How To Pick A Good Locksmith In Billingham

Firstly, Locksmithing is NOT a regulated trade

There is no legal requirement for locksmithing. Anyone can call themselves a locksmith so finding a good locksmith can be tricky, especially in an emergency.

Finding a Billingham locksmith In an emergency

If you are locked out, lost your keys or your key has broken in the lock, panic sets in and you might be temped to go for the first locksmith at the top of the search results. Stop! Taking a couple of minutes could save you wasting £100s from rogue or unscrupulous “locksmiths” that play on your predicament.

Some rogue locksmiths are aware that you are in an urgent situation, so they pay search engines such as Google (AdWords) and Bing to be at the top of the listings when you search for a locksmith. They know you will be tempted to go for the first “locksmith” you see on your mobile.

These adds are very expensive and doing this can often cost more than a reputable locksmith would charge for a call out. They may also be appearing under a franchise or national call centre who also need a cut of the call out fee. A franchisee may have very high start up costs that will need to be built into their charging. An independent, reputable locksmith will not have those additional costs so will not be motivated to push up pricing to you just to recover their costs.

So why do they do this and how do they recoup these ad expenses? Simple really, they will look for any opportunity to push up the cost of the call out such as drilling your lock instead of picking it to sell you a new lock at an inflated price. They will look for opportunities to upsell things you don’t need. As of 2021, a reputable locksmith would charge around £75 to £150 depending on the need to supply and fit a new lock. A rogue locksmith may charge £200 to £500.

It is important to stress that not all locksmiths paying to be at the top in search results are rogue, there are many excellent locksmiths that do this but it’s a risk. If you do feel you need to call a paid advert locksmith then follow these simple rules:

1. Ask if they do non-destructive entry if possible.
2. Ask what the total call out fee is including opening your door in a non-destructive way.
3. Ask how much to supply and fit a replacement 3star cylinder lock or BS Standard mortice lock as required. This is very important if they are unable to pick the lock.
4. Ask if there are any other charges
5. Tell them you will not agree to any other charges.
6. IMPORTANTLY, never give your credit card details over the phone.

A "Cheap" locksmith can be very expensive

The main thing to do is not go for the "cheapest" locksmith as many rogue locksmiths will try to hook you in with a cheap call out or “£49” deal but then start to push up the fees when they get to you.

A good locksmith will charge a reasonable fee and provide a good quality solution that will work out more cost effective than a “cheap” locksmith.

If their first action is to get the drill out stop them and end the work

Avoid a locksmith who’s first action is to get the drill out. So ask them if they do non-destructive entry. Of course, if lock picking doesn’t work then a locksmith may need to use a drill but this would be the last option. Lockpicking is a learned skill that takes time and needs specialist tools. If you are locked out then lock picking is the quickest and cheapest way to get back in. A poor locksmith will reach for the drill first because little or no skill or tools needed. And they can then charge you for a new lock and probably at an inflated price.

Is it really "special metal"?

This is a trick often used by unscrupulous or poor-quality locksmiths to bump up the price or cover for a lack of professionalism and skill. They struggle to open or drill the lock (in the right place or with the right drill equipment so tell you its “special metal”. Ask them to leave!

Check the locksmith’s reputation

Be careful if not using an MLA approved locksmith and check their reputation on Google or Trustpilot etc. All Access Locksmiths & Security in Billingham, Teesside are not MLA approved BUT checking their reviews shows that they are highly professional and reputable. Ask the locksmith if they do non-destructive entry (if your lock is broken or you are locked out) and ask if they fit 3 star locks. A good locksmith will charge under £100 for a call out and with a replacement lock the total cost would be under £150 (2021 prices).

Gareth at All Access Locksmiths & Security in Billingham. Very fair and a top locksmith.