A screen door lock is the latch, snib or keyed lock that holds a fly screen or security screen door shut. A simple catch keeps insects and pets out, while a keyed lock on a security screen adds real protection to your front door.
This guide explains the main types, how a Whitco screen door lock fits in, what a screen door catch does, and what repairs and upgrades cost in Sydney. It sits inside our wider types of door locks guide.
Key points
- A fly screen needs only a light catch, but a security screen door needs a keyed lock that suits its frame.
- Swapping a basic lock typically costs about $255 in Sydney, and re-keying a lock costs about $75.
- Match the new hardware to the door style, handing and cut-out, and check any warranty on a certified security screen first.
- Exit doors must open from inside without a key, so never fit a keyed-both-sides lock where people may need to leave quickly.
Screen door lock types and what they do
The right lock depends on the door and on what you want it to stop. This table compares the common types.
| Type | Best for | Security level | Key point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring or gravity latch | Light fly screens and pet access | Very low | Keeps the door closed, not locked |
| Snib or turn lock | Back and patio screens | Low | Locks from inside only |
| Keyed screen lock | Front and side screen doors | Moderate | Locks with a key from outside |
| Multipoint security screen lock | Certified security screen doors | Higher | Locks at several points on the frame |
| Hook and eye or chain | Rentals and child safety | Very low | Easy to fit, easy to defeat |
Screen door lock for security screens vs fly screens
A fly screen and a security screen look similar from the street, but they do different jobs. Choose the lock to match.
- Fly screens: a light latch is enough, because the mesh itself offers no real resistance to forced entry.
- Security screens: the lock, hinges and frame work together, so replace the lock only with a compatible part from the same maker.
- Certified doors: changing the lock on a certified security screen may affect its certification, so check with the manufacturer first.
- Front doors: a keyed screen lock should work alongside a good deadbolt on the main door, not replace it.
- Rentals: screen doors are often cheap builder-grade units, so ask the agent before upgrading the lock.
- Coastal homes: salt air corrodes cheap locks quickly, so choose corrosion-resistant hardware and rinse it occasionally.
Whitco screen door lock: what to know
Whitco is an Australian hardware brand, and its screen locks are common in hardware stores. Model ranges and fittings change, so treat the points below as a checklist rather than a spec list.
- Match the model: note the brand and model on the existing lock face or edge plate before ordering a replacement.
- Check handing: screen doors open left or right, and many locks are handed, so check which way yours swings.
- Check the cut-out: the old lock leaves a cut-out in the door stile, and a new lock must fit it without enlarging the hole.
- Check the strike: the keeper on the frame must line up with the latch, or the door will rattle and refuse to lock.
- Check the key type: some screen locks share keys with the front door, while others use their own, so ask before you re-key.
- Read the instructions: follow the maker’s fitting sheet, because screw positions and latch depth vary between models.
Screen door catch: latches, hooks and magnetic closers
A screen door catch holds the door shut without a key. It suits fly screens, pet-friendly doors and everyday use.
- Spring latch: pulls the door closed and holds it with a small bolt, which suits most standard fly screens.
- Magnetic catch: keeps the door shut with a quiet pull, though a strong gust can still open a light door.
- Hook and eye: simple and cheap, but only secures the door from inside, so use it for privacy rather than security.
- Door closer: a hydraulic or spring closer stops the door slamming, and a worn closer is often the real reason a catch will not engage.
- Child safety: a high-mounted catch keeps toddlers from opening the door, but never use it on an exit people may need in an emergency.
- Pets: a loose catch and a sagging door let cats and dogs push through, so check the hinges before replacing the latch.
