WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A PROFESSIONAL LOCKSMITH?

Homeowners, tenants, and business owners are often unfamiliar with how professional locksmiths operate, and there are often misconceptions of what they can and cannot do. We have created this guide to help those looking for information on what to expect from a professional locksmith.

What can professional locksmiths do?

Banham locksmiths are trained to assist with almost any lock-related requirement you may have. This includes emergency support such as when you are locked in or out of your property. For rapid response emergency locksmith services, please call us on 0207 819 3718

Other non-emergency locksmith services include lock changes, cylinder changes, fixing broken locks, keying alike door locks, servicing, and much more. Book a professional Banham locksmith by clicking here.

Can locksmiths open any door?

Many locksmiths are not trained to service all types of locks. Banham locksmiths are trained to fix and service all locks, not just Banham locks, and will be able to open almost any door.

What can’t professional locksmiths do?

A professional locksmith will not open a door or lock for you if you do not own or live in the property. You must be able to provide evidence that you live or work at the property for a locksmith to assist you.

How do locksmiths verify that it's your house?

Professional locksmiths will ask you to provide them with valid ID and/or proof of ownership of the property in question. In many cases, both will be required. However, if it’s deemed clear you have been locked out momentarily, simple verbal identification from a neighbour or similar will often suffice. These measures ensure potential criminals or intruders are not able to hire a professional locksmith to enter your property.

How much does a professional locksmith cost?

Rogue locksmiths that can be found on Google or elsewhere are notorious for overcharging, having hidden, additional costs, as well as providing an unsatisfactory service. Confirming costs in advance can help sift out the fraudulent locksmiths that will charge large sums and affix additional costs. Any suspicious behaviour such as being unclear on pricing or refusing to provide a guaranteed total cost can be a sign that you are dealing with a rogue, unprofessional locksmith.
To avoid this hassle and the possibility of being overcharged for unsatisfactory service, hire a genuine, professional locksmith company such as Banham. All our staff are DBS vetted, we will always discuss prices before starting a job and have a clear pricing structure with no hidden costs. See our locksmith prices here.

Can a locksmith open a lock without the original key?

Yes, locksmiths can help those who have lost their keys enter their homes.

Can locksmiths open safes?

Many locksmiths are not trained to access a safe which can often lock out their owners who have forgotten codes or lost the keys, or if the safe's battery has gone flat.

At Banham, we have specialist locksmiths that can fix, access, and service safes. We also provide a wide range of bespoke-made safes alongside our safe services

How to hire a professional locksmith (without falling victim to a scam)

One of the most frequent ways customers find locksmiths is through the internet. Often in moments of panic, while locked out of the house, customers quickly type “locksmith” into their mobile phones’ search bars (or “locksmiths near me” if they want something more specific) and leave Google to do the rest.

While convenient, this approach isn’t necessarily the best way to find a reliable locksmith. Google’s search results for terms like these are not vetted, meaning anyone can create an acceptable-looking web page and advertise their locksmithing services regardless of qualification, experience, or intention.

The best method of finding a reliable, professionally trained, and a fair-priced locksmith is via an established brand. We advise ensuring that any website you land on is the official company website, as there are many locksmiths posing to be another business.

As a professional, family-run business with almost a century of expertise in the industry, we can guarantee our locksmiths are insured and vetted and we are always transparent on costs. Calling the official phone number will connect you with some of the country's most qualified locksmiths, as well as the only locksmiths who can guarantee the lowest pricing for Banham locks. Whether you live in London, Guildford, Maidenhead, Worthing, Brighton & East Sussex, Southampton, Bristol, or Bath; our helpful locksmiths are just a phone call away.

To find out more about avoiding rogue locksmiths, visit our page on locksmith scams. To hire a Banham locksmith for your door or safe, visit our locksmith services page.