What Is a Rim Lock?
A rim lock is any lock that sits on the inner surface of your door rather than being cut into the door edge. The lock body is visible on the inside, with a cylinder or keyhole poking through to the outside and a keep plate (staple) screwed to the door frame. The most familiar rim lock is the night latch — the spring-loaded latch that clicks shut when you close the door. But rim locks also come as deadlocks, sashlocks, and ornamental period locks.
The reason rim locks still exist alongside mortice locks is simple: not every door can be morticed. Victorian and Edwardian doors across South London — in Dulwich, Crystal Palace, Clapham, Brixton, and the older streets of Croydon — often have frames that are too narrow or timber that is too aged to safely cut a deep mortice pocket. A rim lock bolts onto the surface without weakening the door structure. For newer doors, the standard British front door setup uses a rim Yale-type nightlatch on top paired with a mortice deadlock below.
We fit every rim lock type — from modern deadlocking nightlatches to traditional black iron ornamental rim locks for heritage properties. Browse our full lock types guide, check our locksmith advice, or contact us for a free quote. We cover all areas across South London. About us
Rim Lock Key Features
Security Rating
Depends on type. Rim nightlatch: basic-good. Rim deadlock: good-high. BS3621 rim deadlock: insurance-approved. Traditional ornamental: low (decorative only).
Mounting
Surface-mounted on the inner face of the door. No mortice pocket needed. Ideal for thin, old, or fragile doors where cutting into the timber would weaken the structure.
Best Used For
Period properties (Victorian, Edwardian), conservation areas, thin timber doors, flat entrance doors. Modern use: paired with a mortice deadlock on front doors.
Price Range
Rim lock replacement from £250 fitted. Traditional ornamental rim locks priced per job — send photos on WhatsApp for a fixed quote.
Is a Rim Lock Right for Your Door?
Rim lock suits:
- + Victorian and Edwardian timber doors
- + Thin doors that cannot be morticed
- + Conservation area properties (heritage aesthetics)
- + Flat entrance doors in converted houses
- + Paired with a mortice deadlock for full security
Consider alternatives if:
- - Your door is thick enough for a mortice lock (stronger)
- - You have a uPVC or composite multipoint door
- - You want a concealed, flush-fitting lock
- - You need standalone BS3621 (mortice deadlock is more common)
Our Rim Lock Services in South London
Supply & Fit
New rim lock supplied and surface-mounted. Yale, ERA, Union, Ingersoll nightlatches and deadlocks. Same-day fitting available.
from £250Repair
Cylinder spinning, bolt not throwing, spring broken? We diagnose and fix rim lock mechanisms or replace worn parts on site.
from £120Heritage Restoration
Traditional ornamental rim locks for period properties. Black iron, brass, and antique finishes. Conservation area sympathetic fitting.
WhatsApp for quoteEmergency Call-Out
Locked out or rim lock jammed? 24/7 emergency service. Non-destructive entry and same-visit replacement.
from £120How It Works
Call or WhatsApp
Send a photo of your door and current lock. We identify the rim lock type, check the door thickness, and quote a fixed price.
We Arrive & Fit
Old rim lock removed. New one surface-mounted in the same position, keep plate aligned, and bolt throw tested. No morticing required.
Tested & Handed Over
Keys handed over, lock tested from both sides. We advise on whether you also need a mortice deadlock for insurance compliance.
Why Choose Locksmith South London?
Every engineer verified.
Pay for the lock and fitting only.
For emergencies across South London.
Verified real customer reviews.
Victorian, Edwardian, conservation areas.
Quoted before we start.
Written guarantee on every installation.
Yale, ERA, Union, Ingersoll, ornamental.
Rim Lock Fitting Costs South London
Fixed prices. Genuine brands. No hidden fees.
Emergency Lockout
Non-destructive entry. 24/7.
Rim Cylinder Only
Replace just the key part.
Full Rim Lock Replacement
Complete rim lock replaced with genuine unit.
What Our Customers Say
"Our 1890s front door in Dulwich had an ancient rim lock that barely worked. He replaced it with a new ERA deadlocking nightlatch that matched the existing backplate holes perfectly. No extra drilling, no damage to the original door. Very respectful of the period features."
Dulwich, SE21
"The rim lock on our flat door in Wandsworth had been sticking for weeks. He sorted it in 20 minutes — the keep plate was misaligned from the door settling. Adjusted it, lubricated the mechanism, and it works like new. Charged a fair price."
Wandsworth, SW18
"Wanted a traditional black iron rim lock fitted on our cottage-style side door in Crystal Palace. He sourced an ornamental rim lock that looks authentic but has modern security internals. Exactly what we needed for the conservation area."
Crystal Palace, SE19
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a rim lock?
What is the difference between a rim lock and a mortice lock?
Are rim locks suitable for front doors?
How much does rim lock fitting cost?
Can you fit a rim lock on a Victorian door?
Areas We Cover in South London
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Related locks & problems
Locations we cover
Need a Rim Lock Fitted in South London?
Modern or traditional. Same-day fitting. Period property experience. Fixed price from £250.
24/7 emergency locksmith serving South London since 2015 — trusted by homeowners, landlords and businesses across Sutton, Mitcham, Wallington, Cheam, Purley and surrounding areas.