Lock Replacement

When to Replace Your Lock

People often ask us: "My lock is 15 years old, do I need to change it?" The answer isn't always yes. But some situations don't leave much choice.

• After a burglary or attempted break-in — Even if the door still closes, the lock mechanism may be compromised. Replacing it immediately restores your security and peace of mind.
• When you move into a new home — You never know how many copies of the old keys are circulating. A fresh lock ensures that only you and the people you trust have access.
• Visible wear or malfunction — If your key is difficult to turn, the cylinder feels loose, or the bolt no longer engages smoothly, the lock is reaching the end of its life.
• Lost or stolen keys — Rather than worrying about who might have your key, a quick lock replacement eliminates the risk entirely.

If you have recently experienced a break-in, read our guide on what to do after a burglary for step-by-step advice on securing your property.

Locks We Install

No white-label products, no generic cylinders from a DIY store. Every part we install comes from a manufacturer we trust from daily experience — because we open, repair, and install their products every single day.

European Cylinders

The European profile cylinder is the most common lock type in Belgium. We supply and install cylinders in various security grades, from standard models to anti-snap, anti-pick, and anti-bump versions. Upgrading your cylinder is often the fastest and most effective way to improve your door security without replacing the entire lock body.

Multipoint Locks

Multipoint locking systems engage the door at three or more points along the frame, making forced entry significantly harder. They are the standard on most modern doors in Belgium and are strongly recommended for front doors. Our technicians install and replace multipoint locks for both wooden and PVC doors.

Brands We Trust

We only install locks from manufacturers with a proven track record in security and durability:

• Fichet — French-engineered locks renowned for their anti-burglary certification and patented key systems.
• Bricard — A long-standing name in European security, offering a full range of cylinders and multipoint locks.
• Vachette — Reliable and widely used across Belgium, with options from basic to high-security.
• Mul-T-Lock — Israeli technology known for its pin-in-pin cylinder design and pick resistance.
• Picard — Heavy-duty locks and armoured door solutions trusted in both residential and commercial settings.

Not sure which lock or brand is right for you? Our guide on how to choose a security lock explains the key differences and what to look for.

Cylinder Only or Complete Lock?

One of the most common questions our technicians hear is whether it is enough to replace just the cylinder or whether the entire lock body needs to be changed. The answer depends on the condition of your existing hardware and the level of security you want to achieve.

Replacing the Cylinder

If your lock body (the mechanism embedded in the door) is still in good working order, replacing the cylinder alone is usually sufficient. This is the case after losing keys, moving home, or simply upgrading to a higher-security cylinder. It is quicker, less invasive, and keeps your existing door hardware intact.

Replacing the Complete Lock

A full lock replacement is necessary when the lock body itself is damaged, outdated, or incompatible with modern security cylinders. This is common after a forced break-in, on older doors with obsolete mechanisms, or when switching from a single-point to a multipoint locking system.

Our technicians assess the condition of your door and existing lock on site, then advise you on the most appropriate solution. We carry a full stock of cylinders and lock bodies in our service vehicles, so most replacements are completed in a single visit — whether it is a weekday morning or a Sunday evening.

What a Good Cylinder Actually Protects You Against

Burglars rely on four main techniques to defeat a cylinder. A standard cylinder offers no resistance to any of them. A high-security cylinder stops all four.

• Picking: manipulating the pins with fine tools. An anti-pick cylinder uses security pins that jam the plug when manipulated incorrectly. Resistance time: 5 to 15 minutes depending on the A2P rating.
• Bumping: inserting a specially cut key and striking it to bounce the pins into alignment. Anti-bump cylinders use springs with varying tension that prevent simultaneous alignment. This is highly effective — around 90% of standard cylinders are vulnerable to bumping.
• Drilling: destroying the mechanism with a drill bit. Protected cylinders contain hardened steel anti-drill pins that break the bit on contact. You can often spot this protection by a small metal disc on the face of the cylinder.
• Snapping / pulling: breaking or extracting the cylinder with pliers or a dedicated tool. The defence is a cylinder that sits flush with the escutcheon (no more than 3 mm protrusion) combined with a security rosette. A cylinder that sticks out is an easy target.

During our on-site assessments in Brussels, we find that the majority of cylinders fitted in apartments offer no meaningful resistance to any of these methods. Swapping to a certified cylinder takes 15 to 30 minutes and fundamentally changes your level of protection.

Cylinder or full lock, the process is the same: you call, we assess on site, and you decide with all the facts. 0495 205 400 is available any time — including Sundays and public holidays.