What To Expect When Your Locksmith Arrives

So, you need a locksmith, you have selected the one you want, have had some sort of initial discussion about what you need and have agreed a time for the locksmith to visit. This article explains what happens (or what should happen) and what to expect when your locksmith arrives. It is written by Lock Guy a professional locksmith based in Essex. It is hoped that this article will help to alleviate any uncertainty you may feel and make you aware of any ‘red flags’ that you should take notice of. Hopefully you have chosen the locksmith wisely – for more information, read this article for advice on how to choose a good locksmith.

First Impressions

Your first impressions are important. This is someone you do not know and are probably letting in to your home and entrusting them with very important home security matters. There are certain things to look out for:

Vehicle: It is basically impossible to be a professional locksmith if they do not have a van. The quantity of tools and stock that needs to be carried due to the variety of situations, locks, mechanisms, etc. means that operating out of car is only for amateurs, part-timers and rogue locksmiths. View somebody that turns up in a car with suspicion.
Clothing: Professional and reputable locksmiths will typically wear suitable clothing that is usually branded with the company name. People that turn up in tracksuits, flip-flops, vest tops or T-shirts with offensive slogans should make you think twice before letting them into your home.
Identification: They should carry identification. If they are not wearing it at the time, then ask to see it and take a photo of it.
General appearance: This is a little harder to judge. A locksmith may be a little dirty/scruffy from previous jobs as it is a practical job. But excessive lack of care in their own appearance may be a true reflection of their general lack of care about their work.
Cleanliness: They should always respect your property. If their shoes are dirty, they should take them off before walking over carpets and rugs. Do not be afraid to tell them to take shoes off. For anything that they do that creates mess they should put a sheet down and sweep up / vacuum afterwards.

View the Situation

The first thing a locksmith will do is assess the situation they are faced with. This is the first time they are seeing your property and they will look at the requirements of the job to see if there is anything unexpected.

The locksmith should then confirm what will be done with some general explanation of how they will do it as well as a rough indication of how long it will take. This is a good stage to confirm all the costs as well as payment methods they can accept.

Lockouts

Situations involving people being locked out are often the most stressful and involve the highest opportunity of becoming a victim to a rogue locksmith.

If you are locked out, you should expect a good locksmith to first investigate all possible non-destructive techniques first. They should check all entry points to identify the easiest route in. Nearly always, there is the option of a non-destructive solution (e.g. picking, bypassing, bumping, spreading, etc.). https://lockguy.co.uk/non-destructive-entry/. Be aware that some methods can take time. Picking locks is generally not as quick and easy as it appears on television & film. If all non-destructive techniques have been exhausted, it may be necessary for the locksmith to move on to more destructive techniques (e.g. drilling). If it gets to this stage, then it is a good idea to confirm all costs again.

Right to Cancellation

In the UK, the normal 14-day cooling-off period applies. So if you agree for some work to be done, but then after arrival you do not want the locksmith to do the work for whatever reason, then you have the right to cancel and pay nothing.

The exception to this relates to an urgent/emergency situation where you would likely have to pay the agreed call-out/attendance charge if you cancel after they arrive (if they have such a charge and made you aware of it).

Read this article for more information on your consumer rights.

Due to a lack of regulation in the locksmith profession, there are substandard and rogue locksmiths operating in the UK. But, generally speaking, you will find the local, independent, professional and reputable locksmiths are helpful and friendly. They will want to make a good impression and they will want you to be satisfied with the work they have done.

If you want any more information about what to expect when your locksmith arrives or any of the subjects raised in this article, then contact Lock Guy

Got a question about a lock issue you may have? Why not have a look at the FAQ page or one of the helpful advice videos on the Media page.