How to Find a Local Locksmith

Top 5 Tips for How to Find a Local Locksmith - Advice & Support

We are security experts with over 25 years of experience in the locksmithing industry. Over the years we have built a strong trust with our customers and have thousands of excellent reviews to prove that.

It’s important to know that the locksmithing industry in the UK is unregulated so it’s vital to do your research. Otherwise, you can leave yourself open to scams by an untrustworthy, inexperienced and unqualified person. We hope our guide to finding a local locksmith will be helpful to ensure you book someone who is trustworthy and wont charge you hidden costs.

Why not read our Ultimate Home Security Guide to find tips on how to keep your home secure.

 

Why You Might Need a Local Locksmith

• Locked out
• Lost keys
• Changing locks
• Moving home
• uPVC door repairs
• Emergency boarding up
• Security upgrades

 

 

1. How to Find the Closest Locksmith (And Why “Closest” Isn’t Always Best)

The closest locksmith isn’t always the best. Always do some research into the company to ensure you book the most reputable, independent review sites such as Trustpilot are useful to read real reviews from real customers. Furthermore, the closest locksmith isn’t always the fastest as they may already be fully booked up with other jobs that day. At Keytek® we have fast response times and in an emergency such as a lock out, we will prioritise your call to get you back into your home safe and sound.

 

2. Check if the Locksmith is Reputable

Fortunately, there are several ways you can check if your locksmith is reputable:

 

Use Trusted Directories

You can also find reputable locksmiths in trusted directories including:

• Checkatrade
• TrustATrader
• Yell

 

DBS Checked Locksmith

A Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) is a record of a person’s criminal history, convictions and cautions. This will flag whether a person is not safe to work with vulnerable people or if they should not be allowed to undertake a locksmithing course, such as a previously burglary conviction/charge.

All Keytek® locksmiths are DBS checked and vetted ensure you’re always in the safest hands.

 

Check for Training and Accreditation

The locksmith industry is unregulated meaning it’s not a legal requirement for a locksmith to hold any qualifications or accreditations; anyone could call themselves a locksmith.

At Keytek all our locksmiths are accredited and trained to the highest standards, so you can be rest assured they have the knowledge and skills to complete the job. We’ve heard too many customers say they booked a rogue locksmith and called us to repair the damage.

 

Check Reviews and Recommendations

Trustpilot

Many companies buy fake reviews but Trustpilot prevents this from happening so you can be reassured that the reviews you read are genuine. We are rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot with 6,000 reviews!

 

Google Reviews

Google also vets fake reviews and customers can also upload photos of the work completed by their locksmiths so is a good, trustworthy source when looking at reviews.

 

Personal Recommendations

Of course, if a close friend or family member have been able to recommend a locksmith to you that is a great indicator of a good locksmith from a personal and trusted source.

 

3. Make Sure They Can Do the Job You Need

It’s a good idea to describe the job required as much as you can including your door or window type, lock type and the issues you are facing so the locksmith can get a good idea of what is likely to be wrong with the lock. Some services require a specialist such as an auto locksmith or a safe specialist.

 

Locksmith Services to Confirm

• Lock changes
• Non-destructive entry
• Lost key replacement
• uPVC door specialists

 

Auto Locksmith Skills

Auto locksmiths handle car lockouts, vehicle entry, key cutting, key programming, immobiliser issues, and lost car key replacement. Non-auto locksmiths cannot usually program or replace vehicle keys.

 

Keytek Auto Locksmiths: Services You Can Trust

At Keytek®, our locksmiths are trained to help if you are locked out of your car, using non-destructive entry techniques wherever possible to get you back on the road safely and quickly. These methods are designed to protect your vehicle while resolving the issue efficiently.

However, not all Locksmiths offer specialist auto locksmith services. Creating or programming new car keys requires advanced training and dedicated diagnostic tools that only an auto locksmith is equipped with. If you have lost your car key, need a car key replacement, or require vehicle key programming, an auto locksmith will be needed.

We have a nationwide network of specialist auto locksmith engineers.

• If your situation requires a new car key or a programmed transponder, we will do our best to arrange this through one of our experts.

 

Safe Specialists

Safe specialists open domestic safes, commercial safes, combination safes, and mounted security safes. Non-destructive methods depend on safe construction and fixings.

 

Keytek Safe Locksmiths

Safes are intentionally engineered to resist forced entry, especially large safes that are bolted to the wall or floor. Because of this, opening a safe—whether due to a lost code, mechanical failure, or lockout—requires specialist safe-cracking skills, tools, and training.

At Keytek, our domestic Locksmiths can typically open:

 

• Small domestic safes (around the size of a microwave)
• Safes that are not fixed to the wall or floor

However, due to their construction, non-destructive entry cannot always be guaranteed. Larger or mounted safes often require a certified safe engineer with advanced equipment.

 

4. Ask How Much the Locksmith Will Cost

Before booking a Locksmith, you should always ask for a clear quote or close estimate of the expected cost. A reputable Locksmith will explain the likely price upfront, so you understand exactly what you are paying for.

 

Why Getting a Quote is Important

Receiving a quote over the phone helps protect you from unexpected fees. Some less trustworthy locksmiths may add hidden costs—such as call-out fees, inflated labour charges, or unnecessary part replacements—that significantly increase the total price.
To avoid this:

• Always ask whether any hidden charges apply
• Clarify whether VAT, labour, parts, or call-out fees are included
• Check customer reviews for comments about fair pricing

Transparent pricing is an important sign of a trustworthy Locksmith.

 

What Affects the Cost of a Locksmith?

Several factors influence how much your locksmith job may cost:

 

1. Lock Type

Euro cylinders, mortice locks, night latches, smart locks, and high-security cylinders all vary in price and installation time.

 

2. Time of Day

Work carried out late at night, early morning, or on weekends/bank holidays usually costs more due to out-of-hours rates.

 

3. Security Level of the Lock

Upgrades such as British Standard, anti-snap, or high-security locks can increase the overall cost because the parts themselves are more advanced and secure.

At Keytek, we ask a few simple questions during your call-out to understand the lock type, the issue, and any security requirements. This allows us to provide a more accurate estimate before attending.

 

Why Choose Keytek Locksmiths?

• 12-month guarantee on all parts supplied and fitted
• Free home security check with every booking
• Repair first approach — our Locksmiths aim to fix existing parts where possible to keep costs down
• No hidden fees, ever

For more detailed guidance or typical locksmith pricing ranges, visit our Locksmith Prices advice page.

 

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Identification

All our locksmiths carry an ID badge so don’t be afraid to ask to see it. If you are not sure of the Locksmith’s credibility you can always call the company, and they will be more than happy to confirm their current location and name. Some Locksmiths, including we, will also offer a 10-minute warning call to make you aware the Locksmith is nearly there.