Locksmith — frequently asked questions

Call us and we'll give you an honest arrival time straight away. Lockouts jump the queue, and in most cases we can get you back in without drilling or damaging the lock.

We always recommend it — you never know how many keys the previous owners gave out. It's a quick job, and we can key several locks alike so one key opens the whole house.

Usually not. The multi-point mechanism can often be repaired or realigned for a fraction of the cost of a new door. We'll always try the repair first.

Fair question — the industry has cowboys. We're a local established company, we quote before we touch anything, we never drill as a first resort, and we don't advertise '£39 callouts' that become £400 on the doorstep. The price we say is the price you pay.

Most policies require BS3621 mortice deadlocks or TS007-rated cylinders on final exit doors. If you're not sure what you have, we'll survey every door and tell you plainly what passes and what doesn't — no upselling, just the facts for your policy.

Almost always. Picking and bypass techniques open most locks without a mark. Drilling only happens when a lock has failed internally or is a high-security model — and we'll always tell you before we drill and have a quality replacement on the van.

Re-keying between tenancies is standard practice with our landlord customers. We can also fit restricted key systems where copies require your authorisation card — so you know exactly how many keys exist, always.

If the keys could be linked to your address (lost with ID, a letter or a keyring with your details), yes — don't gamble. If they were lost somewhere completely anonymous, re-pinning the cylinder is a cheaper option that's just as secure.

Insurance-approved models from reputable brands, fitted correctly, are as secure as good mechanical locks — and more convenient. The disasters you read about are cheap unbranded models or poor fitting. We only fit approved models and keep a mechanical override.

Yes — keyed-alike systems are one of our most popular jobs. Front, back, side gate and shed all on one key, with restricted key sections available so copies need your authorisation.

From £75 for standard hours; genuine emergency rates confirmed when you call.

Usually sorted within 30 minutes of arrival

From £65 per lock including a quality cylinder or mortice lock.

1–2 hours for a typical house

From £95 including most common mechanisms.

1–2 hours

From £85 per lock including quality hardware.

About 45 minutes per lock