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Lock installation in Geelong: deadlocks, smart locks and window locks
Lock installation in Geelong is one of the cheapest security upgrades you can make. Here's how to choose a deadlock, whether a smart lock is worth it, and what supply and fit typically costs.
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Types of deadlock
Single-cylinder deadlock
Key outside, turn-snib inside. Easy to open from inside in an emergency, which is why it's the common choice for family homes.
Double-cylinder deadlock
Key on both sides. Harder for an intruder who breaks the glass beside the door, but you must have a key to get out. Keep a key near the door (out of reach from outside) so nobody is trapped in a fire.
Deadlatch
Locks automatically when the door closes and can be deadlocked with the key. Convenient, but it's also the lock people get locked out by.
Windows, sliding doors and screen doors
- Window locks on ground-floor and easily reached windows. Keyed window locks are inexpensive and quick to fit.
- Sliding door locks and bolts, since standard sliding door catches are weak.
- Security screen doors with a triple-lock, fitted to a solid frame.
In coastal areas like Torquay, choose marine-grade or stainless hardware where you can. Salt air corrodes cheaper locks quickly. The Torquay page covers this in more detail.
Choosing a deadlock: what to look for
- Recognised brand and a solid body, not a lightweight hardware-store special.
- A long bolt throw that goes well into the frame.
- A strong strike plate fixed with long screws into the frame, not just the architrave.
- Anti-drill and anti-pick features for higher-security needs.
- Keyed alike with your other doors, so one key does everything.
The door and frame matter as much as the lock. A great deadlock on a hollow door with a soft frame can still be kicked in. Ask the locksmith to check both.
Smart locks: are they worth it?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No keys to lose; codes for family, cleaners and trades | Batteries need changing |
| Can lock remotely and see who came and went | Some models have no key backup |
| Handy for holiday rentals in Torquay and Ocean Grove | Cheaper models may be less secure than a good deadlock |
If you choose a smart lock, pick one with a physical key backup, and keep that key somewhere other than inside the house.
Security screen doors and window locks
Security screen doors let you leave the main door open for airflow while keeping the house secure. Look for doors tested to Australian Standard AS 5039 for security screen doors and window grilles, fitted to a solid frame with a triple-point lock. Keyed window locks on ground-floor windows are inexpensive and quick to fit, and most locksmiths can do several in one visit.
Locks and home insurance
Some home and contents insurers ask about locks, and some policies have conditions about deadlocks or window locks for certain cover. Check your policy before you need to claim. A locksmith's invoice is useful evidence of what's been fitted.
Lock installation costs in Geelong
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Supply and fit a deadlock | $180 - $350 |
| Window lock, fitted (several in one visit) | $30 - $80 each |
| Sliding door lock or bolt | $60 - $150 |
| Smart lock, supply and fit | Depends heavily on the model |
Indicative Geelong ranges for 2026, including GST.
Lock installation across Geelong
Locksmiths install and upgrade locks in homes and businesses right across Greater Geelong. Coastal suburbs need marine-grade hardware; new estates often need window and sliding door locks the builder didn't include.
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Typical installation prices
Supply and fit a deadlock typically costs $180 to $350 in business hours in Geelong, depending on the brand and the door. Window locks are usually $30 to $80 each fitted when several are done in one visit. Ask the locksmith to key new locks alike so one key opens every door. Full ranges are in the price guide.
How a deadlock is installed
Installing a deadlock usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. The locksmith marks the position on the door, drills the holes for the cylinder and bolt, fits the lock body, then cuts a recess in the frame for the strike plate so the bolt throws fully. A good installer checks that the door closes cleanly and the bolt engages without forcing, and screws the strike plate into the frame with longer screws for strength.
Door and frame reinforcement
Most forced entries don't defeat the lock. They split the frame around the strike plate. Longer screws into the wall stud, a reinforced strike plate and solid door hinges make a real difference. For hollow-core external doors, replacing the door with a solid one is often a better investment than a more expensive lock.
