A door lock is the latch, bolt or cylinder that keeps a door closed and controls who can open it, and the main types are knob sets, lever sets, deadlatches, deadbolts, mortise locks and smart locks. In Sydney, replacing a basic lock typically costs about $255 and fitting a deadbolt typically costs about $290.
This guide explains the types of door locks, how handle sets, latches and hinges work together, and what each job costs in Sydney. It also links to our detailed guides for sliders, screens, garages, windows, gates and more.
Key points
- A deadlatch holds the door shut in everyday use, while a deadbolt adds a solid steel bolt for extra resistance to forced entry.
- Replacing a basic lock typically costs about $255 in Sydney, a deadbolt about $290 and a re-key about $75 per lock.
- The best lock is useless on a weak door, frame or hinge side, so check the whole door before you spend.
- Exit doors must generally open from inside without a key, and NSW locksmiths work under a Class 2C security licence.
What is a door lock?
A door lock combines a latch that holds the door shut, a mechanism that locks the latch and a key, code or handle that operates it. Most Australian homes have a mix of knob sets, lever sets and deadbolts.
The terms below show up on almost every product page, and knowing them helps you read a quote.
| Term | Meaning | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Door lock set | The handle, latch, cylinder and fixings sold together | It decides how easily you can replace a worn lock |
| Latch | The spring bolt that holds the door in the frame | It keeps the door shut but gives little protection alone |
| Deadbolt | A solid bolt that throws into the frame and cannot be pushed back | It adds real resistance to forced entry |
| Cylinder | The part your key turns | It controls key copying and re-keying |
| Strike plate | The metal plate on the frame the bolt enters | A weak or misaligned plate defeats a good lock |
- Standards: look for locksets made to AS 4145, and ask the seller what a particular lock complies with.
- Key control: a restricted key system stops unauthorised copying and suits rentals and shared buildings.
- Handing: many handles and sets are handed, so confirm which way your door swings before ordering.
- Door thickness: the lock must suit your door’s thickness and existing cut-outs.
- Finish: salt air corrodes cheap finishes near the coast, so choose marine-grade or sealed finishes.
- Frame: a rotten or split frame needs repair before any new lock goes on.
Types of door locks
The right lock depends on the door, the room and how much protection you need. This table compares the main types.
| Type | Best for | Strength | Price band |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knob or lever privacy set | Bedrooms and bathrooms | Privacy only | Low |
| Entrance set with deadlatch | Front and back doors with a key | Moderate | Low to mid |
| Single-cylinder deadbolt | External doors that need extra resistance | High | Mid |
| Mortise lock | Older timber doors and heavier entries | High | Mid to higher |
| Smart or digital lock | Families, rentals and keyless entry | Moderate to high | Mid to higher |
Sliding doors
- Patio and balcony sliders need a keyed lock and a track blocker, not just a hook latch.
- Read our sliding door locks guide for slide locks and cavity sliders.
Garage and roller doors
- Roller doors use bolts, padlocks and motor locks rather than a standard lockset.
- Our garage and roller door locks guide covers the options.
Screen doors
- Fly screens need a light catch, while security screens need a matched keyed lock.
- See our screen door locks guide for latches, catches and Whitco hardware.
Windows
- Window locks stop casual entry and protect children from falls, and they vary by window style.
- Our window locks guide explains the types.
Security doors
- Security doors combine a steel or aluminium frame with a multipoint or keyed lock.
- Read our security door locks guide before replacing hardware on a certified door.
Portable and caravan locks
- Portable locks suit travellers and renters who cannot drill, though they are an extra layer only.
- Compare them in our portable door locks guide and see our caravan locks guide for vans and camper trailers.
Gates
- Gate locks face weather, movement and shared use, so choose rust-resistant hardware.
- Our gate locks guide covers latches, padlocks and keypads.
Door lock cost in Sydney
These Sydney prices are from October 2026 and include GST. Parts, door condition and time of day change the final quote.
| Job (Sydney, Oct 2026) | Price range | Typical |
|---|---|---|
| Single basic lock replacement | $140–$400 | $255 |
| Deadbolt installation | $170–$460 | $290 |
| Re-key, per lock | $52–$140 | $75 |
| Smart or digital lock, supplied and fitted | $345–$920 | $600 |
| Key cutting, standard key | $6–$34 | $14 |
| House lockout, business hours | $140–$345 | $205 |
| After-hours or emergency lockout | $230–$575 | $320 |
| Broken key extraction | $92–$345 | $150 |
- Lock type: a privacy set is cheap, while a mortise or high-security cylinder costs more in parts and labour.
- Re-key or replace: if the lock works well, re-keying at about $75 beats replacing it at about $255.
- Door condition: a sagging or warped door adds time, because the latch and strike plate must line up.
- Number of doors: fitting several locks in one visit cuts the per-lock labour and travel cost.
- After-hours work: weekend and public-holiday call-outs carry a surcharge that varies by locksmith.
- Quote detail: ask for the brand, model, warranty and licence number on every itemised quote.
Door handle with lock and door lock sets
Most homes use a door handle with lock, sold as an entrance set that combines the handle, latch and cylinder. The brands below are common in Australian hardware stores, but ranges change, so match the model on your existing set.
| Product line | Typically used for | What to check before replacing |
|---|---|---|
| Lockwood entrance set | Front and back doors in houses and units | Handing, backset and the model marked on the latch edge |
| Lane locks | Entrance doors and secondary doors | Cylinder type and whether the key suits other locks |
| Gainsborough G2 series | Interior and exterior handle sets | Finish, handing and the fixing pattern of the old set |
| Generic door handle lock | Rentals and low-cost replacements | Build quality, because cheap sets wear and rattle fast |
| Key lock cylinder | Any set that takes a standard cylinder | Whether it can be re-keyed rather than replaced |
- Photograph the old set: take clear photos of both faces, the edge plate and any numbers before you order a match.
