What happens when you call a locksmith?
The situations when it’s necessary to call a locksmith are generally stressful. Whether you’ve lost your key or your house has been broken into, the chances are you require calm, professional assistance in a speedy manner.
In this article, we spoke to the team at SureLocks to look at what happens when you call a locksmith, including answers to some common questions about what they might be able to help you with.
Will the locksmith ask me to prove if the property is mine?
A locksmith won’t open a door to a house unless they believe that it is yours. When they arrive, they’ll likely ask for a piece of identification and proof of bill payment, which will act as proof of ownership. If it’s obvious that you’ve been locked out, it might be enough for you to get your neighbours to verbally verify that you’re the occupant of the property.
It’s important that locksmiths are vigilant in this way, to prevent burglars from hiring them to get into properties that aren’t theirs.
What doors can locksmiths open?
All locksmiths will have slightly different levels of experience and training, and as a result, it’s unlikely that any two locksmiths will be able to unlock exactly the same locks. If you have a particular brand of lock that you need opening, for example, one made by Banham, then it’s wise to contact a Banham trained locksmith to avoid disappointment.
It’s possible that the pins in your lock have worn out to a state that a locksmith will struggle to open it, even if they’re familiar with the lock. It’s hard to predict if this will happen, and it might be the case that you’ll have to wait until the locksmith has had a go with their specialist tools before you know if it can be opened.
How long will it take for the locksmith to open the lock?
There’s no set amount of time it will take for a locksmith to open a door, however it will generally be between 15 minutes and an hour. If the lock can be opened using a non-destructive method, it will most probably be quicker, and it probably won’t be necessary to replace the lock. If the lock has to be drilled out, the lock cylinder may need to be changed, which could prolong the process further.
How much will a locksmith’s services cost?
How much the locksmith’s services will cost depends on a number of factors. There will generally be a minimum call out fee, and then they will likely charge based on how long it takes them to complete the job. It’s important that you call an accredited locksmith to make sure that they don’t overcharge you.
Make sure that whichever locksmith you choose has good reviews; more experienced locksmiths may charge a higher hourly rate, but if they can do the job faster and cause less damage, it’s likely that you’ll save money in the long run.