Screen door lock cost in Sydney
These are Sydney locksmith prices from October 2026, including GST. Parts for screen doors vary, so the figures cover typical residential work.
| Job (Sydney, Oct 2026) | Price range | Typical |
|---|---|---|
| Re-key, per lock | $52–$140 | $75 |
| Single basic lock replacement | $140–$400 | $255 |
| Deadbolt installation | $170–$460 | $290 |
| Key cutting, standard key | $6–$34 | $14 |
| Broken key extraction | $92–$345 | $150 |
| House lockout, business hours | $140–$345 | $205 |
- Re-key first: if the lock works but you need old keys to stop working, re-keying at about $75 beats replacing it.
- Replace worn locks: a stiff or damaged lock typically costs about $255 to replace, including a new key.
- Extra copies: a spare key costs about $14, so cut one before the original wears out.
- Security screen parts: manufacturer-specific locks cost more, so get an itemised quote that lists the part and brand.
- After-hours: weekend and public-holiday call-outs carry a surcharge that varies by locksmith.
- Bundled work: add this job to another visit to avoid paying for travel twice.
How to replace a screen lock
A like-for-like swap on a basic fly screen is a simple job. For a keyed lock on a security screen, call a licensed locksmith.
- Photograph the old lock: take a clear picture of both faces and the brand mark before you remove anything.
- Remove the screws: take out the fixings and withdraw the lock, keeping the keeper plate and spacers together.
- Compare the new lock: hold it against the old one and confirm the handing, cut-out and screw holes match.
- Fit the new lock: follow the instruction sheet, fixing it without forcing the screws or bending the latch.
- Adjust the keeper: move the strike plate until the latch engages smoothly with the door fully closed.
- Test from both sides: check the lock works from inside and outside, and that you can open it quickly without a key.
Screen door problems and fixes
Most faults come down to alignment, wear or corrosion. Check these before you buy a new lock.
- Latch will not catch: a settled house shifts the frame, so reposition the keeper before blaming the lock.
- Key sticks or turns hard: dry graphite or a lock-safe lubricant helps, but oil-based sprays attract dust and make it worse.
- Key broken in the lock: stop turning it and read our key stuck or broken in lock guide.
- Door sags: loose hinge screws pull the latch out of line, so tighten them first.
- Rust or white powder: salt and humidity corrode cheap hardware, and a corroded lock is best replaced.
- Locked out: call a licensed locksmith, who will check ID before opening the door.
Common mistakes to avoid with screen locks
- Relying on the screen alone: a screen slows entry, but the main door and its deadbolt do the real work.
- Fitting a double-keyed lock: a lock needing a key from inside can trap people in an emergency, and exit rules limit its use.
- Forcing a wrong-size part: a lock that almost fits will loosen, rattle and fail early.
- Ignoring the door closer: a slamming or weak closer wears out the latch and the frame.
- Skipping the licence check: in NSW locksmiths work under a Class 2 security licence (Class 2C), so ask for the number.
- Leaving the original key code: re-key after moving in, so previous owners’ copies stop working.
Screen door lock FAQs
What is the best screen door lock for security?
For real security, choose a keyed multipoint lock on a certified security screen door, working alongside a good deadbolt on the main door. A light latch suits a fly screen. Ask a licensed locksmith to match the lock to your door and frame.
Can I fit a Whitco screen door lock myself?
On a basic fly screen, often yes. Match the model, handing and cut-out, then follow the maker’s fitting sheet. On a security screen or a keyed lock that must work with other doors, a licensed locksmith is the safer choice, and the work is itemised.
What is a screen door catch used for?
A screen door catch holds the door closed without a key. Spring latches, magnetic catches and hook-and-eye fittings keep insects and pets out and stop the door banging. They do not secure the home against forced entry, so pair them with a proper lock.
How much does it cost to replace a screen door lock in Sydney?
Replacing a basic lock typically costs about $255 in Sydney, with a range of $140–$400. Re-keying a lock is cheaper at about $75 per lock. Security screen parts cost more, so ask for an itemised quote before the work starts.
Getting your screen lock sorted
For the full range of options, see our types of door locks guide. If your screen lock is stiff, damaged or needs re-keying, book a licensed locksmith for an itemised quote before we start.
