Blog>Cost Guides>How much does uPVC door lock replacement cost in 2025?
Last updated: 16 January 2025
How much does uPVC door lock replacement cost in 2025?
Read our helpful guide on uPVC door lock replacement costs. From lock types to locksmith costs, we’ve got you covered with prices and tips for choosing the right locksmith.
Fast Facts
The approximate cost to have a locksmith replace a standard Euro cylinder lock on an uPVC door is between £75 - £125 plus labour
The typical locksmith hourly rates are around £50 - £95 per hour, averaging at £75 per hour
There may be additional costs to consider, such as removing broken keys from locks
Hiring a professional locksmith is always worth the cost to keep your home safe
Are you looking into uPVC door lock replacement costs because you want to upgrade your security or have experienced a break-in? Before contacting a professional locksmith, it's important to understand all the costs involved, as prices vary significantly.
For instance, a professional locksmith's daytime hourly rate is roughly £75. But this climbs to £100 for out-of-hour jobs.
So, if you don't know your uPVC door gearbox replacement cost from a standard Euro cylinder lock price, keep reading. Here, we cover all the average door lock replacement costs and the factors affecting the price.
We also offer tips on finding a reputable locksmith using our free search directory.
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Average cost to replace a uPVC door lock mechanism
| uPVC replacement door lock costs | Unit | Cost +VAT (Range low-high) | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Locksmith changing a standard euro cylinder lock on a uPVC door | Per lock | £75 - £125 | £100 |
| Locksmith changing an anti-snap euro cylinder lock on a uPVC door | Per lock | £100 - £150 | £125 |
| Locksmith | Per hour | £50 - £95 | £75 |
| Locksmith out of hours | Per hour | £75 - £125 | £100 |
| Gain entry if locked out | Per job | £75 - £150 | £115 |
| uPVC patio door lock replacement | Per lock | £90 - £120 | £110 |
| Changing all the locks at a property | Per home | £400 - £600 | £500 |
| Last updated: January 2025 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |||
For a breakdown of each cost, we spoke to the online estimators at My Build Estimate – a professional estimating company monitored by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
As you'll see from the table above, the cost to replace an uPVC door lock mechanism near you will vary depending on the type of lock you need and if it's installed during standard working hours.
To get a better steer on the costs involved, let's look into it one service and lock at a time:
Typical uPVC lock replacement costs
Locksmith services
The average locksmith charges for uPVC locks are around £50 - £95 per hour, averaging at **£75 per hour. If you wish to get your uPVC door lock changed, that takes around one to three hours generally, depending on various factors
If you want your door locks changed out-of-hours, this will cost you more. Most locksmiths' hourly rates for such a situation would be between £75 - £125
But when working out how much a uPVC lock replacement will cost you, it's not just the locksmith's labour fee you need to account for. You'll also need to factor in the cost of the lock itself. That's up next.
Standard euro cylinder locks
Euro cylinder locks are one of the most common lock mechanisms you'll see in uPVC doors
It's one of the cheapest to install
The lock is fitted within the handle and is often used with multi-point locking systems
The same key could unlock the front and back doors of your home
The approximate cost to have a professional locksmith replace a standard Euro cylinder lock on an uPVC door is between £75 - £125.
Anti-snap euro cylinder locks
While very similar to euro cylinder locks, these locks have one key difference: their security level
They have a much higher security rating because they cannot be picked
They are tested against lock snapping and lock bumping
The cost for a locksmith to replace an anti-snap euro cylinder lock is between £100 - £150.
Factors influencing costs
It is difficult to calculate the exact uPVC door lock replacement cost. That's because many factors need to be taken into account, including:
Time of day
You're looking at paying a premium for out-of-hours locksmith services. Costs tend to be 25% extra for middle-of-the-night or weekend jobs.
Expect to pay on average £100per hour rather than the standard £75hourly fee.
Type of lock
Due to different levels of security and durability, your uPVC lock replacement cost may be higher depending on which brand you choose.
