Lock Change
Changing the locks is really about controlling who can get in — after a move, a tenancy ending, a break-up, or a set of keys you simply can't account for. Knightsbridge Locksmiths changes and rekeys locks across Knightsbridge and London, and will tell you honestly whether a rekey covers it or a full change is the safer call.
When It's Time to Change the Locks
The trigger is usually the same worry — you no longer know who holds a working key. Whether that's a previous owner, a former tenant or a lost bunch, changing the locks puts you back in control.
Just Moved In
You rarely know how many keys a previous owner cut over the years. Changing the locks on completion means only your keys work.
A Tenancy Has Ended
Between lets, old keys can linger with past tenants or their contacts. A change or rekey resets access for the new occupant.
Keys Lost or Stolen
A lost keyring with an address attached is a real risk. Changing the affected locks closes it off the same day.
One Team to Reset Who Has Access
A rekey, a single lock change or every external door done at once — the same engineer handles it, advises on which you actually need, and prices the work before we travel.
Rekey or Change — the Honest Answer
Changing every lock isn't always necessary, and we'll say so. Where the locks are sound, a rekey resets access for less; where they're worn or below grade, a full change makes more sense — and you'll hear which before we quote.
Rekey where it fits
Sound cylinders rekeyed to new keys, resetting access without replacing the whole lock.
Full change where needed
Worn or low-grade locks swapped out rather than rekeyed, so you gain security as well as new keys.
Every door accounted for
Front, back, side and communal doors reviewed, so no forgotten entry keeps an old key working.
Upgrade as you go
A change is the natural moment to move up to anti-snap or BS3621 at little extra cost.
Peace of Mind, Not an Upsell
Honest rekey advice
If a rekey covers it, we'll say so, rather than change locks that don't need changing.
Priced before we travel
Tell us the doors and the quote you're given holds all the way to the invoice.
Done the same day
Most lock changes are completed in a single visit, so access is reset fast.
Local to SW1, SW3 and SW7
Based on Montpelier Street, we're quick to reach across Knightsbridge and nearby.
How a Lock Change Goes
- Tell us the situation
A move, a tenancy change, a lost set of keys — and how many doors are involved.
- Reviewed on site
On arrival we check each lock and advise whether a rekey or a change suits it.
- Priced up front
Rekey or replacement costed before we start, with nothing added after.
- Reset and handed over
Locks changed or rekeyed, tested, and handed over on a fresh set of keys.
Lock Change, Neighbourhood by Neighbourhood
Access needs resetting for different reasons across Central London — here's what our lock change work tends to involve in four of the areas we're called to most.
Lock Change Knightsbridge (SW7)
New owners of flats around Lowndes Street rarely know how many keys the last owner cut. Changing the locks on completion day means only the new keys open the door.
Lock Change Chelsea & Belgravia (SW3 / SW1X)
Managing agents around Cadogan Square reset access between tenancies as a matter of course. A rekey or change between lets keeps each new tenant secure without a full refit.
Lock Change South Kensington (SW7)
Shared houses around Harrington Gardens often have keys spread across past housemates and their friends. Changing the locks brings that list back to just the current residents.
Lock Change Pimlico & Belgravia (SW1P / SW1E)
Homes around Warwick Way sometimes need locks changed fast after a lost keyring or a relationship ending. We prioritise those and reset access the same day where we can.
Where We Change Locks
Based at 4 Montpelier Street in SW7, we change and rekey locks across Knightsbridge, Belgravia, South Kensington and Chelsea, with wider cover through the SW1 postcodes and central London. One door or a whole property to reset, the callout works the same.
Knightsbridge & Belgravia
- Lowndes Street
- Cadogan Square
- Cadogan Lane
- Pavilion Road
- Shafto Mews
South Kensington
- Harrington Gardens
- Collingham Road
- Bina Gardens
- Wetherby Gardens
Chelsea & Brompton
- Radnor Walk
- Smith Street
- Christchurch Street
- Flood Street
Home or business, the routine holds: work out whether a rekey or a change fits, reset every door that matters, and hand over a clean set of keys.
FAQs — Lock Change
What's the difference between a lock change and a rekey?
A rekey keeps the existing lock but resets it to work with new keys, so old ones stop working. Changing swaps the whole lock, which also lets you upgrade the grade.
Should I change the locks when I move in?
It's the safest move. You can't know how many keys a previous owner cut, so a change or rekey guarantees only your keys open the door.
Is a rekey cheaper than changing the lock?
Usually, yes, since the lock itself is reused. Where a lock is worn or low-grade, though, a full change is often the better value.
Can you change all my locks in one visit?
In most cases. We review every external door and reset them together, so no entry is left working on an old key.
Can you come out urgently after lost keys?
Yes. A lost keyring with an address attached is treated as a priority, and we reset the affected locks the same day where we can.
Will old keys still work after a change?
No. Once a lock is changed or rekeyed, every previous key stops working, and you're handed a fresh set.