A door lock that's stiff, jammed or won't turn is one of the most common household faults — and one of the most stressful when it happens at night. Here's what repairs actually cost, which jobs you can do yourself, and when it's time to call a professional.
What kind of lock is it?
The cost depends heavily on the type of lock:
- Euro cylinder (the common barrel lock on uPVC and composite doors) — cheap to buy and quick to swap.
- Multipoint lock (the long strip that locks at top, middle and bottom) — more complex and more expensive.
- Latch / keep — the part that holds the door shut; often just needs adjustment.
- Nightlatch / deadlock (on wooden doors) — simpler mechanisms, usually straightforward.
What door lock repair costs
Prices are typical UK figures, not a quote.
| Fix | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Door adjustment or latch repair | from £50 |
| Euro cylinder replacement (part only, DIY) | £10–£30 — cheap, easy job |
| Multipoint lock or gearbox replacement | more — depends on the door's make; we quote first |
| Locksmith call-out | varies by area and time of day — confirm before you book |
A couple of things worth knowing before you pay:
- A simple cylinder swap is genuinely DIY. Unscrew one screw, remove the old barrel, fit a new one the same length. It's a £10–£30 part and ten minutes' work.
- A multipoint lock is not DIY. It's specific to the door's make, needs the right gearbox, and forcing it can seize the door shut — or leave it unlocked.
DIY or call a locksmith?
Try yourself if:
- The key is stiff — lubricate the cylinder first (a dry graphite or lock lubricant, not WD-40).
- The handle is loose — tighten the screws.
- You're confident matching a euro cylinder's size and swapping it.
Call a professional if:
- The key snaps or the lock won't turn at all.
- The handle spins without engaging — the multipoint mechanism has gone.
- The door won't lock and you need it secure tonight.
When to call
If the door won't lock — or you're locked out — don't leave it overnight. A broken lock is a security problem, not just an inconvenience. Get it diagnosed, get a fixed price, and get it sorted.
Get a fixed quote — tell us the fault and the door type, and we'll tell you straight what it'll cost.
