I've about six different lever mortice locks here, all on separate keys. Obviously some re-keying is required.
Would anyone care to suggest favoured brands and sources for these, such that I can obtain some BS3631 locks (new ones if I must) and also lever packs so that I can key them identically. I don't need anything complicated or mastered, I'm just tired of carrying so many keys around.
I've had a locksmith make up several eurocylinders to match an existing deadlock latch. These were then used in various locks, including mortice locks which take eurocylinders. Then the whole building used one key. It wasn't expensive, but it was 25 years ago.
Are you looking to re-key some or all of your existing locks or buy new ones?
Are they Chubb (i.e. non-standard size)? Presumably, you don't want to have to do too much woodwork.
Are they a mixture of deadlocks and sashlocks?
Lever packs can be expensive to buy (i.e. they are barely cheaper than buying a new lock) and are only available to the trade. You sometimes get them on Ebay, but usually only to re-key a single lock.
To get six locks keyed alike, you would need to find someone with individual levers on the shelf, who can make up five packs to match one of your existing locks. Cue a locksmith or a (higher class) key-cutter.
If you re-key an old lock, you will be expected to buy five new levers for each lock outright.
If you re-key a new lock, the locksmith will exchange some or all of the levers (which can be cheaper for the re-keying, but then you have to buy a new lock; ho-hum).
If you decide to go down the Chubb route, you can always buy used ones on eBay. This can be a minefield though, as there are at least five types of Chubb lever in common circulation. Some of them are key compatible and some not. E.g., you can make a key to fit old 3G levers, new 3G levers, and 3K levers, but not 3U levers. 3G110 stands alone.
Finally, be aware that BS3621 has been updated a few times over the past
25 years, so if you buy second hand from eBay, you might find that a lock advertised as BS3621 may be approved to a old and not-so good standard. The latest BS3621:2007 prescribes a 20mm bolt throw and is a good indicator.Levers are also available for the ERA Fortress locks,
HTH
If you would consider changing to Euro cylinders, Screwfix did/do a multi-pack of 'keyed alike' ones quite cheaply....
Have a snoop around this site
They won't be BS3621 approved.
Good answer, pretty much what I've found.
I'd be surprised if you already have locks from the same manufacturer so I'd expect some lock replacements to be required.
I agree that lever packs are expensive and locksmiths are cagey about individual lever prices (they should be pennies) but I have seen union levers on ebay if you want to go that route.
As you will probably have to do some lock replacement you may find it as easy/cheap to buy a set of replacement locks from a company that will do keyed alike as an extra. I've got on well with union locks and have bought from here at reasonable prices:
I've used them before and they were very helpful.
Best quote locally was =A345 each (fitted), for a batch of four. Not bad for a half hour's work, as the woodwork is already done and waiting.
It's the sort of thing I'd rather fit myself, I've seen some really sloppy oversize fitting done on locks and once a mortice has been overcut there's not a lot you can do to restore the strength of the door.
For info, the latest 2007 spec locks have deeper and longer strikes to accommodate bigger, stronger and the longer throw bolts so it's normal to have to do some frame cutting even on locks with the same nominal part number.
A good company to deal with
In article , John MacLeod writes
Not sure but they appear to be selling keyed alike for the same price as normal stock. They're not the cheapest to start with but if true, that deal is a bit of a bargain. eg:
Their prices are delivered prices, so not as expensive as appear at first.
I'm not on commission and I've used them only for difficult locks to match, but have been impressed with the company and the service they offer.
John
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