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Lock Repairs vs. Lock Replacements: What is Best for Your Home?

November 4, 2025 Steve Sherbourne

As the nights draw in and winter approaches, keeping your property secure becomes more important than ever. Whether you’re a homeowner, school, college, or local business, ensuring that your doors and windows are properly locked and protected is essential for peace of mind. But when a problem arises with your locks, the question often is — should you choose lock repairs or go for full lock replacements?

At Windrush Door and Window Services, we’re here to help you make the right choice for your safety, security, and budget.

When to Choose Lock Repairs

In many cases, lock repairs can restore full functionality without the need for a costly replacement. If your locks are still in good condition but have become stiff, misaligned, or jammed, a professional repair is often the best solution.

Typical lock repairs include:

  • Fixing sticking or stiff locks caused by wear, dirt, or corrosion 
  • Adjusting misaligned locks and handles that prevent doors from closing properly 
  • Replacing minor components such as springs, latches, or cylinders 
  • Rekeying locks if you’ve lost a key or want to restrict old ones 

Lock repairs are a quick and cost-effective way to keep your property secure while extending the life of your existing locks. Need a locksmith Service? Visit our Locksmith Service

When to Opt for Lock Replacements

Sometimes, a lock replacement is the safest and most practical option. If your locks are damaged, outdated, or no longer meet insurance requirements, replacing them ensures you have modern, reliable security in place.

You should consider replacing your locks if:

  • You’ve experienced a break-in or attempted break-in 
  • You’ve moved into a new property and want to guarantee full key control 
  • Your locks show visible signs of damage or rust 
  • Your current locks are old and not insurance-compliant 
  • You want to upgrade to higher-security or digital access systems 

At Windrush Door and Window Services, we supply and install:

  • Upgraded door and window locks where required 
  • Entry access systems and exit devices 
  • Five lever insurance-grade sash and dead locks 
  • Multi-point locks for aluminium, steel, glass, PVCu, fire, composite and timber doors 
  • Code locks and digital keypad or fob access systems 
  • Panic bars and push pad exit devices 
  • Lock cylinders, master suites, and keys for doors, gates, windows, and shutters

Find out more about our replacement service here

 

Tips to Prevent Lock Repairs or Replacements Altogether

While lock repairs and lock replacements are sometimes unavoidable, a bit of regular care can go a long way in preventing issues before they start. With proper maintenance, you can keep your locks working smoothly for years and avoid unnecessary costs or emergencies.

Here are some simple but effective tips to keep your locks in top condition:

  1. Keep Locks Clean and Lubricated
    Dirt and dust can cause stiffness or jamming. Clean around the keyhole and use a graphite-based or silicone lubricant every few months to keep things running smoothly. 
  2. Avoid Forcing Keys
    If your key doesn’t turn easily, don’t force it. Forcing keys can bend or break internal parts. A professional adjustment is safer and cheaper than a full repair. 
  3. Check Door and Frame Alignment
    A door that doesn’t close flush can strain the locking mechanism. Check your hinges and alignment regularly, especially after weather changes. 
  4. Protect Locks from the Weather
    Moisture and cold can cause locks to rust or seize. Use weather-resistant covers on exterior locks and ensure rainwater can’t reach keyholes. 
  5. Use Quality Keys
    Poorly cut or worn keys can damage locks. Always cut new keys from the original and avoid using copies of copies. 
  6. Book Routine Maintenance
    A professional inspection from Windrush Door and Window Services can identify small issues before they become major problems, saving you from costly repairs or replacements later. 

A little care goes a long way in keeping your property secure and your locks performing at their best.

Security You Can Rely On

Whether you need urgent, emergency lock repairs or planned maintenance and upgrades, Windrush Door and Window Services is your trusted local expert. We’ll assess the condition of your locks and provide honest advice on whether a repair or replacement is the best option for your home or business.

With the longer nights setting in, there’s no better time to review your property’s security and make sure your locks are offering the protection you need.

Get in touch with Windrush Door and Window Services today to schedule a lock inspection or discuss your security options, and rest easy knowing your property is in safe hands.

This June Windrush installed 39 Pvcu windows to our student accommodation block at Rewley Abbey Court. The work required them to install the windows while residents were in occupation, some with young children. Windrush carried out a full risk and method statement and appraisal to carry out the works in a safe manner with multi-occupation to consider. Full scaffolding and access booms were used with everything being alarmed and fenced off with appropriate signage in place. The Windrush team involved had all the necessary accreditation holding CSCS cards, asbestos awareness trained, CRB checked etc. The windows were as per our requested specification with Windrush being the most competitive out of the competition. The College are very pleased with all aspects of the work carried out and will be using Windrush on our future projects.

Steve Williams, Buildings and Estates

Green Templeton College, Oxford

Windrush have installed new pvcu patio doors in the residents homes on site. The window installers being friendly and polite and having a nice demeanour and getting on well with the residents. The work was carried out in a professional manor with their work being clean and tidy all with an insurance baked guarantee. I would have no hesitation in recommending them to others.

Alex Jordan, Site Manager

Swinbrook Court, Langdale Gate, retirement and sheltered housing, Witney, Oxon

I would just like to say that I was very impressed by the two young men who came to do the windows yesterday, they were very efficient, had impeccable manners and they cleared up after themselves which was a joy.

Windrush serviced two Velux windows and re-glazed with new sealed units, re-glazed a bedroom window with three sealed units, and re-glazed a conservatory upgrading sealed units to “Low E Argon” gas and thermal bar

Emma Sadler

Yew Tree Farm, Abingdon Road

During the School holidays the Windrush team carried out window adaption works for the School. Windrush installed remote window winding equipment to our high level windows that have been a health and safety issue with pupils and staff standing on chairs to open. I can recommend Windrush for their professional approach, competitive pricing and ability to accommodate our requirements during a busy time with many other trades on site. They were willing to change their work schedule to accommodate changing circumstances on site.

Neil Baker, Estates Manager

St Helen & St Katherine School, Abingdon, Oxon

Windrush recently attended our Academy and replaced damaged window hinges and handles with great success. The Windrush Team who carried the work out were very professional with the work being carried out during normal School hours. The Health and Safety aspect being covered with the adoption of measures from their risk assessment and method statement being carried out.

Steve Bryan, Estates Team

The Oxford Academy, Sandy Lane, Oxford

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"The ongoing repeat business we receive is testament to our hard work and dedication in providing our home and business customers with the best possible window and door solutions, tailored to meet their exact needs. No two jobs are the same and we treat all our customers as valued individuals."
Steve Sherbourne, Managing Director

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