​Is it feasible to change or install a lock on your own? It depends on the type of door lock. For general door locks, if the lock body is not damaged, you only need to replace the lock cylinder with a new one. If you know how to do it. We've been called to jobs where customers can't complete the job and damage the mechanism.

If it is a relatively simple, basic door lock such as a cylindrical door lock, it can be completely replaced, if you have experience doing this. Beware that there are small parts in the door lock mechanism and correct installation is important too. If you are not careful, you may lose the parts and mess up the assembly or installation. 

If you have no experience, we advise that you engage the services of a professional locksmith to replace them. 

Often, when people attempt to remove a faulty or locked doorlock, they do so much damage that it's not possible to unlock the door without additional work, time and materials. And the door is still stuck. 

Worse, bashing the lock handle, drilling it indiscriminately, gouging out the metal, etc. will greatly risk damage to the door or doorframe. Not only that, the wood may be so damaged that a new lock cannot be fitted. 

All this can amount to far higher and unnecessary repair costs than was originally expected.

​In addition to the wear and tear of the door lock itself, loose door hinges, swelling floors, damaged walls, rust or debris near the door may cause damage to the door lock. 

Foreign objects such as hairpins, wires, etc. inserted into the keyhole can also cause damage if done by anyone other than a trained locksmith. 

Therefore, when replacing a new door lock, you should pay attention to the damage near the door. Check the environment to see if the door lock is damaged due to other factors.

Abuse, such as repeated slamming of the door, can contribute to door lock damage, but is most often not the cause. Using a hard instrument such as a hammer or screwdriver will do much damage to the lock, but this kind of abuse is evident.

​First of all, never try to force open your locked door by kicking it open, or inserting a screwdriver or other object into the door lock, because this will worsen the situation and greatly increase the difficulty of unlocking.

In a most serious case, it may cost thousands of dollars to replace a whole new door or pair of doors. Also, you may injure yourself and need costly medical treatment. 

Generally speaking, if the door lock isn't damaged, a professional locksmith will use lockpicking tools to unlock a door within 10 to 20 minutes.

If the door lock is damaged or the key is broken and stuck in the lock core, a locksmith will need to try different methods to remove the broken key first, such as using wire, lubricant, pliers, etc. 

The lock can only be unlocked after the key is extracted. In such cases, it may take more than half an hour.

​Locksmith charges depend on the type of door lock, whether the lock is broken, or if the key is broken and a part of it is stuck in the lock cylinder. The location and time of day or night matters too. 

If the door lock is not already damaged, the fee to open a door lock starts at about $70-$100, assuming you're speaking with a legitimate locksmith. An untrained handyman or amateur may quote lower just to secure the job.

If it is in a remote area, on a weekend, a public holiday, or at night, the locksmith will charge an additional surcharge. This can range from 50% to 150 % of the standard daytime price.

In some situations, the locksmith may need to conduct an inspection on-site before an accurate quotation can be given. Pictures or a video clip of the lock will help. 

Transport fees are often separate from professional fees. These fees compensate the service provider for petrol, vehicle ownership costs, etc. They can range from $30-$50, and may be charged before the job as a deposit or after the job is done.

Some locksmiths may impose a 100% payment upfront policy for fixed fee jobs, like unlocking a cylindrical door lock. 

In Singapore, there is an electronic trail via e-banking and the cellphone number. So the customer can lodge a police report against the locksmith - who can easily be apprehended - if he does not show up. 

However, it's is understandable that many people feel uncomfortable with making full payment upfront and a 50% deposit may be more palatable to some. 

Alternatively, some require payment of the fixed transport charge as a deposit. This is to protect the interest of the service provider against premature cancellation by the customer. 

Non-Destructive Entry Methods

A locksmith uses special tools to work on the mechanical part of the lock to unlock it without using a key. The concept of using a universal master key to open all locks in existence is a fallacy. 

By using non-destructive methods, the lock can be reused as there is no damage to it.
After opening the door, your locksmith should ask you to test the lock using the key once it is found.

A good, well-skilled and experienced locksmith can unlock many, if not most locks without destroying them. However, no locksmith can open EVERY lock. Some locks are designed to be extremely difficult to defeat without damage to them. 


Destructive Entry Methods

When the locksmith isn't able to unlock the lock for various reasons, he has to drill or cut it to open the door. 

In such a scenario, the lock cylinder or entire lock (depending on the type) has to be replaced. A good locksmith will not damage any part of the door, only the lock.

In such a situation, the locksmith should inform you, alert you to the possibility of extra charges, and seek your approval before proceeding.

A professional locksmith will know the correct "drill points" of most locks. Knowing exactly where to drill makes all the difference when you want to remove or open a lock while minimising or avoiding damage to the door. 

More importantly, destructive entry using the correct tools to manipulate lock mechanisms via drill points minimise risk to safety. Safety first. We should avoid all mishap even if there is public liability insurance in place.

There's no need to cut or drill large holes in the wood, bash the lock in with a hammer or pry open a door with a screwdriver. Anyone doing that is not a locksmith. He is a danger to himself and those around him.

​At Ketch, we will assess the situation, identify the safest, most effective approach, communicate our intent then with our customers approval, take action.

​Have you ever left your premises without your key? Do you need help to unlock your door in the middle of the night, or do you have trouble locking it?

Door locks are the most important security item in any building. They can ensure everyone's safety by preventing theft and robbery. 

However, you'll be greatly inconvenienced if you forget to bring the keys out with you or if you've lost them. 

That's when you call a locksmith.

A good emergency locksmith will treat your call with urgency and do his best to be punctual. However, travel takes time.

Most locksmiths will take between 30-45 minutes to get to your location anywhere in Singapore. 

During peak periods, such as between 7am-10am and between 5pm-8pm, it can take up to an hour to reach your location. If he's on a job, he should let you know and not make you wait needlessly. 

When you call a locksmith, be ready to share a picture of the lock in question with him. As laypeople, you won't know how to accurately describe your lock.

There is no such thing as a 'normal' or universal lock. In fact, there are hundreds of different types of locks. 

If you need a locksmith to unlock your door, it's best to send a photo or video clip of the lock - from both sides if possible - to the locksmith to avoid miscommunication.

Common door types include: main entrance locks, bedroom door locks, cabinet locks, mailbox locks, brass padlocks, etc. 

Then when you've sent the photo, explain the situation, so you can get an informed quote or cost estimate from him.

​At Ketch, quality service is paramount. We value customer satisfaction, and that's achieved with communication, clarity. When applicable, we identify if there is pre-existing damage, explain causes if asked, then recommend corrective measures.