A mortice lock sits inside a pocket in the door edge. A deadbolt is the separate throw that actually resists a kick. When the key is sloppy, the latch does not click, or you have just moved house, replacing the lock is usually faster than living with it.
Direct answer: KL Servis Rumah replaces mortice and deadbolt locks from RM 220, fitting a new Yale, Imperial or Häfele lock with 3 keys, on doors across Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
If you want fingerprints and codes instead, see smart lock installation. If you only need new keys or the old keys to stop working, re-keying from RM 30 is cheaper than a full lock.
When to replace the lock (not just cut a key)
- The key turns but the latch does not move, or turns too easily (worn cylinder).
- You have moved in and do not know who still has keys — replace or re-key.
- The lock case is rusted (common on bathroom and yard doors).
- You want a proper deadbolt on a main door that only has a cheap tubular latch.
- The strike is torn out and the old lock no longer lines up.
A door that will not close is often the hinge or the leaf, not the lock. Check door scraping the floor and loose door hinge first.
Mortice vs deadbolt vs knobset
| Type | Role |
|---|---|
| Mortice sashlock | Latch + lock in one case — common on Malaysian timber doors |
| Deadbolt | Separate solid bolt — the part that resists forced entry |
| Knob / tubular latch | Light interior doors; weak as a main-door lock |
For a landed main door we usually recommend a proper mortice or a mortice + deadbolt, not a bedroom knobset. For condos, we match the existing hole so the door face is not a mess of old screw holes.
What the RM 220 start includes
- Remove the existing mortice or deadbolt.
- Supply and fit a new Yale, Imperial or Häfele lock (grade confirmed on the quote).
- Three keys.
- Strike alignment and screw-up into solid timber where possible.
- Function test.
A high-security cylinder, extra deadbolt, or frame reinforcement is itemised. Smart locks are a different product.
How we replace the lock
- Measure the existing case (height, backset, forend) so the new lock fills the same pocket.
- Quote the lock body and labour.
- Remove the old lock; clean the pocket.
- Fit the new case, cylinder and furniture (handles).
- Adjust the strike so the door latches without slamming.
- Hand over keys and the warranty card.
If the pocket is the wrong size, we recut it rather than leaving the lock loose in a sloppy hole.
Cost
| Service | Starting price |
|---|---|
| Mortice / deadbolt replacement | From RM 220 |
| Smart lock installation | From RM 420 |
| Key cutting / re-keying | From RM 30 |
| Emergency lockout (landed) | From RM 180 |
After you move into a new house
You do not always need a new lock. If the cylinder is good, re-keying makes the old keys useless and is the cheaper security reset. Replace when the lock is worn, rusty, or the wrong type for a main door.
Common mistakes
- Changing only the handles and leaving the old worn cylinder.
- Fitting a deadbolt that is too long for the jamb.
- Using short screws in the strike plate.
- Buying a lock by photo that does not match the existing British-style mortice pocket.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep my handles and only change the cylinder?
Often yes. That is closer to a re-key / cylinder swap and may cost less than a full case.
Do you use stainless screws outdoors?
On exterior doors we use corrosion-resistant fixings. Bathroom locks still rust if water runs down the forend — that is a door sealing issue as well.
Will this work on a metal gate?
Gate locks are a different body. We can look, but the RM 220 start is for timber / typical house door mortices.
Can you do several doors in one visit?
Yes. Send the count and photos so we bring the right case sizes.
Book a lock replacement
If your mortice is worn, you have just moved, or you want a proper deadbolt on the main door, KL Servis Rumah replaces locks across Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. WhatsApp a photo of the door edge and keys — request a lock replacement.