Moving into a new home should mean being able to enjoy every part of it. On this job, the new homeowners had been left without keys for their back doors by the previous owners, which meant they couldn’t access their back garden through the doors — not ideal during the lovely British summer we had this year.

Gaining entry to the back doors

Fix My Locks attended and gained entry to the doors so the homeowners could finally access their garden properly. But rather than simply getting the doors open and leaving the old lock setup in place, we also replaced the cylinders so the new owners had their own secure set of keys.

Upgraded to 3-star British Standard cylinders

We fitted new 3-star British Standard cylinders, giving the homeowners an upgraded level of security as well as complete control over the keys to their new property.

This is particularly important when moving home. Even if keys have been handed over, you may not know how many copies were previously made or who may still have one. Replacing the cylinders gives the new homeowner a fresh set of keys and certainty over who has access.

APECS 3-star security with on-site flexibility

For this job we used the APECS AP 3-star cylinder system. APECS has developed a high-security cylinder that combines strong protection with a genuinely useful modular system for professional locksmiths. The AP range carries the BSI 3 Star Kitemark and Sold Secure Diamond certification, while the modular system gives us the flexibility to build the correct cylinder length for the door while we are on site.

That makes a big difference for our customers. Euro cylinders come in many different lengths and offsets, and until a locksmith inspects the door it is not always possible to know exactly which size is fitted. By carrying the APECS modular kit, we can configure the correct size there and then rather than guessing beforehand, fitting the wrong size, or having to arrange another visit.

At Fix My Locks, we have completed the appropriate APECS modular cylinder training, so the system is assembled correctly in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements and the finished cylinder retains its 3-star security specification. It is a system we are happy to carry because it gives us the combination we want on a job: recognised high-security hardware, professional installation and the ability to get the customer secured properly on the first visit.

Moved home and don’t have all the keys?

If you’ve recently moved into a property and haven’t been given keys for every door — or you simply want the peace of mind of knowing the old keys no longer work — Fix My Locks can gain access where required and replace or upgrade the locks.

Fix My Locks 24/7 Locksmiths Ltd provides professional locksmith services across London, including lock changes, lock upgrades and gaining entry.