Locksmiths are amazing tradespeople who are skilled at installing, maintaining and repairing locks and related hardware, as well as cutting keys.
If you’ve ever been locked out of your home, you’ll know what a lifeline locksmiths can be!
Here, we’ll explore everything you need to know about contracting a locksmith near you – from how to find one to what they do and how much they cost.
Want to get started on finding a local locksmith near you?
There are two quick and easy ways to find a local locksmith near you on Checkatrade:
- Request a quote. Just tell us what you need doing and we’ll reach out to recommended locksmiths near you. They’ll then contact you directly.
- Search your postcode. You can browse a list of our top members to find the best and nearest locksmith in your area.
The best part about searching for your local locksmiths on Checkatrade is that only experts who meet our high standards and pass our quality checks will appear for you.
And to top it off, we’re so confident in the quality of our trades on Checkatrade that if you book through us, we guarantee* their work up to £1,000.
*Guaranteed for 12 months – Eligibility and T&Cs apply.
Your questions answered about locksmiths and keysmiths near you
What is a locksmith?
A locksmith is a skilled tradesperson who works with locks. They use various techniques to fit, open and repair locks on houses, offices and cars. They can also cut keys.
What does a locksmith do?
Locksmiths often help homeowners who are locked out or have lost their keys. However, they can also open locked or jammed locks, fit new locks, open safes, open locked cars, fit digital locks, board up properties that have been broken into and advise on security options. Locksmiths can either be mobile or they can work from a shop.
What tools does a locksmith use?
Locksmiths use lots of different tools. A few popular ones include:
- Lock picks (or pick guns in lieu of traditional hand picks)
- Broken key extractors for removing keys that have broken off inside a lock
- Plug spinners for turning locks back to the right direction (as they can be picked in either direction).
Can a locksmith get into a locked door?
Yes, a locksmith can get into a locked door. In fact, locksmiths will usually be able to do so using non-destructive methods, so that they can avoid damaging your door or lock.
Why hire a locksmith near you?
Like anything, if you’re a keen DIY-er, fitting locks or fixing broken ones is something you can certainly try your hand at. However, when it comes to the security of your home, it’s best not to take any chances, so we’d always recommend hiring a locksmith near you to ensure the job is done to the highest standard possible.
Here are some more reasons to hire a locksmith in your area.
- Convenience. Local locksmiths near you will usually be available to help 24/7, over the whole year. So, you’ll be able to get professional help at a time most convenient to you, even in an emergency.
- Save time. We’re all busy people. Experienced locksmiths near you will have the tools and expertise to complete a job much quicker than you’d be able to. That way, you’ll save time and hassle.
- Expertise. Any time you have doubts about your home security, you can call on a local locksmith to offer their advice and expertise. For instance, they can advise you on what you need or help you upgrade your door hardware,
- Quality and peace of mind. Your home’s security isn’t something you want to take any chances with. Using a locksmith near you will give you peace of mind knowing that the job has been well done and you’ve done all you can to avoid burglaries.
- Value. By using a professional locksmith near you, you’ll be ensuring that the job is carried out correctly and to a high standard in the first place. This will save you from making costly mistakes that need to be rectified.
How much does a local locksmith cost?
So, you’re convinced you need a locksmith to carry out your job. But how much is a locksmith near you?
Well, the typical hourly rate for a locksmith is around £65 per hour for standard working hours. However, locksmith prices vary based on a number of factors, including:
- The time of callout
- Your location
- The type and number of locks
- The quality of the locks used (meeting British standards for theft resistance)
- How long the job takes
- What the job involves
Our guide to locksmith prices will cover the ins and outs of how much you might expect to pay a locksmith near you.
How much does it cost to replace door locks?
If you’re wondering how much it costs to replace door locks, that will depend on the type of door and lock you have, as well as the factors we mentioned above.
That said, the typical uPVC door lock replacement cost is in the region of £100 for a standard euro cylinder lock or £125 for an anti-snap euro cylinder lock.
How do I find a reputable locksmith in my area?
Hiring a local locksmith goes without saying, but try to avoid the temptation to prioritise finding a cheap locksmith near you, or just going for the nearest locksmith. Rather, it’s important that you find the right locksmith for the job!
Locksmiths don’t have to have a license. However, it can be a good idea to look out for locksmiths that are approved by the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA). By looking out for a master locksmith near you, you’ll know that you can trust them to get the job done to a high standard.
It’s also important to ask locksmiths whether they’re insured. And, if you’re looking for a new car key, ask whether they’re able to work with transponder chip keys. Our guide to hiring a locksmith has more guidance.
As there isn’t any government regulation of the locksmith industry, it’s really important to make sure that the locksmith you choose has been thoroughly vetted and is fully qualified.
At Checkatrade, we run up to 14 checks on our members to make sure they provide the best quality of service possible. Plus, we get customers to rate our members throughout the year on things like reliability, courtesy and more.