What to look for when hiring a locksmith

Published On: November 9, 20211 Comment on What to look for when hiring a locksmithCategories: General tipsTags: , Last Updated: February 3, 20242.8 min read

We’ll show you where to look for a reputable locksmith, and our suggestions should make it easier for you to choose one. In this article, we’ll discuss things to look for in a locksmith. To discover a reputable locksmith and choose the finest one for you, we have the information you’re seeking for as the UK’s biggest locksmith association

What to look for when hiring a locksmith

Locksmiths in the UK are not required to have government licence, hence anybody may trade/advertise themselves as one! We estimate that there are around 6,500 unauthorised locksmiths operating in the United Kingdom at any one time.

The best way to track out an honest and reliable locksmith

When it comes to verifying a locksmith’s qualifications, you have options. We propose the following steps to help you choose the best locksmith for your needs:

Seek the permission of a third party

When hiring a locksmith, we recommend checking for certifications and third-party validation. Look into whether or not a prospective locksmith has been approved by other organisations if they make such claims.

Confirming whether a Locksmith Has a Certification

A locksmith who claims to be accredited should have documentation to back up their assertions. The MLA comes across locksmiths using the MLA logo on their site who have not been authorised by us often, therefore beware of organisations making fraudulent claims of accreditation and utilising logos without authorization. Unfortunately, there are groups that only allow logo usage and site marketing in exchange for cash, indicating that their “accreditation” means nothing. Need help while you are locked out in your home, contact us.



Utilize Local Call Centers Rather Than National Call Centers

Another important consideration is to choose a local expert locksmith. Avoid using national call centres to get a locksmith since they will frequently contract out the service to anybody in the neighbourhood. In many cases, call centres will sub out work to locksmiths they don’t know or trust, and they might charge far more than your local MLA-licensed locksmith.

What to look for when hiring a locksmith - picking lock

Word Of Mouth & Recommendations

Getting a reputable locksmith may be as simple as asking family and friends for recommendations and word of mouth. Whether anybody you know has had lock repair done, ask who did it and if they were satisfied with the results.

Gather a total of three estimates

The cost of hiring a locksmith might vary based on the kind of work, your location, and the time of day. We always suggest getting three quotations. Due to the lack of government oversight, locksmiths are free to charge whatever they want. Overcharging is a common complaint in the locksmith sector.

Be Wary of Ads for Inexpensive Locksmith Services

Be wary of locksmith ads on Google that promise to only charge £49 / £59 or a similar relatively little sum – this is generally a red sign for a “bait and switch” strategy where additional expenses are added to the pricing.

Advice from a Professional

It’s best to ignore the sponsored ads while looking for a locksmith on Google since they only display those who are prepared to spend a lot of money for tasks. Most of the cases, the locksmith that you paid for was not very good. When you see Google ads, you’re seeing national contact centres outsourcing jobs to organisations who aren’t even local locksmiths, like maintenance companies.,


Share This Tip With Your Friends!

About the Author: Handyman tips team

The Handyman Tips Team is a group of authors that provides tips on the Handyman Tips website. The Handyman Tips team consists of real handymen, contractors, carpenters, woodworkers, and experts in home repairs, appliance repairs, and landscaping. The team is always there for visitors to the Handyman Tips website. If you can't find the answer to your question on the Handyman Tips website, one of them will reply to you almost immediately if you contact them through the Ask the Handyman page!

Leave A Comment

  1. Victoria Addington October 12, 2023 at 9:02 pm

    Thank you for the reminder that it is best to get three quotes before employing a locksmith. By doing this, you can be sure that you are receiving your money’s worth. I will absolutely share this with my sister so that she may keep it in mind as she has been preparing to update the locks on her company. I’ll surely look into commercial locksmiths who can assist her. I appreciate you sharing!