Need a locksmith? How to choose one
Most people only need a locksmith when something has already gone wrong: a lost key, a door that won't lock, a break-in. That's exactly when it's easiest to be overcharged. A few minutes of checking on the phone makes a big difference.
Start with a genuinely local firm
Search results for "locksmith" are crowded with national call centres. They advertise under hundreds of local-sounding names, take your call, then pass the job to whichever subcontractor is free, adding their own cut on top. Prices quoted on the phone often grow once the subcontractor arrives. Signs you are dealing with a local business:
- a landline with the local dialling code, rather than only an 0800, 03 or mobile number;
- a real address or an area they clearly know, rather than a list of every town in the county;
- reviews that mention real jobs, streets or the locksmith's name, spread over a long period;
- the same business name on its website, its van and its Google listing.
Our directory removes listings that share one phone number or website across many names, but always do your own checks too.
What to ask on the phone
- What will the total be? Ask for the call-out charge, the labour and the likely parts. A competent locksmith can give a firm figure or a narrow range for a standard job such as a lockout or a cylinder change.
- Will you try to open it without drilling? Most domestic locks can be opened non-destructively by a skilled locksmith. Drilling and replacing a lock that didn't need replacing is a common way to inflate a bill.
- How long until you arrive? A local locksmith can usually give a realistic time.
- How can I pay, and will I get a receipt? Be wary of cash-only demands with no written invoice.
What does a locksmith cost?
Prices vary by region and time of day, so treat these as a rough guide rather than a quote. A straightforward daytime lockout is often in the region of £60 to £120, more late at night or at weekends. Replacing a euro cylinder with a good anti-snap one is often £80 to £150 including the part. uPVC gearbox and multi-point mechanism repairs depend heavily on the parts needed. Car key replacement and programming varies most of all, depending on the make and model. If a quote is far above these ranges, ring another firm.
Warning signs of a rogue trader
- a very low "from" price on the phone that becomes several hundred pounds on arrival;
- immediately reaching for the drill on an ordinary lockout;
- pressure to replace every lock in the house, or to pay before the job is finished;
- no written invoice, no business name, or an unmarked vehicle.
You don't have to accept a price that changes once the locksmith arrives. If you were misled, contact Citizens Advice, which passes complaints to Trading Standards.
After a break-in
Call the police first and get a crime reference number, which your insurer will need. Then a locksmith can make the property secure: boarding up if needed, repairing frames and fitting new locks. Keep the invoice for your insurance claim.
Moving home?
You have no idea how many keys to your new home are still out there. Changing the cylinders on the front and back doors is one of the cheapest, most effective jobs a locksmith does, and it's the right moment to upgrade to anti-snap cylinders.