Improve and strengthen your door locks in Hong Kong

I would like to Improve the locks on my front door. What is the best and easiest type to Install?

The most efficient type is a deadbolt lock which can be installed above your existing lock. Buy a good quality dead bolt kit, tape the paper template provided to the door at a comfortable height and mark the centre points of the two holes you will need to drill.

Using a hole saw, bore a hole of the diameter recommended into the door face. Keep the drill level and stop just as the tip of the hole breaks through the other side. Finish from the other side to stop the face splitting.

Using a spade bit of the size recommended in the kit, drill a hole in to the door edge. Set the side plate in its hole and pencil in an outline. Scribe in the pencil marks with a Stanley knife and using a 3/4 -inch chisel, cut out a mortise [rectangular cavity) to match the size and depth of the latch plate, Insert the latch bolt and fix in place using two screws.

To locate the strike position on your door frame, chalk the end of the bolt, close the door and turn the bolt to make a mark on the door frame . Using a spade bit, drill a hole in the centre of your mark, deep enough for the bolt to engage fully into the frame. Then chisel out a mortise for the strike plate which should sit flush with your door frame. Fix this in place using two screws.

All materials available from Wing Lee Hardware, 154 Wellington Street, Central (tel: 2544 2345).

What Lock Types Are Most Secure for Hong Kong Apartments?

Hong Kong is one of the safest cities in the world, but that does not mean you should be complacent about door security. Having worked on hundreds of Hong Kong front doors over the years, I can tell you that the standard lock fitted by most developers is barely adequate. Here is a rundown of the main lock types and how they compare:

• Deadbolt locks -- the best all-round upgrade for most Hong Kong front doors. A good deadbolt has a solid metal bolt that extends at least 25mm into the door frame, making it extremely difficult to force open. Single-cylinder deadbolts (key outside, thumb-turn inside) are the most common. Expect to pay HK$300-800 for a quality deadbolt from brands like Yale, Abloy, or Kaba.
• Rim locks (night latches) -- these are the spring-loaded locks that many older Hong Kong apartments still rely on as their primary lock. They are convenient (the door locks automatically when you close it) but offer poor security on their own because the spring bolt can be pushed back with a credit card or similar tool. A rim lock should always be supplemented with a deadbolt.
• Mortise locks -- common on newer Hong Kong apartment doors. These are built into the door itself and typically combine a latch and a deadbolt in one unit. Quality mortise locks from brands like EVVA or Mul-T-Lock are very secure but more expensive, typically HK$1,200-3,000.
• Smart locks -- increasingly popular in Hong Kong. These allow you to unlock your door with a fingerprint, PIN code, or smartphone app. Brands like Samsung, Yale, and Kaadas offer models designed for the Asian market, ranging from HK$1,500 to HK$5,000. Smart locks are convenient and eliminate the worry of lost keys, but they require batteries (usually lasting 6-12 months) and some models need a stable Wi-Fi connection.

For most Hong Kong apartments, I recommend a combination of a mortise lock and a deadbolt. This gives you two independent locking mechanisms, which is a significant deterrent. If your building has a doorman, CCTV, and key-card access to the lobby, you are already well-protected -- the door lock is your last line of defence.

One important point about Hong Kong apartment doors: many are hollow-core rather than solid. A hollow door will not hold a lock securely, and it can be kicked in regardless of how good your lock is. If your front door is hollow-core, the most effective security upgrade is replacing the entire door with a solid-core or metal-skinned door. This typically costs HK$3,000-8,000 installed, but it transforms your security completely.

How Much Does a Locksmith Cost in Hong Kong?

Locksmith services in Hong Kong vary widely in price depending on the situation:

• Emergency lockout (getting back into your flat): HK$300-800, depending on time of day and lock complexity. After-hours callouts cost more.
• Lock replacement (standard deadbolt or mortise): HK$500-1,500 including the lock and labour.
• Lock rekeying: HK$200-500 per lock. This is a good option when you move into a new flat and want to ensure previous tenants cannot get in.
• Smart lock installation: HK$500-1,000 for labour on top of the lock cost, depending on whether modifications to the door are needed.

When you move into a new rental flat or buy a property, I always recommend changing the locks immediately. You have no way of knowing how many copies of the existing keys are floating around. This is especially important in Hong Kong, where high tenant turnover means your front door key may have been duplicated multiple times. Key cutting is cheap and easy here -- any shoe repair or key cutting shop will duplicate a standard key for HK$20-40.

Speaking of building management: before installing a new lock, check your building's management rules. Some buildings require you to deposit a spare key with the management office for emergency access. Others restrict the type of lock modifications you can make to the front door, particularly if the door is considered common property. It is better to check first than to have a dispute later.

For a broader look at making your home safe and secure, including window locks and child safety measures, have a look at my dedicated safety guide. And for more home improvement projects, browse the full interiors section.

When Should You Call a Professional?

Installing a basic deadbolt is a manageable DIY project if you are comfortable with a drill and a chisel, as described above. However, there are situations where calling a locksmith or handyman is the smarter choice:

• Metal doors -- many Hong Kong apartment front doors are steel or have a metal skin. Drilling through metal requires specialist drill bits and a steady hand. Get the hole in the wrong place and you have a serious problem.
• Smart lock installation -- some smart locks require wiring modifications or adjustments to the door that go beyond simple bolt-on installation.
• Emergency lockouts -- do not try to force your way in. You will damage the door and the frame, costing far more than a locksmith callout.
• High-security locks -- brands like Abloy, EVVA, and Mul-T-Lock use proprietary systems that require authorised installers for warranty coverage.
• If your door frame is damaged or rotten -- no lock in the world will protect you if the frame gives way. A professional can assess the frame and reinforce it if necessary.

Door security is one of those areas where spending a bit more upfront saves you a lot of worry. A good lock, properly installed on a solid door and frame, is one of the best investments you can make in your Hong Kong home.

Last updated: March 2026