We appreciate its a minefield trying to find a reputable Locksmith work in your home. Here are a few tips that will at least allow you to ask the right questions even if you do not use ourselves.

Ask what organisation the locksmiths belongs to.

The main organisations are the ICL (institute of certified locksmiths ) and the MLA ( the master locksmith association) Both these organisations police check their members.

If you are not sure check out their credentials on the organisations websites, both the main bodies have member listings.

If you are locked out ask if they are going to drill your lock ? If they say "yes" ask if they are going to repair or replace it for free ? (this tip alone could save you a fortune).
Many locksmiths will always drill your locks regardless of if they can be picked.They do this so you then need to buy a replacement. This means more profit for them but its YOU the customer who lose's out.
Locks can be picked and unless you have really high security locks drilling is not always necessary.
Why should you have to have your locks changed because the lock was drilled when your keys are just in the house,not lost etc ?

When ringing around for quotes always ask exactly what type of lock is being fitted, brand model number etc.
Its very easy to be told you are getting a "chubb" lock but did you know chubb do several locks at different prices ?

Ask questions about how long the work is guaranteed for.
Do they have public liability insurance?

Do they have fully stocked vans, Some companies will actually charge you more if they have to go away and get a part and come back again.
Unbelievable but true !

Why should you pay more because they do not carry enough stock ?

Are they patient enough on the phone to answer your questions ?

Ask for prices in advance, although it may not be possible to price every job over the phone, if THE LOCKSMITH asks the right questions they should be able to give you ball park figures or a quote.

Many large national companies exist that rely on the use of sub contractors and offer multiple services like plumbing,glazing etc.The skill levels of some sub contractors is very poor.The nationals do not care as they can just stop using the sub contractor if complaints are received.On the other hand if these sub contractors are making them money then they do not care what their work is like.As the rates of pay offered by most nationals is poor the only way to earn decent money is by ripping off the customer by overcharging etc.Not all operate in this way but from our experience it does seem to be the norm with quite a few.

If you are trying to find a locksmith using the internet you need to be careful again.

Make sure the website shows a contact address.
Many websites are just one or two pages,not a good sign of a reputable locksmith company.

If you google the phone number listed on the website you will soon see if the website is linked to a national company.Many are now buying multple website domains and flooding the internet with hundreds of sites.


Locksmiths in general are an unregulated trade without any requirements to belong to any organisation and the government will not licence the locksmith trade.Many part time locksmiths exist, trying to earn money from unsuspecting members of the public who think they are getting a fully skilled tradesman.

Its important you are careful about who you call.


Still not sure ? then call us now on 0208 298 1124