Changing locks

Hi ,

We've just completed on a resale property in Jardines de Alahama.

We only received one key and my solicitor advised me to change the locks on our apartment asap.

Has anybody any experience of doing this? How to? DIY or Company to use? Cost?

Any advice greatly received.

Thanks

Adrian

When we complete our solicitor advised us to get the locks changed immediately. He told us not to furnish at all until all the snagging was completed and that PW do have master keys.

We had our locks changed by a company who part furnished our apartment who are no longer trading.

I watched the guy do it and it is very simple, all you need is an allen key (to remove the handle on the inside of the door) and a cross point screw driver to remove the barrel,(one screw). Whole job about 10 minutes.

The biggest problem is finding a replacement barrel. I believe our company got one from San Javier and cost about €35 , but I have found a small hardware store in Puerto de Mazarron who I think says he can get them. Sorry for being vague but he speaks no english and my Spanish is not that good. I would suggest either take the barrel or some pictures.

The shop is by the indoor market, by the bus station on the corner opposite.

Hope this helps.

Hi Folks,

Or you could do what I suggested many moons ago.  Swap barrels and keys with someone off another garden to save costs.  That way if any workmen have taken a copy of your key, they will have noted which apartment its for.  Therefore if 2 people swap barrels, then the workmen will never be able to try the key in every lock on site to find the right one...........................SIMPLES

We thought the swopping barrels was a good idea and asked the owner of the La Torre apartment we have used regularly if he had done that and he said when they were al completing it came up as an idea and people tried it but sometimes the swapped barrel didnt align with the 'new' handle and fixture and so that didnt work. We think we were told there is ageneral merchandise store in Sucina that has similar locks to those on our Jardines doors. However, we may just have a yale style lock fitted in addition to the present one.

If PW have master keys why do they go through the nonsense of asking you to have a keyholder open up when you get aircon and radiators fitted or furniture delivered or even when fixing damp anf getting the fuse exchanged when the swop over happens?

Morning Tony and Katy

You took the words right out of my mouth.  That's exactly my thoughts.  If PW have master keys, why all the hassle over getting your key for the most mundane tasks?   There is something iffy going on but,  personally don't believe its to do with PW having master keys.

June