5 Myths about Locksmithing
A Locksmith is not a tradesperson that you will see regularly, so you may not know in detail what being a Locksmith entails. Locksmiths attend a range of different situations, including emergency lockouts, lock changing, security checks and car key replacements.
We are going to go through some of the myths you might believe about Locksmiths and what the truth really is.
Myth- Picking a Lock is Easy
The movies make it look easy. A person pulls out a hair pin or a credit card, gives it a couple of jiggles and very quickly the door is unlocked. This, however, is completely inaccurate. While some people will be able to open a door using these methods, it takes practice and training. Locksmiths will quite often have extensive training and the correct tools to be able to pick locks successfully.
If it’s not possible for a Locksmith to pick your lock successfully, then they will need to drill it open, which also requires specialised tools.
Myth- All Locksmiths Charge the Same
What you will be charged by a Locksmith will depend on what you need doing and how long it will take. All Locksmiths will have a different labour rate, and some will require you to pay a call out charge.
For example, locking yourself out and having a Locksmith come and get you back in will be less expensive then replacing all the locks in your home, as this is likely to take more time and you will also need to pay for the price of the locks. There will also be a higher charge if you call an emergency Locksmiths in unsociable hours.
People are often surprised with the amount charged by a Locksmith, this is mostly because people are not regularly hiring them. You have an MOT done every year, so you know the rough price you’ll be paying. Whereas with a Locksmith, you might only ever require their services twice in your life, so the cost will be unknown to you. You need to so your research, get multiple quotes if you can, then you can choose the best one for you.
To find out more about what Locksmiths charge and why visit our Locksmith Prices Page.
Myth- All Locksmiths are Qualified
This is untrue, currently in the UK there is no legal requirement for someone to have a qualification to trade as a Locksmith. Most Locksmith will hold an accreditation but not all Locksmiths will be qualified.
The Locksmith Qualification is relatively new, only being introduced in 2020. This is not to say that Locksmiths who don’t have this type of training aren’t good at their job, years of experience makes a Locksmith extremely skilled.
If you are looking for a Locksmith who you can be confident has the right skills, then look to see if they display any sign of a qualification or accreditation.
The new Locksmith qualification is the Highfield Level 3 Diploma for Commercial Locksmiths and Property Security, which is governed by Ofqual. The Keytek Locksmith Training Academy are one of the only training providers of this qualification.
Myth- All Locksmiths Offer the Same Service
It’s not only front doors that Locksmiths help with, but some Locksmiths can also help you with car door issues. This could be that you’ve locked your car key inside your car, lost your car key, or broken it. If your issue is car related, then you’ll need to search for an auto Locksmith. Not all Locksmiths offer this auto service; this is because the training and the equipment auto Locksmithing requires is extremely expensive and hard to come by.
Some Locksmiths will also not offer an out of hours emergency service. If you find yourself in need of a Locksmith in the small hours of the morning, then look for ‘emergency’ Locksmith, look for an advert that says 24 hours a day.
Find out more about Keytek® Locksmith services.
Myth- A Locksmith Should Only be Called in an Emergency
This is not true, there are many reasons why you would need the services of a Locksmith. When you move into a new house, you should have the locks changed. A service which a Locksmith can provide. You can pre plan this and book the Locksmith in advance.
You also might just need to update your home security; you may discuss your needs with the Locksmith and choose a time and date that suits you both to do the work.
Landlords will also use Locksmiths when there has been a change of tenant, again, this will be pre booked for a specific time and date.
So, as you can see there are many situations in which you will need a Locksmith, and not just in an emergency .
If you need a Locksmith, Find your Local Locksmith.
Kim Freeman
Kim is Keytek’s longest-serving security blogger, with nearly a decade of hands-on experience in the security industry. Over the past 9 years, she has built trusted relationships with locksmiths and security professionals across the UK, giving her exclusive insight into the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in home security.
From traditional burglary prevention methods to cutting-edge smart home solutions, Kim covers it all. As part of her role, she regularly reviews the newest home security gadgets on the market—including smart doorbells, security cameras, and more—bringing readers honest, practical advice on how to protect their homes.
Kim’s passion for security was sparked during her time at the University of Chester, where she learned first-hand how vulnerable student housing can be to break-ins. That early experience inspired a lifelong interest in home protection, eventually leading her to join the team at Keytek.
Today, Kim combines her deep industry knowledge with a love for writing to deliver helpful, accessible content for homeowners across the UK. You can read all of her expert advice and top security tips at Keytek.co.uk, where she shares everything from seasonal safety guides to reviews of the best security products on the market.
