Grille lock replacement and upgrades

What does grille lock replacement involve?

Grille lock replacement means fitting a new cylinder, lock body or complete lock box to an existing security grille. It is the quick fix for lost keys, worn or seized locks and moving into a property with unknown keys, and a chance to upgrade to a stronger or quick-release lock.

Grille locks take a lot of wear, especially on shops where they are used twice a day. A worn cylinder can become hard to turn or start to fail, and lost keys leave you unsure who can open your grilles.

We replace like for like where possible, or upgrade to a higher-security cylinder, a lock box with extra bolts, or a keyless quick-release lock for windows that must stay usable for escape. Multiple grilles can be keyed alike or put on a master-key suite.

How much does grille lock replacement cost?

Lock replacement typically costs £150 to £354 including VAT (£125 to £295 plus VAT) per lock, supplied and fitted, depending on the lock type. The price is confirmed before work starts. See all grille prices.

What the work covers

Replacement cylinders and lock bodies
Complete lock box replacement
Upgrades to higher-security cylinders
Quick-release conversions for escape windows
Keyed-alike and master-key suites
Additional shoot bolts top and bottom
Padlock hasp conversions
Lock work on most grille makes

When you need it

Lost or stolen keys
New occupants with unknown key holders
Worn, stiff or seized locks
Bedroom grilles needing a keyless release
Sites wanting one key for every grille

What to decide before you order

Like for like or upgrade

If the grille is sound, a better cylinder is a cheap upgrade.

Escape windows

Convert key-only grilles on escape windows to a keyless internal release.

Key control

Restricted key systems limit who can have copies cut.

Keyed alike

One key for all grilles is convenient for homes and small shops.

Rules across the UK

The rules on planning, listed buildings and fire safety differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. These are the points most relevant to grille lock replacement; local pages show the version for your nation.

England (similar principles apply in Wales, Scotland and NI)

Bedroom and escape windows

Approved Document B (fire safety) expects many habitable rooms in houses, especially first-floor rooms, to have an emergency escape window with an unobstructed opening of at least 0.33 m², at least 450 mm high and 450 mm wide, with the bottom of the opening no more than 1,100 mm above the floor. We only fit grilles over escape windows with a release that opens from inside without a key.

Grilles across exits in business premises

In workplaces and other non-domestic premises, including the common parts of blocks of flats and HMOs, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 makes the responsible person keep escape routes and emergency exits available and easy to open while people are present. A grille across an exit should be unlocked and parked open whenever the building is occupied, and covered in the fire risk assessment.

Grilles in rented homes

Landlords in England must keep rented homes free from serious hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, which includes fire. A grille that stops a tenant using an escape window can create a hazard, so grilles in rented homes should have keyless internal releases.

How it works

Tell us what you need

Describe the fault or how many grilles need attention, and send a photo if you can.

Price before we visit

We confirm the visit price before we attend. Parts or extra work are agreed before they go ahead.

On-site work

The installer diagnoses, repairs, services or replaces the lock and tests the grille.

Record and advice

You get a short record of what was done and anything that needs attention later.

Grille lock replacement and upgrades: questions

How much does it cost to replace a grille lock?

Typically between £125 and £295 plus VAT (£150 to £354 inc VAT) per lock supplied and fitted, depending on the lock type.

I have lost my grille key. What can I do?

We can open and replace the lock so you have new keys and know who holds them.

Can a key-only grille be converted to quick release?

Often, yes, by fitting a lock with a keyless internal release. We check the grille first.

Can all my grilles use the same key?

Yes, by keying the new cylinders alike.

Can you change a lock on a grille you did not fit?

Yes, on most makes, subject to compatible parts.

Is a better cylinder worth it?

On a grille that is otherwise sound, a higher-security cylinder is an inexpensive way to raise resistance to lock attack.

Find grille lock replacement near you

Choose your county or region for local information and the rules that apply where you are.