For instance, if you're replacing an anti-snap cylinder, you'll pay an average of £125.This is more than a standard euro cylinder, which costs on average £100. This is because anti-snap locks are more expensive to buy due to the additional security mechanisms within the lock.
Labour and travel costs
Is it the dead of night, and the only available professional locksmith you can find is a twenty-minute drive away? This will cost you more as your locksmith needs to account for travel time, mileage, and labour costs. This soon mounts up, but it's standard practice for locksmiths to quote for these additional factors.
Cost comparison by lock type
As we've explored above, euro cylinder and anti-snap locks are the most commonly used for uPVC doors. However, there are other options, such as more sophisticated multi-point locking mechanisms, though these tend to cost more.
For instance, the cost to replace an uPVC door lock with a full multipoint lock strip could be in the region of £120 - £300. This is substantially more than the cost of a standard euro cylinder lock, which costs between £75 - £125.
It's also worth noting some specialist lock parts may not be as readily available. In such cases, it may be necessary to board up broken windows and doors until repairs can be made. This will mean additional costs but is essential to keep your home safe.
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Other factors that affect uPVC door lock replacement costs
Along with the factors listed above, there are other circumstances which could impact your uPVC door lock replacement cost. They include:
British standard locks
Certified by the British Standards Institute (BSI), which undertakes rigorous testing as a standard to assess new locks, British Standard locks will be stronger and more secure than non-British Standard locks. However, they can also work out more expensive than standard euro cylinders.
Time-sensitive jobs and extra fees
If you are locked out and need a locksmith to help you gain entry, this will incur a charge of approximately £75 - £150.
In certain circumstances (e.g. if you require emergency assistance and the only locksmith available has to travel a large distance), you will be charged extra for the distance they travel.
Complex jobs
If you're looking to change all the locks at your home, the cost will be significantly more.
For this, you're looking at an average of £500per home, but for larger homes, this could be more.
Gearbox replacement
If you're lucky, it might just be that the lock's gearbox needs to be replaced rather than the whole locking mechanism.
The door gearbox is a part of the central locking mechanism of an uPVC door and interacts directly with the handle, spindle, and key cylinder.
The average uPVC door gearbox replacement cost is an average of £90. This is slightly less than the cost of a standard euro cylinder lock.
Repairs to damaged doors and windows
Have you experienced a break-in or attempted break-in to your home? Replacing locks while repairing any damage to your doors or windows goes hand-in-hand.
Your locksmith may be able to help with boarding up broken windows and doors until repairs can be made. This will be an additional cost but is essential to keep your home safe.
Is the damage beyond repair, and do you need an uPVC window or door replacement? You can find out more about the prices involved in our cost guides on replacement glazing units for uPVC windows and how to repair an uPVC door.
How long does it take to change a uPVC door lock?
The average time taken is approximately one to three hours. However, timings will vary based on:
Type of door you have
Your existing locks
The new locks required
Repairing any damage to your door or lock
DIY vs hiring a locksmith for uPVC lock repairs
It is possible to replace simpler locks yourself. But, it is also easy to do a poor job, risking your home's security. That's why we always recommend hiring a professional locksmith.
Benefits of hiring a professional locksmith
Unless it's a minor repair job, leaving uPVC door repairs to the professionals is best. That way, you can be sure your home and loved ones are as safe as possible.
Benefits of hiring an experienced locksmith include:
Expertise – Professional locksmiths are knowledgeable and experienced, meaning they are prepared for any scenario and able to deal with a wide variety of locks
Speed and efficiency – Many locksmiths are available 24/7 and have fully equipped vans, so you are able to respond and resolve any issues quickly
Up-to-date security advice – It is a huge part of a locksmith’s job to be up-to-date on the latest security issues and technology. As such, they can advise you on the best type of lock for your requirements. And, then, they can fit it to a high standard
Tips to extend the life of your uPVC door locks
Generally speaking, uPVC door locks are super hardwearing. However, how often you use the door and the conditions of where it is can impact the lifespan of your door. For instance, it's less likely to rust if it's located beneath a porch and sheltered from the rain.