Locks for sliding doors
Standard sliding door catches are easy to force, and older doors can sometimes be lifted off their tracks. A keyed sliding door lock, a bottom bolt, or an anti-lift block fixes both problems for a small cost. It's one of the most common upgrades in Belmont, Highton and other suburbs with homes from the 1970s and 1980s.
Upgrading locks in rental properties
Victorian rental providers must provide locks on external doors and windows, and external entry doors need a working deadlock or a lock that opens with a key from outside and without a key from inside. Upgrading at a tenancy changeover avoids a repair request later and keeps the property secure.
Marine-grade hardware for coastal homes
Salt air in Torquay, Jan Juc, Ocean Grove and along the Bellarine corrodes cheap locks within a few years. Choose marine-grade stainless or brass hardware, lubricate with a dry graphite or PTFE product a couple of times a year, and replace stiff locks before they fail.
Digital deadbolts vs keyed deadlocks
| Keyed deadlock | Digital deadbolt | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Lost key risk | Rekey needed | Change the code |
| Power needed | No | Batteries |
| Best for | Most homes | Families, rentals, short-stay hosts |
Garage and internal access doors
The door between the garage and the house is often the weakest in the home, fitted with an internal lock rather than a proper deadlock. If your garage door is opened by a remote, a stolen remote can put someone inside the garage with only that door to beat. Fitting a deadlock to the internal access door is a cheap, worthwhile upgrade.
Side gates and side access
Side gates give easy access to back doors and sheds. A lockable gate latch or a keyed padlock, keyed alike with the house, closes that gap.
How long lock installation takes
A single deadlock usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Window locks take a few minutes each. A whole-house upgrade with deadlocks, window locks and keyed-alike cylinders is often done in a morning.
Choosing a locksmith to install locks
Ask for the brand and model of the lock being fitted, whether the price includes supply and installation, and what warranty applies. A good locksmith will check the door and frame first and tell you if a better lock won't help because the door itself is the weak point.
Renters and new locks
Renters in Victoria should check their rental agreement and talk to their rental provider before adding or changing locks, and give the rental provider a key. Many rental providers are happy to approve a security upgrade, especially when it helps meet the rental minimum standards.
Locks for older residents and carers
For older residents, easy-to-grip lever handles, deadlocks that can be opened from inside without a key, and a secure key safe for carers balance security with safety. Ask the locksmith about options that suit arthritis or limited grip.
Rental properties
Rental providers in Victoria must provide locks on all external doors and windows. External entry doors (other than screen doors) need a working deadlock or a lock that opens with a key from outside and without a key from inside. If you manage a rental, upgrading to compliant deadlocks at a changeover avoids a repair request later.
Common questions
How much does it cost to install a deadlock in Geelong?
Supply and fit of a deadlock typically costs $180 to $350 in business hours, depending on the brand and the door.
What's the best deadlock for a front door?
A quality single-cylinder deadlock from a recognised brand, fitted into a solid door with a strong strike plate screwed into the frame.
Are smart locks secure?
Good smart locks are secure, but cheaper models may not be. Choose one with a physical key backup and keep batteries fresh.
Do I need window locks?
Ground-floor and easy-to-reach windows are common entry points. Keyed window locks are inexpensive and quick to fit.
Can a locksmith key all my new locks alike?
Yes. New locks can be ordered keyed alike, and many existing cylinders can be rekeyed to match.
What standard applies to security screen doors?
Australian Standard AS 5039 covers security screen doors and security window grilles. Ask for products tested to it.
Can a locksmith fit a lock I bought myself?
Many will, though they won't warranty the lock itself. Check the lock suits your door thickness and backset before buying, or ask the locksmith to supply one.
Is it worth upgrading the locks on an older Geelong home?
Usually. Many older homes in suburbs like Belmont, Newtown and Geelong West still have original locks that are worn or low security. A deadlock on each external door is an inexpensive upgrade.
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