Common lock types in London
July 23, 2025
Common lock brands used in the city of London
Yale is a lock manufacturer owned by Assa Abloy. It is associated with the Pin tumbler lock , which is often known as the Yale lock. The business was founded as the Yale Lock Manufacturing Co. in Stamford, Connecticut, in 1868 by Linus Yale, Jr., the inventor of the Pin tumbler lock, and Henry R Towne.
It established a British operation by acquiring the business of H&T Vaughan, a long established lock manufacturer in Wood Street, Willenhall , the historic centre of the British lock industry , and became the major employer in the town. " Yale locks " also became the generic term in the United Kingdom for pin tumbler household locks. The British business had been sold by its parent to the Valor company in 1987 and ultimately, this led to all work being outsourced to the Far East, and the entire Wood Street site was closed soon thereafter and demolished.
The remainder of the British business was sold to Assa Abloy in March 2000.
https://www.yale.co.uk/en/yale/couk/about-us/
Ingersoll
Robert Ingersoll and his brother Charles Ingersoll founded the Ingersoll Watch Company in New York City in the 1890's. Initially called Robt. H. Ingersoll & Bro they traded from Manhattan. In the early 1900's Ingersoll acquired a retail premises and later a factory at St John's Street in Clerkenwell. The Ingersoll logo can still be seen today at the top of the building.
The Famous Ten Lever Ingersoll Lock (Impregnable No 71) was invented by Mr. J.W.Taylor in 1944. The lock is now known as the Classic ( SC71 ). The ten lever mechanism was incorporated into a design for a padlock by Mr. L. Young. In later years, and a few acquisitions and mergers later ownership of the brand lies with Assay Abloy .
https://www.assaabloy.co.uk/en/local/uk/about-assa-abloy/our-brands/
Banham
Banham Group (formerly known as Banham Patent Locks ) is a family owned security company. Established in 1926, Banham Group is now the largest supplier of burglary and fire prevention systems in London. The company's history dates back to 1926, when William F. Banham invented the automatic lock bolt after a series of burglaries on his wife's dress shop.
Banham Group still offer the patented locks and security key registration system as well as other security products and services. They have received awards from the Metropolitan police for their alarm systems, and certificates from Secured by Design, the official UK Police flagship initiative, for their locks, shutters, grilles and safes.
The company has a head office based in Earlsfield, and owns other stores in Kensington, Golders Green, Guildford.
https://www.banham.co.uk/
Chubb
Chubb was started as a ship's ironmonger by Charles Chubb in Winchester, England and then moved to Portsmouth, England in 1804. Chubb moved the company into the Locksmith business in 1818, in Wolverhampton. The company worked out of a number of premises in Wolverhampton, including the purpose built factory on Railway Street, now still known as the Chubb Building.
In 1823, the company was awarded a special licence by George IV, and later became the sole supplier of locks to the General Post office, and a supplier to Her Majesty's Prison Service. In 1835, they received a patent for a burglar resisting safe, and opened a safe factory in London in 1837. In August 2000, they were sold to Assa Abloy. In 2006, Chubb was merged into the group Mul-T-Lock within Assa Abloy.
Assa Abloy would have liked to renew the licence for the “Chubb” name which ran from 2000 to 2010 but the decision not to renew by UTC left them with no choice but to re-brand these products. ASSA ABLOY have taken the decision to transfer the Chubb products with other well-known brands within their portfolio, namely Union Locks and Yale locks .
https://www.chubbfiresecurity.com/en/uk/about/history/
Mul-T-Lock
In 1973, Mul-T-Lock introduced the first of its kind, four-way door lock system. Today, four-way locks based on the original, pioneering concept are still in use today all over the world. Mul-T-Lock continued expanding and by 1982, the company had greatly increased its product line to include a wide range of High Security cylinders , locks and accessories, steel doors and vehicle protection products.
To support the company’s growth and reach, in 1987, Mul-T-Lock launched its first sales subsidiary in the United States and opened a second manufacturing plant in Israel. Mul-T-Lock also began to manufacture automatic key cutting and assembly machines. In combination with custom developed software, these key cutting machines now allow locksmiths to create complex key systems .
