Your existing lock feels too basic
The lock works, but you want a higher level of resistance from the locking hardware.
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License number: 08802
Start with the weak point
Better Security Starts With the Weakest Point
A security upgrade is not simply: old lock → more expensive lock.
A door is a complete system. Its security can depend on the door itself, the lock or multipoint mechanism, cylinder, handles and protective hardware, keeps or strike plates, frame, accurate fitting, and who may still have working keys.
Where is the actual weakness?
What Are We Trying to Improve?
You have moved into a new home
The hardware may be perfectly good, but you do not know how many previous keys still exist.
Keys have been lost or not returned
The problem may be key control rather than the physical strength of the lock.
You have had a break-in or attempted break-in
The incident may have exposed a specific weakness that now needs attention.
The door has old or obsolete hardware
An older system may still function but no longer provide the level of security or reliability you want.
You simply want the property checked
Sometimes the right recommendation is not a major upgrade. There may be one obvious weakness worth correcting while the rest of the system remains serviceable.
Where Is the Weak Point?
The cylinder
On many UPVC and composite doors, the euro-profile cylinder is a separate component from the multipoint mechanism. A strong multipoint mechanism does not automatically compensate for a lower-security cylinder.
The lock or mechanism
The underlying lock still needs to be suitable, correctly fitted and operating reliably. Depending on the door this might be a mortice lock, night latch, multipoint gearbox and strip, or another mechanical locking system.
The keeps & frame
The lock does not secure the door by itself. Its bolt, hook or latch must engage securely with the corresponding hardware in the frame.
The door itself
Security can depend on door construction, condition, thickness, surrounding material, frame and alignment. Adding increasingly strong hardware to an unsuitable or damaged door does not automatically create strong security.
The keys
Sometimes the hardware is fine. The real security issue is that not all keys can be accounted for.
The weakest point may be the cylinder, mechanism, frame, installation — or simply an uncontrolled key.
Cylinder security
Euro Cylinder Security Upgrades
For doors using a euro-profile cylinder, changing the cylinder can sometimes provide a meaningful security improvement without replacing the complete multipoint mechanism.
Higher-security cylinders may offer additional resistance against snapping, drilling, picking, bumping and plug extraction. One higher-security option DIALOCK works with is APECS AP.
A high-security cylinder can be a useful upgrade where the cylinder is the weak point.
UPVC & composite doors
A Strong Multipoint Lock Can Still Have a Weak Cylinder
A UPVC or composite door may have a substantial multipoint mechanism running along the door edge, including a gearbox, hooks, bolts, rollers and multiple locking points. But the euro cylinder operating the system is still a separate component.
You can have a good multipoint mechanism and still have a cylinder that offers less protection than the rest of the door.
Fitting an expensive cylinder does not fix a damaged gearbox, poor door alignment, locking points that do not engage, damaged keeps or structural door problems. The whole system has to work together. UPVC Door Lock Repair Dublin.
Timber doors
Security Upgrades for Timber Doors
Depending on the existing setup, security may involve a mortice deadlock, mortice sashlock, rim lock or night latch, cylinder, keep or strike plate, frame, hinge-side security and overall door condition.
The key question is not whether another lock can physically be added. It is: will this change meaningfully improve the security of this particular door?
Do You Need an Additional Lock?
Sometimes an additional lock is useful. Sometimes it is unnecessary. Adding another lock may make sense where it provides meaningful additional locking strength and can be positioned correctly. But “more locks” does not automatically mean “more secure”.
- it is fitted into a weak part of the door
- it unnecessarily removes material from the door
- it is poorly positioned
- the frame cannot support it properly
- it interferes with existing hardware
- it affects safe use or exit
Every additional component should have a reason for being there.
Window & Patio Door Security
Window and patio-door security can depend on locking handles, espagnolette mechanisms, patio multipoint systems, locking points, keeps, alignment, condition and installation. If the problem is a faulty mechanism rather than simply a lower-security setup, see Window & Patio Door Lock Repair Dublin.
