Lock Change in Co. Westmeath
1 business offering lock changes across Co. Westmeath.
Locks get changed after a move, after keys are lost or stolen, when a tenancy or a relationship ends, or when an insurer asks for a specific standard of lock. The job is usually quick, and the useful part is choosing the right replacement rather than the fitting itself.
What is actually being replaced varies by door. A uPVC or composite door normally has a multipoint mechanism operated by a euro cylinder, and in most cases only the cylinder needs to change, which is both cheaper and faster than replacing the whole mechanism. A timber door more often takes a mortice lock, where the replacement has to match the existing mortice or the door needs cutting. Where several doors share a building, cylinders can often be keyed alike so one key works throughout. If the concern is that keys are in circulation rather than that the lock has failed, rekeying or changing the cylinder achieves the same result as a full replacement.
Two things are worth checking before booking. First, your insurance policy may specify a lock standard, and fitting something below it can affect a claim. Second, since 1 February 2017 contractors providing locksmith services in Ireland must hold a licence from the Private Security Authority; it is an offence to trade as a locksmith without one, and the PSA publishes a register of licensed contractors you can check.
Lock Changes in Co. Westmeath
Common questions
Does a locksmith in Ireland need a licence?
Yes. Since 1 February 2017 contractors providing locksmith services require a licence from the Private Security Authority, and operating without one is an offence. The PSA maintains a public register of licensed contractors, so you can confirm a business before it comes out.
Do I need a whole new lock, or just the cylinder?
On a uPVC or composite door the euro cylinder is usually the only part that needs changing, which is quicker and cheaper than replacing the multipoint mechanism. The full mechanism only needs replacing if it has actually failed, for example if the handle no longer lifts or the door will not lock when closed.
Can the same key work all my doors?
Often, yes. Cylinders can be supplied keyed alike so one key operates front, back and garage doors, provided the doors take compatible cylinders. It is worth asking at the point of ordering, since retrofitting it later means changing the cylinders again.
Does my insurance require a particular lock?
Some policies specify a minimum lock standard on final exit doors, and fitting something below that standard can affect a claim. Check the policy wording before the work and tell the locksmith what is required, rather than discovering the mismatch at claim time.
Other locksmiths services in Co. Westmeath
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