Mul-T-Lock was acquired by Assa Abloy in February 2000.
https://www.mul-t-lock.com/en-gb/site/mul-t-lock/
ERA
Founded in 1838, it was just a small locksmith ’s operation when Willenhall born Ralph Morris joined in 1936. He was no stranger to the lock industry as his mother's family had been connected with the trade for 300 years. Ralph Morris then passed on the business to his sons, David and Peter. They were later joined by their brother in law Michael Hunt, who increased the range of products by adding mortice locks and a considerable range of window locks.
Under the ERA brand they now provide a broad range of window and door components from a few industry recognised brands – Crompton, ERA, Fab&Fix, Response Electronics, Giesse and Schlegel . ERA also appeared in the Guinness Book of Records 1974 for the World's Largest Padlock which they still have in Willenhall today.
Still based in the heart of the West Midlands they are a lead supplier in London for Door and window security .
https://www.erahomesecurity.com/
Assa Abloy
The Assa Abloy Group is a Swedish Lock manufacturer and is the world's largest lock manufacturer by sales volume. Assa Abloy was formed in 1994, when Assa AB was separated from Swedish security firm Securitas AB. Shortly thereafter, the Finnish high security lock manufacturer Abloy Oy was acquired. ASSA stands for August Stenman Stenman August. The name Abloy comes from a contraction of the Swedish Finnish bilingual name Ab Låsfabriken Lukkotehdas Oy, meaning literally “ Ltd. Lock Factory Lock Factory Ltd”.
Assa Abloy has since made over 150 acquisitions. A few of these are Yale Locks , Sargent and the high security lock firms of Medeco in the United States, Mul-T-Lock in Israel, Fichet-Bauche in France, and VingCard Elsafe International in Norway.They produce Mechanical locks , Electromechanical and electronic locks, Padlocks , Access control systems, Hotel locks, Hotel Energy management systems, safes, security doors and many more.
https://www.assaabloy.com/en/com/
Allegion
Allegion/ Ingersoll-Rand
Ingersoll Rand is an Irish global diversified industrial manufacturing company formed in 1905 by the merger of Ingersoll-Sergeant Drill Company and Rand Drill Company, rival companies that had each been founded in 1871. Throughout their history they have been mainly focused on designing and producing drilling and pneumatic hardware. In 1974, Ingersoll Rand acquired the Schlagge lock company. Since then they have acquired many smaller lock companies, including Cisa . On December 2, 2013 – Ingersoll-Rand PLC completed the spinoff of the company’s commercial and residential security businesses named Allegion.
Allegion Plc is a provider of security products and solutions for homes and businesses. It makes 31 global brands, including CISA , Legge , Kryptonite , Schlagge and Briton . While Allegion is a new name in the security industry, the brands they have acquired have been around for over a century and from many different countries. From inventing the “panic release bar” exit device in 1908 to pioneering the first-ever electric-controlled lock.
https://www.allegion.com/corp/en/about.html
Feel free to contact one of our locksmiths to acquire any of these brands mentioned above and many more. There are so many options when it comes to locks and brands, we can advise on all home and office security measures. We can also maintain a high level of security throughout your property whilst also maintaining convenience by using different brands. So call us now to discuss any security questions you may have or to get a free quote for lock installations and lock changes .
If you are looking for a lock change locksmith, you have come to the right place When someone searches for lock change locksmith, they’re seeking more than just a service—they want a trusted partner to keep their property safe. At SMS Locksmiths, we understand that replacing or upgrading locks is about security, peace of mind, and protection for your home or business. With years of experience serving London and the surrounding areas, our team of fully trained, DBS-checked locksmiths delivers reliable, professional lock change services every time. In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything you should know about changing locks—from why it matters and when to do it, to choosing the right locks and understanding the advantages of using professionals. By the end, you’ll know why SMS Locksmiths should be your first call for all lock and security upgrade needs. 1. Why Change Your Locks? Changing locks is about more than just replacing hardware. It’s a critical step in ensuring your property remains secure, especially when key control is uncertain. Here’s why professional lock changes are important: Unknown key holders: If previous occupants, tenants, or staff may still have keys, changing locks ensures only authorised persons have access. Wear and tear: Over time, locks can become loose or malfunctioning, making them less secure. Enhanced security measures: Upgrading to high-security or anti-snap locks can significantly reduce the risk of break-ins. Insurance compliance: Policies often require insurance-approved locks. A professional locksmith can recommend and install compliant hardware. 