Key control
Moving Home? Security May Be About Keys, Not Hardware
When you move into a property, the existing locks may be perfectly functional. But you may not know how many keys were made, who previously had them, whether contractors had copies or whether every copy was returned.
The hardware may be fine while control over access is not.
Changing the relevant lock or cylinder can restore control over who has a working key even where nothing is mechanically wrong. Lock Replacement Dublin.
After a Break-In: Fix the Damage Before Upgrading Everything
Identify the damage
Make the property secure
Restore reliable operation
Identify what weakness the incident exposed
Upgrade that weakness if appropriate
An upgrade is much easier to justify when we know precisely what it is intended to improve. Burglary Repairs Dublin.
Security Upgrade, Lock Replacement or Lock Repair?
Security upgrade
The existing system may work, but you want to improve an identifiable security weakness: a higher-security cylinder, better locking arrangement, appropriate additional hardware or an inadequate existing lock.
Lock replacement
An existing lock is removed and another fitted because it is damaged, obsolete, compromised, unsuitable, or existing key access needs to be removed. Lock Replacement Dublin.
Lock repair
The existing lock remains appropriate but is sticking, jammed, broken, misaligned or otherwise not operating correctly. Lock Repair Dublin.
Upgrade is about improving security. Repair is about restoring operation. Replacement is about changing the existing lock.
Does a More Expensive Lock Automatically Mean Better Security?
No. A product may offer a higher security specification. But whether it creates a meaningful improvement depends on where and how it is used.
A high-security cylinder cannot strengthen a badly damaged frame; another deadlock cannot correct serious door alignment; a strong multipoint mechanism still relies on its cylinder and keeps; and an expensive lock installed poorly can underperform.
The right component has to be suitable for the door and installed correctly.
What Do Lock Security Standards Actually Tell You?
Different lock components are evaluated under different product standards. These can help compare strength, durability, attack resistance, key-related security and other product characteristics.
But standards do not answer the whole question: is this the right component for your particular door?
Safe exit matters too
Security and Safe Exit Have to Work Together
A security upgrade should not make a door unsafe to use from inside. This is particularly important for final exit doors, fire or escape doors and certain commercial doors.
Making a door harder to open from outside must not create an inappropriate barrier to safe exit from inside.
Clear advice, careful work
What Happens During a DIALOCK Security Upgrade?
We look at the existing security
We assess the relevant locks, cylinders, door type, mechanism, keeps, alignment and key-control situation.
We identify the weak point
We explain what is actually limiting the security of the existing setup. Sometimes this is one component rather than the complete locking system.
We explain the options
Where more than one sensible upgrade exists, we explain the differences. We also explain if replacing additional hardware is unlikely to provide meaningful benefit.
We agree the work and price
The proposed upgrade and cost are agreed before work begins. If you decide not to proceed after inspection and quotation, there is no call-out charge.
We install & test
After the work is complete, we check the upgraded lock or locking system and make sure everything operates and engages correctly.
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What Our Customers Say
Emily Coleman
1 review
a month ago
Janis helped us late at night on a bank holiday weekend when we got locked out of our house. He came as quick as he could and unlocked it for us very quickly. Great service
Evan Doherty
Local Guide · 15 reviews · 64 photos
2 weeks ago
Locked myself out and Janis got me back in very quickly and efficiently without having to break anything. All done very clean and fast
Henrique Kerfah
5 reviews · 1 photo
3 weeks ago
Just had a tricky middle of the night service , and Janis came in 20min.. did all the job with excellence and swiftness.. amazing.. 5 stars completely
Robert O'Connor
4 reviews
a month ago
Within an hour of the initial call, Janis arrived as promised. He was polite and very professional. He sorted out the door problem very quickly and neatly. I would highly recommend the company to anyone.
Natasha Morrow
Local Guide · 5 reviews
a month ago
Super quick honest and helpful, would recommend - thank you Serge for sorting the issue out with the pvc door today.
AOIFE LYNCH
3 reviews
2 months ago
Lovely company to deal with over the phone. Serge came out very promptly on a Saturday morning. I didn’t get charged as the lock ended up being ok .Great service and would definitely use again.
