Cylinder Upgrades – Locked out, lost your keys, or need to upgrade your locks to meet British Standards? At Locksmith Winchester, we’re ready to help—whether it’s an emergency or a planned lock replacement.
Why Strong Locks Matter
Fitting high-quality locks on your doors and windows doesn’t just improve security—it actively deters burglars. In fact, 20% of burglaries happen through open doors and windows. Therefore, it’s essential to fit good locks and also ensure you keep your property secured at all times.
At Locksmith Winchester, we offer a full range of local locksmith services across Winchester and nearby areas. These include:
- Emergency door opening
- Lock repairs and replacements
- Cylinder upgrades to British Standard
- Security fittings for all door and window types—including garages, roller shutters, and fire escapes
Understanding Door Locks
Mortice Locks
The Home Office recommends fitting five-lever mortice deadlocks that meet BS3621:2004 standards. Not only do these locks increase security, but many insurance providers also require them.
Mortice locks sit within the door and require a key to operate. While they’re commonly used on back doors, many homeowners also add them to front doors for extra protection.
There are two main types:
- Deadlock – just a keyhole and bolt
- Sashlock – includes a bolt, latch, and handles
Additionally, mortice locks come in 2, 3, 5, or 7-lever variations. Generally, the more levers a lock has, the harder it is to pick. We always recommend upgrading to 5-lever British Standard locks, which display the Kitemark symbol for easy identification.
These locks also make forced entry much more difficult. For example, even if a burglar breaks a nearby window, they can’t unlock the door—unless the key is left in the lock. So, it’s important to always remove keys after locking up.
Cylinder Upgrades – Cylinder Rim Locks (Yale Locks)
Most front doors in Winchester use cylinder rim locks, commonly referred to as Yale locks. If your door locks automatically when shut and opens from the inside without a key, that’s the kind you have.
These locks are mounted on the door’s surface. They include a key-operated cylinder on the outside and a latch release on the inside.
If you lose your keys, we can quickly replace the cylinder—often without changing the full lock. However, we often recommend upgrading to a more secure cylinder, especially if your current lock is outdated or vulnerable.
For even greater security, we install restricted cylinders. These come with protected keys that can only be copied with the owner’s authorisation—offering peace of mind and reducing the risk of duplicate keys.
Additionally, combining a cylinder rim lock with a mortice deadlock adds another solid layer of protection for your front door.
Additional Door Security
To enhance your home’s security even further, we can install:
- Door chains
- Reinforcement bars
- Lock guards
These additions make it more difficult for burglars to force entry. Plus, they’re quick to fit and cost-effective.
Why You Shouldn’t Overlook Window Locks
One in three break-ins happen through a window. That’s why window security is just as important as door security. By fitting visible window locks, you not only make entry more difficult but also deter burglars from trying.
Even if someone breaks the glass, locked windows can prevent them from getting in. And yes—it’s much riskier for them to climb through broken glass.
To maximise safety:
- Fit locks to ground-floor windows and those near flat roofs or drainpipes
- Always store window lock keys out of sight
Locksmith Winchester offers both new window lock installations and upgrades to existing ones.
Call Winchester’s Trusted Locksmith Today
Whether you’re locked out, want to upgrade your locks, or need a full home security check, we’re here to help. At Locksmith Winchester, we combine expert knowledge with reliable, friendly service.
Call now for fast, local support in Winchester and nearby villages.
