Garage door lock replacement in Exeter
Professional garage door lock replacement services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£85-135
Typical Duration
45-90 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Broken or worn garage door lock replaced properly - security restored, smooth operation, keys that actually work. No more wrestling with a dodgy lock every time you need to get in.
Why Garage Door Locks Fail
Garage locks get hammered. They're outside, exposed to weather, often not lubricated, and used daily. Eventually they seize, break, or stop engaging properly.
💡 Pro tip: If your garage contains anything worth more than £500 (bikes, tools, etc), fit a decent lock. Basic locks are an invitation to opportunist thieves.
Common Lock Problems
| Issue | What's Happening | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Key won't turn | Mechanism seized or worn | Service or replace |
| Doesn't lock properly | Bolt not engaging | Adjustment or new lock |
| Key broke off in lock | Forced when mechanism stiff | Extract key, replace lock |
| Lost all keys | Keys missing | Replace lock entirely |
What You Get
🔧 The Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Diagnose | Check if repairable or replacement needed |
| Source | Get suitable replacement lock |
| Remove old | Take out failed lock carefully |
| Fit new | Install and align properly |
| Test | Make sure it locks smoothly |
📦 You're Left With
- Working lock and new keys
- Smooth, secure operation
- Better security (if upgraded)
Pricing
| Job Type | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Simple lock replacement | 45-60 mins | £60-85 |
| Complex door mechanism | 60-90 mins | £85 |
| Multiple locks (matching set) | 90+ mins | £85-135 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Lock hardware extra - typically £20-80 depending on quality.
Perfect For...
✅ Broken locks - seized, worn, or damaged beyond repair
✅ Lost keys - all keys gone, lock needs replacing
✅ Security upgrade - basic lock, want something better
✅ Multiple doors - matching locks so one key fits all
Why Choose Us for Garage door lock replacement in Exeter?
Security properly restored
Smooth locking operation
Quality replacement lock
Tested and guaranteed
What to Expect
Step 1: Diagnose
I'll check whether the lock can be repaired or needs replacing. Sometimes it just needs servicing, sometimes it's done.
Step 2: Source Replacement
If it needs replacing, I'll get the right type for your door. Different door types need different lock mechanisms.
Step 3: Fit & Test
Old lock out, new lock in, aligned properly so it engages smoothly. Full test to make sure it's secure.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to tackle this yourself? Here's the method:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Screwdrivers (various sizes)
- Drill (possibly)
- Replacement lock (correct type for your door!)
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Patience
📐 Replacement process
- Remove old lock - usually bolts through the door
- Measure carefully - lock centers, backset, etc
- Check door prep - might need drilling/chiseling for new lock
- Test fit new lock - before final fixing
- Secure properly - tight but not over-tight
- Test operation - lock should engage smoothly
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Buying wrong lock type for your door mechanism
- Not measuring the existing lock properly
- Forcing the fit rather than adjusting the door
- Over-tightening bolts (cracks the housing)
💡 Pro trick: Before fitting the new lock, check the keep (the bit the bolt goes into) on the door frame. If it's worn or loose, sort that first - otherwise your new lock won't work properly either.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎨 Multiple garage doors? If you've got a double garage or separate doors, consider matched locks - one key for everything is much more convenient.
Insurance matters - if you're claiming for stolen items from your garage, insurance often asks about the lock. A proper lock shows you took reasonable security precautions.
Key cutting - when you get the new lock, get a spare key cut immediately. Much cheaper than an emergency locksmith when you eventually lose one.
Older doors - some older garage doors have non-standard lock positions. If yours is unusual, send me photos when booking so I can bring the right bits.
Frequently Asked Questions
My garage lock is stuck - should I force it?
No - forcing it usually breaks something else and makes it more expensive to fix. If the key won't turn or the mechanism's seized, call me and I'll get it sorted without causing extra damage.
Can I upgrade to a better lock while you're doing it?
Absolutely - makes sense if your current lock is basic. I can fit anything from a simple upgrade to a proper high-security lock. Depends what you're storing in there and your budget.
Do I need to supply the new lock?
Either way. If you know what you want and have bought it, I'll fit it. Otherwise I can source the right lock for your door type - there are different mechanisms for different doors.
What if I've lost my garage key?
If the lock still works, I can usually get a key cut from the lock barrel once it's out. If the lock's broken AND you've lost the key, we'll need a new lock - but that's probably due anyway.
Can you match a new lock to my existing keys?
Not usually - locks come with their own keys. But if you've got multiple doors/locks to change, I can fit matched sets so one key opens everything. Much more convenient.
Garage door lock replacement Also Available In:
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Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your garage door lock replacement job in Exeter.
01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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