James O'Higgins Norman
Local Guide · 3 reviews · 37 photos
2 months ago
Having been broken into, Janis came as fast as possible and changed our lock in minutes. He was very helpful and reassuring.
James O'Higgins Norman
Local Guide · 3 reviews · 37 photos
2 months ago
Having been broken into, Janis came as fast as possible and changed our lock in minutes. He was very helpful and reassuring.
How Much Does a Security Upgrade Cost in Dublin?
There is no single security-upgrade price because the right improvement may involve one cylinder, lock replacement, new lock installation, window locking hardware or several components.
We first establish what improvement is actually required and agree the price before work begins.
Fixed Price Before Work Starts
No Call-out Charge if you decide not to proceed
Get in touch
Need Advice on Your Current Security?
Tell us what type of door or lock you have and what is making you consider an upgrade.
Before Paying for a Security Upgrade
What is the actual weak point?
Cylinder? Lock? Mechanism? Frame? Keys? Something else?
What will this upgrade improve?
There should be a clear answer. “It’s a better lock” is not enough by itself.
Does the rest of the door support the upgrade?
A security component works as part of the complete door and frame.
Are we replacing more than we need to?
A useful upgrade targets the weakness rather than automatically replacing every component.
Use a PSA Licensed Locksmith
A security upgrade should be based on the door, existing locking system and intended level of security — not simply on fitting more hardware.
DIALOCK — PSA Licence 08802
Answers, clearly explained
Frequently Asked Questions About Security Upgrades
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How do I know whether my locks need upgrading?
You do not necessarily need to know beforehand. The useful starting point is to assess the door, existing lock or cylinder, mechanism, frame and how access is currently controlled.
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What is the best lock for a front door?
There is no single best lock for every door. The right choice depends on the door construction, existing hardware, intended use and required security.
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Is a more expensive lock always more secure?
A higher-security product may offer additional resistance, but the overall improvement still depends on the door, frame, installation and other locking components.
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What is an anti-snap cylinder?
It is a euro-profile cylinder designed with additional resistance against attacks intended to break the cylinder and manipulate the locking mechanism.
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Do you fit high-security euro cylinders?
Yes, where appropriate. DIALOCK can fit higher-security options including APECS AP.
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What protection does APECS AP provide?
It is designed with additional resistance against methods including snapping, drilling, plug extraction, picking and bumping.
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Do I need to replace the whole UPVC multipoint lock to improve security?
Not necessarily. The euro cylinder and multipoint mechanism are separate components. UPVC Door Lock Repair Dublin.
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Is adding a second lock always better?
No. An additional lock should provide a meaningful improvement and be appropriate for the particular door and frame. Lock Installation Dublin.
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Should I change the locks when I move house?
If you cannot account for all existing keys, changing the relevant locks or cylinders is worth considering even where the hardware itself works correctly. Lock Replacement Dublin.
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Should I upgrade my locks after a burglary?
Sometimes. First identify what was damaged and what weakness the incident exposed. Burglary Repairs Dublin.
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Can you improve timber-door security?
Yes, depending on the existing door, lock, frame and locking arrangement.
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Can you improve window or patio-door security?
Depending on the existing hardware, suitable improvements may be possible. For faulty systems see Window & Patio Door Lock Repair Dublin.
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Can you upgrade commercial property locks?
Yes, depending on the existing hardware and use of the door. Commercial Locksmith Dublin.
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Do security upgrades have to consider fire or emergency exits?
Yes. Where relevant, the intended safe-exit function of the door must also be considered.
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How much does a security upgrade cost?
It depends on what actually needs upgrading. DIALOCK publishes lock changes from €124 + parts, lock installation from €124 + parts, and window locks from €108 + parts.
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Will I know the price before you start?
Yes. The proposed work and price are agreed before installation begins.
Dublin locksmith services
Want to Improve Your Property Security?
We’ll identify the weak point, explain your options and recommend an upgrade that actually improves the security of your door or window.
