Locksmith Frequently Asked Questions

A: Skilled professional locksmiths bring experience and a wealth of knowledge to bear to overcome your security concerns. Assured Locksmiths offer high quality products from a range of industry leading manufacturers meaning that, not only will your new lock meet any specified criteria set by your insurer, it will also comply with British Standards.

Assured Locksmiths are pleased to offer the manufacturers guarantee on all supplied parts –the minimum being 12 months. We take great pride in our work, which is always finished to a very high standard -as you would expect of any preferred installer of the John Lewis Partnership.

Identify Your Lock here. Please don’t worry if you are unsure as we can usually determine this over the phone by asking a few simple questions.

Yes, all of the locks we fit conform to British Standard. We can also make sure that your new lock meets any stipulations made by your insurer –please just make us aware if this is relevant for you.

A lock may only need adjustment or repair if the problem is caused by alignment, worn internal parts, a loose handle or a failing gearbox. Replacement is more likely when the lock is badly damaged, no longer secure, repeatedly failing or does not meet the required security standard.

Rob will inspect the lock and explain whether repair or replacement is the most practical option before work begins. For more detail, visit the residential locksmith service page.

In some properties, compatible locks can be keyed alike so one key operates several doors. Commercial properties may also benefit from a master key system, where different users receive different levels of access.

The existing locks must be checked for compatibility before this can be confirmed. Businesses can find more information on the commercial locksmith page.

We will be able to provide an estimated time of arrival when you call but, on average, we arrive within 15-30 minutes of receiving a call out.

There is no set time as some locks are quicker to breach than others. This isn’t necessarily because of the type of lock, its age and fit may also be factors.

No. In fact, we pride ourselves on our non-destructive entry skills, meaning that in the majority of cases not even your lock is damaged.

Call a professional locksmith and explain your location, the type of door and whether the key has been lost, left inside or broken in the lock. Avoid forcing the door or repeatedly turning a damaged key because this can make the problem worse.

Where possible, Rob uses non-destructive entry methods. Visit the emergency locksmith page for more information.

Yes. A snapped key can often be extracted without replacing the whole lock, provided the internal mechanism has not been damaged. The remaining key pieces and lock condition need to be assessed first.

Do not push another key or object into the lock because this can force the broken section deeper into the cylinder.

Yes. Burglary repair work may include gaining access, replacing damaged locks, repairing door hardware and making the property secure. Further security improvements can then be discussed once the immediate damage has been dealt with.

Call Rob to check current emergency availability or use the contact page for non-urgent enquiries.

Lock re-keying restructures the interior tumblers of a lock, rendering any current key sets incapable of entry. Negating the need to replace your entire latch system; lock re-keying is often a more cost effective solution for lost/stolen keys.

It is also a way to establish a universal lock system –meaning all your door locks can be operated from a master key.

The answer is YES! Previous owners are likely to have entrusted someone with a spare key –so it’s unlikely that you are now in possession of every set every cut. How many ex-partners, old housemates, neighbours, baby sitters or cleaning people are walking around with a key to your home? Change the locks and then give keys to people you and you alone trust.

When was the last time the locks were changed? If you don’t know the answer then your property and belongings are potentially at risk. Some property management companies in an effort to save money simply swap the locks from one flat to another and cut a new set of keys. A previous tenant with some time to kill could simply try his key in each door in the building until he finds one that works.

Changing or re-keying the affected locks is usually sensible when keys have been lost or stolen, particularly if they can be connected to the property address. The best option depends on the lock type, its condition and whether the existing lock is still suitable for the door.

A locksmith can explain whether re-keying is possible or whether a replacement lock offers better value and security.

Yes. Locksmith work for rental properties can include emergency access, lock changes between tenancies, repairs to faulty locks, uPVC door problems and security upgrades.

Landlords should also consider who is authorised to request the work and how replacement keys will be managed after the job is completed.

Over time, the pins in a lock cylinder tend to “wear” down causing your keys to stick and forcing you to “jiggle or wiggle” the key in the lock to make it work. If you’re experiencing this your lock is no longer working as it should and we strongly recommend that you replace it.

A uPVC door may become difficult to lock because the door has dropped, the keeps are misaligned, the handle mechanism is worn or the multipoint locking gearbox is beginning to fail.

Continuing to force the handle can cause additional damage. The door should be inspected before replacing the entire locking system. More information is available on the uPVC door lock repair page.

Not usually. Many uPVC door problems can be resolved by adjusting the door, replacing the gearbox, repairing the multipoint mechanism or fitting new handles and cylinders.

A full replacement door is normally only considered when the door itself is damaged or no longer serviceable.

A multipoint locking system secures the door at several points along its edge when the handle is lifted and the key is turned. These systems are commonly found on uPVC and composite doors.

Faults can develop in the gearbox, hooks, rollers, keeps or alignment of the door. The exact cause should be diagnosed before parts are replaced.

Yes. Depending on the door, improvements may include fitting a more suitable lock, replacing weak cylinders, correcting poor alignment, upgrading handles or improving the strike and fixing points.

The right upgrade depends on the construction of the door, the frame and any insurer requirements.

No. Smart locks can be useful, but compatibility depends on the door, existing locking system, power requirements and how access needs to be managed.

Before fitting a smart lock, consider emergency access, battery failure, physical key backup, user permissions and whether the product is appropriate for the property.

Commercial locksmith work may include lock repairs, replacement locks, master key systems, access control support, emergency entry and security maintenance for offices, shops, schools, warehouses and other premises.

Visit the commercial locksmith service page for a fuller overview.

A master key system allows selected keys to open several locks while other keys only open specific doors. This can help businesses control access without issuing a large number of separate keys.

The system should be planned around staff roles, restricted areas and future changes to the property.

Yes. When staff, contractors or tenants leave, a business may need locks re-keyed, cylinders replaced, access permissions updated or a master key system reviewed.

The appropriate action depends on who held keys, which areas they could access and whether the keys can be accounted for.