- Check the backset: the distance from the door edge to the spindle decides which latch fits.
- Keep the old keys: a locksmith can often re-key the cylinder to match your other locks.
- Look for wear: older Lockwood sets with worn pin tumblers often need a new cylinder, not a new handle.
- Match the finish: mixed finishes look untidy and can show up differently in strong sun.
- Use a licensed trade: ask for the licence number before work starts on external doors.
Door lock latch: deadlatch vs deadbolt
The latch holds the door shut, and the deadbolt adds extra resistance. Knowing which one you have saves money and avoids false confidence.
- Spring latch: holds the door closed but can often be pushed back, so it suits internal doors only.
- Deadlatch: includes a guard that stops the latch being pushed back, which suits many external doors.
- Deadbolt: a solid bolt that adds the strongest resistance on a front or back door.
- Latch guide: our door lock latch guide explains parts, faults and fixes.
- Comparison: read deadlock vs deadlatch to choose between them.
- Strike plate: a worn or loose plate, often after the house settles, weakens any latch.
Door lock hinge and frame weak points
Burglars rarely defeat the lock itself. They go for the hinge side, the frame or the glass, so check these points before you upgrade.
- Hinge screws: short screws pull out of soft timber, so replace them with longer screws that reach the frame stud.
- Outward-opening doors: exposed hinge pins need security hinges or hinge bolts, so the door cannot be lifted off.
- Door frame: a split or rotten frame can be forced even with a good deadbolt, so repair it first.
- Strike plate screws: long screws into the stud make the plate far harder to kick through.
- Glass panels: glass near the lock lets someone reach through, so consider laminated glass or a security film.
- Exit rules: NCC exit-door egress rules mean exit doors must generally open from inside without a key.
Key lock vs digital door lock pros and cons
A key lock is simple and reliable, while a digital lock is convenient. Weigh both lists against how you live.
Pros and cons of a key lock
- Reliable: a mechanical lock needs no batteries, so it works through power cuts and cold snaps.
- Lower cost: a basic replacement typically costs about $255, well under a smart lock at about $600.
- Easy to re-key: a locksmith can re-key it for about $75 when keys go missing.
- Key control: keys get lost and copied too many times, so track who holds each one.
- Lockout risk: a lost key means a lockout, typically about $205 in business hours.
- No audit trail: you cannot see who came and went, or cancel a single user.
Pros and cons of a digital door lock
- Shared access: you can add and delete codes for tradies, guests and carers without cutting keys.
- Entry records: many models log entries, which helps with rentals and teenagers.
- Battery dependence: a flat battery with no backup key leads to an after-hours lockout at about $320.
- Higher cost: a supplied and fitted lock typically costs about $600 in Sydney.
- Door fit: thin or warped doors may need extra work before a motorised lock will fit.
- Next step: compare models in our smart locks guide before you commit.
How to choose a door lock
Work through this checklist in order to narrow the options quickly.
- Identify the door: note whether it is timber, glass, aluminium or steel, and measure its thickness.
- Define the job: decide between privacy, everyday security or high-security protection.
- Check the exit rules: make sure exit doors can open from inside without a key.
- Choose the key system: consider a restricted key system if you want to control key copying.
- Get permission: rentals and strata buildings need written approval before any lock change.
- Get an itemised quote: compare at least two quotes from licensed locksmiths.
Door lock installation and maintenance essentials
A tidy install and regular care make any lock last longer. Follow these steps.
- Check the door: confirm the door closes cleanly before fitting a new lock, and adjust the hinges if it drags.
- Fit the latch and cylinder: follow the maker’s instructions and avoid forcing parts that do not seat properly.
- Align the strike plate: adjust it until the latch and bolt engage without lifting or pushing the door.
- Test from both sides: turn every key several times, and confirm the door opens quickly from inside.
- Lubricate lightly: use dry graphite or a lock-specific lubricant, not oil-based sprays that attract dust.
- Review yearly: tighten screws, check for rust and replace any stiff or worn cylinder.
Door lock FAQs
What are the main types of door locks?
The main types are knob and lever sets, deadlatches, deadbolts, mortise locks and smart locks. Privacy sets suit bedrooms. Entrance sets and deadbolts suit front and back doors. Smart locks add codes and apps. Choose by door, room and the level of protection you need.
What is a door lock latch?
A latch is the spring bolt that holds the door shut when you close it. A deadlatch adds a guard that stops the latch being pushed back. Neither gives the strength of a deadbolt, so external doors often use both together.
What is a Lockwood entrance set?
A Lockwood entrance set is a handle set with a latch and key cylinder, made by an Australian brand and fitted to many front and back doors. Match the model, handing and backset before replacing one. A locksmith can often re-key the existing set instead.
What is the difference between a door handle with lock and a deadbolt?
A handle with lock operates the latch and may lock the handle. A deadbolt is a separate solid bolt that locks the door into the frame. Many front doors use both, which gives better security than a single lock.
How much does it cost to replace a door lock in Sydney?
Replacing a basic lock typically costs about $255 in Sydney, within a range of $140–$400. A deadbolt typically costs about $290, and re-keying about $75 per lock. After-hours work carries a surcharge that varies by locksmith.
Do I need a licensed locksmith to change a door lock?
In NSW, locksmiths work under a Class 2 security licence (Class 2C), so ask for the licence number before work starts. You can swap a basic privacy set yourself, but external doors and keyed locks are best left to a licensed trade.
Getting door locks sorted in Sydney
We assess your door, frame and hinges, then quote the lock type that suits your home. Book a licensed locksmith for an itemised price, and ask about re-keying every external door in one visit.
