How Long Does a Lock Change Take?
A standard euro cylinder lock change takes about 15 minutes. A full lock change on a front door with two locks takes 30 to 45 minutes. The exact time depends on the type of lock, the condition of the door hardware, and whether any additional adjustments are needed.
If you are getting your locks changed after moving house, after losing your keys, or because your insurance company has asked for an upgrade, you will be glad to know it is one of the quickest jobs a locksmith does. You do not need to clear your entire afternoon for it. Here is a full breakdown of how long each type of lock change takes, so you know what to expect.
Lock Change Times by Lock Type
Different locks take different amounts of time. Here is what to expect for each type.
Euro Cylinder (uPVC and Composite Doors): 10 to 20 minutes
This is the most common lock change we do. The euro cylinder sits in the centre of the multipoint locking mechanism. To change it, we remove a single fixing screw from the door edge, turn the key to retract the cam, and slide the cylinder out. The new one slides in, gets secured with the same screw, and you are done. Quick, clean, no fuss. If we are upgrading you to an anti-snap cylinder at the same time, it takes the same amount of time because it is the same physical process.
Mortice Deadlock (Wooden Doors): 20 to 45 minutes
A mortice deadlock sits inside the body of a wooden door. Changing it involves removing the lock body from the mortice pocket, fitting the new lock, aligning the faceplate and keep, and testing the throw of the bolt. If the new lock matches the existing cutout exactly, this is a straightforward job. If the new lock is a slightly different size, we may need to adjust the pocket, which adds a bit of time.
Night Latch / Rim Lock: 15 to 30 minutes
Night latches, sometimes called Yale locks, are surface-mounted on the inside of the door with a cylinder poking through to the outside. Changing the cylinder is very quick. Replacing the entire latch mechanism takes a bit longer because we need to align the new body with the existing screw holes and adjust the keep on the frame.
Full Front Door (Two Locks): 30 to 60 minutes
If you are changing both the main lock and the secondary lock on your front door, such as a euro cylinder on the multipoint mechanism plus a night latch, allow 30 to 60 minutes for the complete job. We usually recommend changing both at the same time, especially if you have just moved house.
Multipoint Mechanism Replacement: 45 to 90 minutes
This is not strictly a lock change, but it is often needed when the lock will not engage. The multipoint mechanism is the metal strip that runs up the edge of the door. Replacing it involves removing the handle, the cylinder, the old mechanism, fitting the new one, and reassembling everything. It takes longer than a simple lock swap, but it is still a same-day job.
What Can Add Time to a Lock Change?
The times above assume a clean, straightforward swap. Sometimes the job takes a bit longer. Here is why.
The door has dropped. If the door is no longer sitting square in the frame, the new lock might not line up with the keeps. We need to adjust the hinges or reposition the keeps before the lock will engage properly. This can add 15 to 30 minutes.
The old lock is seized. A corroded or jammed lock can be harder to remove than a working one. If the fixing screw is rusted in place or the cylinder is stuck, we need to take a bit more time to extract it without damaging the door.
Non-standard sizes. Most euro cylinders come in standard lengths, but some doors use unusual sizes. If we do not have the exact size on the van, we may need to return with the correct part. This is rare, but it does happen on older or non-standard doors. We always check the size before we leave and come back the same day or next day at no extra charge.
Additional security upgrades. If you are adding a security upgrade at the same time, such as fitting a letterbox guard, a door chain, or reinforcing the frame keeps, the overall job will take longer. But each individual item only adds a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to change a euro cylinder lock?
A euro cylinder change takes about 15 minutes. It is one of the simplest lock jobs there is. You remove the fixing screw from the edge of the door, turn the key to retract the cam, slide the old cylinder out, slide the new one in, and fix it back in place. We carry a range of sizes in the van so there is no waiting for parts.
How long does a full lock change take on a front door?
Changing both locks on a standard front door, typically a euro cylinder on the multipoint mechanism and a night latch or rim lock, takes about 30 to 45 minutes. If the door only has one lock, it is quicker. If additional work is needed such as hinge adjustments or keep realignment, allow up to an hour.
Can a locksmith change locks the same day?
Yes. We offer same-day lock changes across Manchester. Because we carry the most common cylinder sizes and lock types in our van, the vast majority of lock changes are completed in a single visit on the day you call.
Does a lock change damage the door?
No. A lock change is a straightforward mechanical swap. The new lock fits into the same cutout as the old one. There is no drilling, cutting or modification needed for a standard like-for-like replacement. Your door will look exactly the same afterwards.
Need Your Locks Changed?
Same-day lock changes across Manchester. No call-out fee, no fix no fee, 12-month guarantee. Most jobs done in under an hour.
Call Now: 07411 496213