With many new homes opting for digital door locks, traditional locks may no longer seem like a popular choice. Nonetheless, a physical key still holds certain advantages over digital locks. For instance, a digital lock can be susceptible to failure due to faulty electronics. Some models offer multiple unlock options, which could also mean more potential vulnerabilities. Not to mention, a good electronic door lock typically costs much more than a traditional lockset.
Up until now, carrying a physical key usually meant having to bring along three separate keys — one for your gate, another for your wooden door, and a third for your letterbox.
A quick Google search doesn’t yield much on services to consolidate your keys. When asking around local locksmiths, you might be quoted anywhere between $90 to $200 for a pair of lock cylinders. The price varies depending on the brand you choose. Personally, I prefer going with a reputable brand, as that usually means a smoother lock mechanism.
Keyed Alike Lock Cylinders
The technical term for using a single ‘master key’ across multiple locks is called Keyed Alike. And you usually don’t have to replace your entire lock system — just a small component known as the lock cylinder.
Euro Lock Cylinder & Where To Buy
Specifically, the type of lock cylinder found in new HDB flats is known as the Euro Lock Cylinder. You’ll also find them for sale at your neighbourhood hardware stores, locksmiths, and — if you need one urgently in the middle of the night — at Mustafa Centre.
A generic brand from your local hardware store can cost as little as $6.50. These usually come with at least two keys, though some models provide up to five. Some of these low-cost models work surprisingly well, with a smooth insert-and-rotate motion.
You can get Yale-brand cylinders from locksmiths, industrial hardware stores, or at Mustafa Centre (Level 4, Tools section). The basic models typically go for under $30. Yale offers a range of models to choose from.
On the higher end, you’ll find models with security keys in DIY shops located in shopping malls — these can cost around $60.
Duro Keyed-Alike Lock Sets for New HDB
After scouring multiple UK websites that offer Keyed Alike products and services, I finally discovered Duro. This is the only website I’ve found that makes it easy to order a set and change it yourself right here in Singapore. It’s the most cost-effective option — unless you prefer to do the modification yourself using a professional re-keying kit.
To view their packaged selection of Keyed Alike lock set systems, visit their online store.
Same Key for New HDB Gate & Wooden Door Lock
To switch your lockset to a single-key system for new HDB flats, check out this package on Duro’s website:
Product number: DMS V/2B DURO MASTER SYSTEM
This set is currently priced at $128, inclusive of free delivery within Singapore.
Same Key for New HDB Gate, Wooden Door & Letterbox Lock
If you want to declutter your key bunch further, you can also use the same key for your letterbox lock. Duro’s online store offers a package for that as well:
Product number: DMS V/3C DURO MASTER SYSTEM
Currently priced at $158, with free delivery within Singapore.
Guide for Changing New HDB Lock Cylinder
You won’t believe how easy it is to change the lock cylinder — it’s literally a one-screw operation. Even if you’ve never done it before, it’ll likely take you less than 30 minutes to swap out the existing cylinder.
Take 2 minutes to watch this tutorial on YouTube:
On Duro’s website, you will also find illustrated tutorials that you can print out.
Use WD-40 For Smoothness
Your door lock mechanism are made up of multiple mechanical moving parts. Since you have already dismantled your door lock assembly, take this chance to spray a liberal amount of WD-40 general lubricant onto any moving parts you can access. Spray some onto the moving parts of your new lock cylinder as well. This will keep your door lock working smoothly for many years to come.
Should you encounter any stiffness in your other door locks, spraying some WD-40 lubricant into the keyhole can help too!
Same Key For Older HDB Door, Gate & Letter Box
Some older HDB flats may not be using the Euro Lock Cylinder, but Duro seem to have solutions catering to that as well.
They have a few packages to choose from on their online store. But specifically, you can look at this package:
Product number: DMS I/3A Duro Master System
Additional Set of Key
Your package will come with a set of 4 keys. If that is not sufficient, Duro’s website advises you to order alongside when you are buying the lock. As they will not entertain key duplication service. While I have not tried, I am sure you can find a neighbourhood locksmith who can help you with duplication.
Self-collect or Deliver to an Alternate Address
Personally, I wouldn’t feel comfortable having a lockset delivered directly to the address where it will be installed. Even if the seller has no bad intentions, there’s always a risk of internal data being compromised, which could lead to your personal information being leaked.
So it’s worth considering self-collection or having the lockset delivered to an alternate address — perhaps a friend’s place or your office.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped save you time searching for the right solution. Let us know if there’s anything else you’d like to learn about home locks — we’ll be happy to do the research and improve this article for you.
Lifeguide.sg 