock change pricing depends on practical factors, such as:
Lock type (euro cylinder, mortice, nightlatch, etc.)
Security level of the lock you choose
Number of locks being changed
Door type and access constraints
Time required to confirm smooth operation (alignment and keep engagement checks)
Locksmith services
How to prepare for your lock change appointment
Tell us the door type (uPVC/composite/timber, if known)
Note any symptoms (stiff key turn, handle lift required, door catching)
Confirm how many locks you want changed (front door only vs multiple doors)
Decide if you want keyed alike (one key for multiple locks) where compatible
Ensure we can access both sides of the door (where applicable)
What to expect
Aftercare: keeping your new lock working smoothly
Avoid forcing the key—if anything feels off, stop and make sure the door is fully closed
Don’t allow the door to drop or scrape (misalignment shortens lock life)
Keep keys in good condition (bent keys damage locks over time)
If the door is exposed to weather, keep the lock area clean and dry
Good to know
Lock change FAQs
Can you change a lock without changing the whole door?
Yes—most lock changes are purely hardware. The key is choosing the correct lock for your existing door setup and fitting it properly.
Should I change locks when moving into a new home?
It’s strongly recommended. You can’t know who has keys, how many copies exist, or whether keys were shared previously.
Can I have the same key for multiple doors?
In many cases, yes (depending on lock types and compatibility). If you want keyed alike, mention it when booking.
How long does a lock change take?
Many lock changes are straightforward once the correct lock is selected and properly sized. More complex doors or multiple locks will take longer, especially where the door must be tested for smooth, repeatable locking.
Will the new lock feel stiff at first?
It shouldn’t. A properly fitted lock should turn smoothly. If it feels stiff, it usually indicates a fitting or alignment issue that should be corrected.
Locksmith services
Book a lock change in Barking
If you need a clean, professional lock change—done with correct sizing, correct fitting, and proper testing—contact IG11 Locksmith Barking. We’ll change your lock properly so you can lock up with confidence and stop worrying about who might still have a key.