2. When You Need a Lock Change Here are common scenarios that warrant immediate lock replacement: Moving into a new property Keys lost, stolen, or unaccounted for After tenant departure or staff changes Following a burglary or break-in For security upgrades, including anti-snap or smart locks When locks show signs of wear or are difficult to operate 3. Lock Change vs. Lock Repair Knowing whether to repair or replace your lock is essential: Repair: Ideal if mechanisms are clogged or key entry is limited. Works best for wear-and-tear issues, and can be done quickly. Replace (Lock Change): Necessary if the lock is broken, non-operational, or security needs to be improved. Recommended for move-ins or post-burglary situations. At SMS Locksmiths, we assess and recommend the best option for both security and cost efficiency. 4. Types of Locks and Upgrades We specialise in a range of lock types suitable for different door types, usage scenarios, and levels of security: Lock Type Features & Benefit Whether your priority is keyless convenience, insurance compliance, or maximum protection, we have the right solution. Anti-Snap Cylinder Locks British Standard (BS3621) Deadlocks Multipoint Locking Systems High-Security Cylinder Locks Emergency Locks & Night Latches Smart/Keyless Entry Systems Security Hardware for Doors/Frames Window & Patio Door Locks Prevents forced entry commonly seen in burglaries. Insurance-approved, durable locks for wooden doors. Adds multiple locking points for uPVC or composite doors. Designed to resist drilling, picking, and bumping. Provides quick access control and additional security. Convenient, code-based access without traditional keys. Reinforced plates, hinges, and strike plates to prevent kick-ins. Secures all exterior openings—essential for full-property protection. 5. Our Lock Change Process Here’s how SMS Locksmiths ensures a smooth, fast, and secure lock change: 1. Initial Contact You provide details such as postcode, lock type, and availability. 2. Local Locksmith Assignment A professional locksmith from our London team is dispatched—no call-out fee. 3. Security Assessment on Arrival We check the door, frame, and current lock to determine the best solution. 4. Clear Quotation You receive a written, all-inclusive quote by text or email—no hidden fees. 5. Lock Change or Upgrade We install the replacement lock or upgrade components (cylinders, multipoint mechanisms) efficiently—most jobs are completed in under an hour. 6. Testing & Warranty Final checks ensure the lock operates smoothly. All work is covered by our workmanship warantee. 7. Documentation Provided You receive an invoice and insurance-compliant paperwork for your records. 8. Security Assessment and Upgrade Advice Our expert locksmiths don’t just change locks—they provide strategic advice to strengthen your security: Door frame reinforcement with metal strike plates Window and patio door upgrades with Yale or mortice locks Frame lining solutions to prevent drilling Home security risk assessments to identify weak points 9. Frequently Asked Questions Q. How much does a lock change cost? A. Usually between £100–£180 depending on the lock type. Includes all materials, labour, and zero call-out fee. Q. How long does it take? A. A typical lock change is completed within 60 minutes. Q. Are you insured? A. Yes—fully insured with DBS-backed locksmiths. Q. Do you work evenings and weekends? A. Yes—24/7 emergency availability is available. Call to schedule visits. 10. Need a Lock Change? Here’s How to Book Call us now for immediate assistance or to schedule a visit Message us via GMB or book through our website Email for a quote if you’d prefer to avoid phone calls Final Thoughts lock change locksmith isn’t just a search phrase—it’s a critical service for secure living and working environments. At SMS Locksmiths, we deliver top-tier products, expert service, and total transparency. Don’t leave your security to chance. Contact SMS Locksmiths today for fast, reliable, and guaranteed lock change services across London.
Getting locked out is never fun — but if you're in Clapham, help is just a call away. Whether it’s late at night or first thing in the morning, SMS Locksmith offers fast, reliable locksmith services throughout Clapham with no call-out charges and 30-minute average response times. Step 1: Don’t Panic We know it’s stressful, especially if it’s cold or you have somewhere to be. Try to stay calm and check for any open windows or alternative entry points (safely, of course). Step 2: Avoid DIY Entry Trying to force the lock or use makeshift tools can damage your door – and cost you more in the long run. Always leave it to a professional. Step 3: Call a Local Clapham Locksmith We’re based nearby and can usually be with you in under 30 minutes. Our experienced technicians use non-destructive methods wherever possible to get you back inside quickly and safely. Step 4: Consider a Security Upgrade If your lockout was due to a lost or stolen key, now might be the perfect time to consider upgrading your locks. We offer a full range of British Standard and high-security locks. Need help right now? Visit our Clapham Locksmith page or call us directly for immediate assistance.