Here are a few maintenance tips you can do to keep your lock working smoothly and lasting longer. They are:
Cleaning – Regularly clean the lock, handles, and hinges with mild detergent and water to remove dust and grime
Lubrication – Apply a small amount of silicone-based lubricant or graphite powder to the hinges and lock mechanism to stop your lock from sticking
Alignment – Check that the door and frame are aligned and adjust the hinges if necessary
However, if there are visible signs of rusting or the lock is continually sticking and temperamental, it's probably time to look at replacing your lock.
Working out uPVC door lock replacement costs
As well as the costs for labour and the lock itself, it is important to budget for any additional costs that may arise when replacing your locks.
These include:
Gaining access if locked out (depending on the ease of access)
Replacing broken windows or doors that may get damaged
Broken or snapped keys that are inside your door lock
If you have been burgled, you may choose to replace all the locks at a property (this costs around £400 – £600 depending on the locks used and amount of locks)
In certain circumstances, it may be possible to replace lost keys without changing your locks. In this case, you will be charged for the new keys and any call-out fees.
Get a quote to replace a uPVC door lock mechanism near me
Have you read the above costs and feel ready to contact a uPVC door locksmith? Great.
We always suggest getting quotes from at least three tradespeople for jobs like uPVC door lock replacement. That way, you know you're getting a fair price.
If you don't have the time to search for trusted locksmiths, use our request a quote. You can post your job, and we will send it to qualified locksmiths in your area. Once the locksmiths receive your job, they will contact you to discuss it further.
Find a specialist in uPVC door lock repairs near me
If you'd rather contact Checkatrade-approved locksmiths directly, just follow these two quick steps:
1. Use a professional directory (like us!)
Simply enter your postcode into our free professional directory below to find specialists for uPVC door lock repairs near you.
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2. Read online reviews
Don't forget to read the online reviews on our directory. A review from a previous customer is one of the best ways to check a tradesperson's professionalism.
At Checkatrade, we check all online reviews to ensure they're from real people and that trades meet our high standards.
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Finding a locksmith near me: frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to change a lock on a uPVC door in the UK?
The approximate cost to have a locksmith replace a standard Euro cylinder lock on an uPVC door is between £75 - £125 plus labour.
What factors influence the cost of replacing a uPVC door lock?
The time of day is one of the biggest factors that can impact the price of replacing a uPVC door lock. That's because, if it's out-of-hours, you'll pay a premium for an emergency call out. The type of lock can also influence the cost. As explored above, a more sophisticated multi-point locking mechanism will cost more.
Can I replace a uPVC door lock myself?
While nothing is stopping you from having a go at small repairs, we wouldn't recommend replacing an entire lock. If it's incorrectly fitted, you could compromise your home insurance and home safety.
What is an anti-snap euro cylinder lock?
Anti-snap euro cylinder locks are considered a step up from a standard euro cylinder lock. This is because they have a much higher security rating.
How long does it take to replace a uPVC door lock?
That's tricky to say, as it all depends on the type of lock you have fitted. However, you're looking at approximately one to three hours on average.
Why is a British Standard lock recommended for uPVC doors?
British Standard locks are certified by the BSI, so they will be stronger and more secure than non-British Standard locks. However, it's worth noting that they will cost more.
How much do locksmiths charge to replace uPVC door locks near me?
The approximate cost to have a locksmith replace a standard Euro cylinder lock on an uPVC door is between £75 - £125 plus labour. However, the cost might be slightly higher if you live in London or the South East.
What should I do if I lose my keys to a uPVC door lock?
Being locked out is something all homeowners dread – but it does happen! You'll need a qualified locksmith straight away. Don't be tempted to use a spare key and ignore the lost one. You could be compromising the safety of you and your loved ones.
Finding a trusted locksmith (whatever the time of day) is easy and quick using Checkatrade's free directory below.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
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