purchase house changing locks

[what..the?]

ok so I am about to complete on a house and change the locks what do I need to know about this, it's my first house.

How do I find a good locksmith who is not just going to keep a copy of the keys or sell a copy to his mate so they can break in?? Or does this never happen?

from a paranoid sceptic

[what..the?]

the builder - just followed that link which is great, thanks so much, it really shows how simple a euro cylinder is to change, are they all stand fit do you know? I cannot take the cylinder along with me to b&Q because I cannot lock up then, can i just buy a set off the shelf? the doors are about from 2004/5 would these be euro locks?

[annie0000]

To be honest, not only do i not change the locks, sometimes I don't even lock the door when we are out. We once went on holiday for a week and didn't lock the door, but that was by accident. Garage is usually left open so the postman can deliver parcels etc. Another interesting point, I only ever lock the door when I go to bed, if we are up, then the door is unlocked, and/or open. Do most people lock their house when they are in? Maybe it's just the way we were brought up. I don't even think my parents had any keys for the house.

[scotman]

I live in Edinburgh in a reasonable area and I have Yale type on front door and live in block of flats so have street door as well. The street door can be left unlocked so I always us the Yale.
Where I was born(many years ago) was rural and my parents only locked the door if they were going away for some time.
My view is that most of the locks I have inherited were not very good quality and in new house you will be in B&Q etc soon so why not. I can do all fitting myself so not that expensive

[alavahalf]

For or you trusting souls on here ... last week I was asked by the police to attend to a burglary.
The lady had just moved into the flat, (2 days) and had'nt even unpacked. When she returned home on the second day she felt that something was missing, but did'nt know what, amongst all the disorder. It was only when she sat down to watch the news amongst the boxes and crates, that she realised the new flat screen telly was gone.
There was know sign of a break in ... even the Chubb lock was bypassed.
A sure sign of another set of keys on the loose..!
( I changed the yale cylinder and changed the levers in the Chubb lock)
I can't believe that you have such faith past occupiers and their friends ... and anyone else who may hold keys.
What..the? ... just change the cylinders for your peace of mind, Euro lock are easy and take less than a minute to change. You dont need to take the locks to the shop with you... just measure them first any buy the right size.
Initialy remove the screw on the side of the door frame as the video shows... turn the key to about 'ten past or ten to' ... then jiggle the cylinder to remove it from the door. Then measure from the end of the cylinder to the centre of the screw hole in the side of the cylinder ... measure from both ends it is usualy different. Your measurements will be something like this 45-45.. or ...45-50... or.. 35-45.
These measurements will give you the size for the replacement cylinder.
Now just refit the cylinder and lock it as normal.

One more thing I very rarely buy Euro locks from B&Q as they dont usually have much of a selection...If you have a good harware store near you try them first.
I carry around thirty with me most of the time, and I often still dont have the right size.
But yes .. it's definitely a DIY job.

[annie0000]

scotman - i was born and raised in Edinburgh. :o)

[Jemisa]

I think w...t if a burgler is going to burgle you he's more likely to get in a window. You changing all the window locks too??

[scotman]

Another point to consider, I don't fancy the idea of giving insurance companies another way to weasel out of paying up should anything happen.

[alavahalf]

You dont need to change window locks ... as all window locks operate from inside.

[88jim]

You can purchase a replacement barrel and a barrel removal key, the new barrel with come with 2 keys, this can be fitted by yourself if you feel confident enough. Media URL: http://www.fastkeys.co.uk/
Description:

[88jim]

Order a replacement barrel, barrel removal key. and you can do this yourself. barrel will come with 2 new keys. Media URL: http://www.fastkeys.co.uk/
Description:

[tmpearce]

ring around to get the best quote and use one that has good references and is crb checked and preferably affiliated with a professional locksmith association eg
MLA
http://www.precisionlocksmiths.uk.com

[alavahalf]

Do I sense an advert ..... or just a slow response..?