Frequently asked questions

Every approved locksmith has at least 3 years' trading history, public liability insurance, proven customer satisfaction and a verified profile with photo ID checked.

Yes. You can call us any time of day or night, including weekends and bank holidays.

It depends on the job, time of day and parts needed. Your locksmith will agree a price with you before starting any work.

Yes. Our locksmiths work for homeowners, tenants, landlords, letting agents and commercial customers.

We can fit British Standard BS3621 locks and TS007 anti-snap cylinders, which most insurers require.

Most locksmiths accept card payments as well as cash. Ask when you book.

It depends on where you are and the time of day. We'll give you an honest estimated arrival time when you call.

Non-destructive entry is always tried first. Drilling is a last resort and only done with your agreement.

It depends on the lock, the work and the time of day. Your locksmith will tell you the price before starting, and nothing goes ahead until you agree.

Your locksmith may ask for ID or proof of address once inside. This protects you and stops people being let into homes that aren't theirs.

Yes. Let your landlord know, as some tenancies require any lock change to be approved.

It depends on the lock, the work and the time of day. Your locksmith will tell you the price before starting, and nothing goes ahead until you agree.

Yes, we take calls 24/7. Tell us your opening time when you call.

It depends on the lock, the work and the time of day. Your locksmith will tell you the price before starting, and nothing goes ahead until you agree.

Most can, but not all. High-security anti-snap cylinders are designed to resist attack, so sometimes drilling is the only option. Your locksmith will explain before doing anything.

It depends on the lock, the work and the time of day. Your locksmith will tell you the price before starting, and nothing goes ahead until you agree.

For euro cylinder locks, swapping the cylinder is quick and effective. For mortice locks and nightlatches, the whole lock is usually replaced.

It depends on the lock, the work and the time of day. Your locksmith will tell you the price before starting, and nothing goes ahead until you agree.

Yes. You can't know how many copies of the old keys exist, so changing locks is strongly recommended.

It depends on the lock, the work and the time of day. Your locksmith will tell you the price before starting, and nothing goes ahead until you agree.

Many faults can be repaired. Your locksmith will explain the options and prices before doing any work.

Yes. Broken keys can usually be extracted without damaging the lock.

The door has usually dropped or swollen, so the bolt no longer lines up with the keep. Adjusting the hinges or keep usually solves it.

It depends on the lock, the work and the time of day. Your locksmith will tell you the price before starting, and nothing goes ahead until you agree.

It's usually a worn gearbox or a door that has dropped out of line. Both can usually be fixed.

Almost never. The locking mechanism can be replaced without changing the door.

Common mechanisms are often carried in the van. Less common ones may need ordering, and your door will be left secure in the meantime.

It depends on the lock, the work and the time of day. Your locksmith will tell you the price before starting, and nothing goes ahead until you agree.

Composite doors can expand in heat, which pushes the locking points out of line. Adjusting the keeps usually fixes it.

A deadlock has a bolt only and is locked with a key. A sashlock adds a latch and handles, so the door can be closed without locking.

A basic nightlatch on its own usually isn't. Most insurers ask for a British Standard nightlatch or a BS3621 mortice deadlock as well.

Yes. Cylinders can be supplied keyed alike so one key opens every door.

Look on the face of the cylinder for a kitemark with stars or a Sold Secure Diamond mark. If there's none, it's probably a standard cylinder.

It's stamped on the lock's faceplate on the edge of the door, usually with a kitemark.

For uPVC and composite doors, an anti-snap cylinder. For timber doors, a BS3621 mortice deadlock.

Yes, if the break-in has just happened, call 999. Otherwise report it to 101 and get a crime reference number for your insurer. Then call us to secure the property.

Your locksmith will provide an invoice detailing the work, which you can give to your insurer.

Yes. Tell us when suits you and we'll arrange a locksmith around it.

Yes. Give us the tenant's contact details and we'll arrange access with them.

Yes. Adding a second lock is one of the most effective ways to secure a garage.