How Long Does a Locksmith Take to Change a Lock?
Most residential lock changes take between 15 and 60 minutes from start to finish. A euro cylinder on a uPVC door is at the fast end - typically 15 to 30 minutes - while a mortice lock on a timber door runs 30 to 60 minutes, and a full multipoint locking system replacement takes 45 to 90 minutes. The exact time depends on the lock type, the condition of the door, and whether the right parts are already on the van.
How Long Does a Lock Change Actually Take - by Lock Type?
The lock type is the single biggest factor in how long the job takes. The table below gives the typical range you can expect from a professional locksmith on a straightforward job with no complications.
| Lock type | Typical time | Common door type |
|---|---|---|
| Euro cylinder | 15 - 30 minutes | uPVC, composite, aluminium |
| Rim nightlatch (Yale lock) | 20 - 30 minutes | Timber, Victorian/Edwardian |
| 5-lever mortice deadlock | 30 - 60 minutes | Timber |
| Multipoint locking mechanism | 45 - 90 minutes | uPVC, composite |
| Smart lock installation | 30 - 60 minutes | Most door types |
| Padlock or rim lock | 10 - 20 minutes | Gates, sheds, garages |
These times cover the full job - removing the old lock, fitting the new one, and testing the door. They do not include travel time to your property.
Euro Cylinder (uPVC and Composite Doors)
Euro cylinders are the most common lock type in UK homes built after the 1990s. The cylinder sits inside the door handle mechanism and is retained by a single screw. A locksmith removes that screw, slides the old cylinder out, slides the new one in, and tests the action - the whole process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.
The only common complication is cylinder length: the replacement must match the exact measurement of the door to avoid overhang, which is a cylinder-snapping vulnerability. An experienced locksmith carries a range of sizes and can cut to length on site.
For full lock change pricing from City Locksmith London, see our locksmith price list.
Rim Nightlatch (Yale Lock)
A nightlatch - the spring latch commonly found on Victorian and Edwardian timber front doors - is surface-mounted on the inside of the door, with the cylinder coming through from the outside. Replacement takes around 20 to 30 minutes. Many timber doors have both a nightlatch and a 5-lever mortice; if both are being changed at the same visit, allow 50 to 80 minutes for the pair.
5-Lever Mortice Deadlock (Timber Doors)
Mortice locks sit inside a pocket cut into the door edge - far more involved than a cylinder swap. The locksmith must remove the door furniture, extract the lock case from the pocket, fit the new lock to the correct dimensions, and realign the strike plate in the frame. On a door in good condition, this takes 30 to 60 minutes. If the pocket needs chiselling or the door has dropped and needs adjustment, allow up to 90 minutes.
UK insurers generally require a BS3621 5-lever mortice on final-exit timber doors. Fitting the correct grade matters for your home insurance to remain valid.
Multipoint Locking Mechanism (uPVC and Composite Doors)
Multipoint systems run the full height of the door and engage at three to five points simultaneously - top, middle, and bottom. Replacing the mechanism is the most time-consuming standard job, typically 45 to 90 minutes. The locksmith must remove the door edge strip, extract the gearbox, thread in the new mechanism through the door channels, refit and test all locking points, and adjust the alignment if needed.
If your door lock installation involves upgrading to a higher-security multipoint at the same time, allow time for the door to be measured and, in some cases, the pocket to be modified.
Smart Lock Installation
Smart locks vary considerably in design - some replace just the cylinder (quick), others replace the full lock body and backplate (slower). Typical fitting time is 30 to 60 minutes, plus additional time to pair the lock to your phone or hub and walk you through the app. Factor in an extra 15 to 20 minutes for setup if it is a connected device.
Factors That Affect How Long a Lock Change Takes
Condition of the Door and Frame
Warped or dropped doors, damaged frames, and swollen timber all add time. If the lock pocket needs chiselling to new dimensions, or the door needs planing or adjustment screws resetting to close and seal correctly, that work must happen before the new lock can be tested properly. Always better to do it right than rush.
Whether the Old Lock Is Damaged or Seized
A lock change after a break-in, an attempted forced entry, or a snapped key is more involved than a routine upgrade. The locksmith first has to gain entry (if you are locked out), extract the damaged lock or snapped key, and assess any frame damage before fitting the replacement. Emergency locksmith London call-outs typically add 15 to 30 minutes for this damage assessment stage.
Parts Availability
A locksmith who carries the correct replacement lock in their van completes the job in a single visit. If a specific or less common lock must be sourced and ordered, there will be a delay to a return visit. Reputable locksmiths - especially those covering large urban areas - carry a wide range of anti-snap euro cylinders, BS3621 mortice locks, and common multipoint mechanisms.
Number of Locks
Two or three locks changed in the same visit rarely takes three times as long. Travel and setup are shared across all locks, so a 3-lock job might take 90 minutes where three separate single-lock visits would take far longer collectively. It is usually more cost-effective to upgrade multiple locks at once.
What Happens During an Emergency Lock Change?
Emergency locksmiths called at short notice - after a break-in, a lost key, or a lockout - prioritise restoring your security as quickly as possible. City Locksmith London operates 24/7 across Greater London with a 25-minute response target.
On a post-break-in job, a locksmith will typically:
- Assess the damage to the door, frame, and existing lock
- Secure the property immediately if the door cannot be closed or latched
- Extract any damaged lock hardware or snapped keys
- Fit a replacement lock of at least equivalent security standard
- Advise on any frame or door repairs needed to restore full security
Contact a locksmith to book an emergency call-out - there is no call-out fee with City Locksmith London.
Typical Lock Change Prices
The prices below are for City Locksmith London (labour, ex VAT at 20%) and UK market ranges for context. Always request a full written quote - including parts and VAT - before work begins.
| Service | City Locksmith London | Typical UK range |
|---|---|---|
| Lock change (labour) | from £69 | £60 - £130 |
| Fresh lock installation | from £89/hr | £70 - £150/hr |
| Emergency door opening | from £79 | £79 - £150 |
| Euro cylinder (parts + labour) | from £69 + parts | around £80 - £150 |
| Multipoint mechanism (parts + labour) | quote on inspection | around £150 - £300 |
Prices vary by lock grade, time of day, and whether parts are included. See our full locksmith price list for transparent pricing on all services.
Why Use a Professional Rather Than DIY?
A euro cylinder swap is one of the simpler DIY tasks - remove one screw, slide in the new cylinder. Even so, there are good reasons to use a qualified locksmith:
- Correct sizing - an overly long cylinder protruding from the door face is a cylinder-snapping target. A locksmith measures and cuts to the exact flush or slight recess required.
- Right security grade - a professional will specify whether your lock meets BS3621 (required by most UK home insurers) or TS007 3-star (the current gold standard for anti-snap cylinders).
- Aligned installation - a misaligned cylinder or mortice causes premature wear and is easier to attack. Proper fitting takes more care than it looks.
- Single-visit completion - a locksmith with the right parts and tools finishes the job in 20 to 60 minutes. A DIY job that needs a second trip to the hardware store can stretch to most of a day.
For more on what to consider before changing your door lock, our blog covers security grades, insurance requirements, and when to upgrade rather than just replace.
Book a Lock Change with City Locksmith London
City Locksmith London provides fast, professional lock change and door lock installation services across Greater London - from a quick euro cylinder swap to a full multipoint mechanism replacement. We carry anti-snap cylinders, BS3621 mortice locks, and common multipoint parts in the van, so most jobs are completed in a single visit. Fully insured, 15+ years of experience, no call-out fee.
See our locksmith price list for transparent pricing, or contact a locksmith for a free quote.