What Can a Locksmith Do?

Most people think a locksmith can help when they are locked out of their property or need a key cutting, this is just one of the services that a locksmith can offer, but there are plenty of others too, which is covered below.

A locksmith approved by the MLA can change the locks if you’ve just moved into a new house, can give advice on improving the security such as replacing your locks with anti snap locks or locks to BS3621 British Standard to meet your insurance requirements.

Rather than purchasing the locks yourselves from the local DIY store, as research has shown that the level of advice available at these stores is dangerously low.

You should contact a MLA approved locksmith to come and supply and fit appropriate locks for you, they will know the locks you’ll need so as not to invalidate your insurance.

Locksmiths Do More Than Keys & Locks

But there are plenty of services that locksmiths can provide other than your just cutting keys and fitting locks, they are:

1. Cut all types of keys

Key cutting is another area of experience for locksmiths.  Why get your keys cut anywhere other than by an experienced, professional locksmith?

A locksmith offer a key cutting service will be able to cut keys for any type of lock such as garage door lock, cabinet, back door, upvc door, padlock etc.. )

Work Includes:

• Cutting keys by hand
• Machine key cutting
• Security keys
• Restricted keys

2. Window and Door Locks – Supply, Fit & Repair

One of the most common areas of locksmiths is UPVC door and window locks on a domestic house.

UPVC locks and windows are a specialist area of locksmithing, most MLA locksmiths will be able to supply, fit, service and repair door and window locks.

Of course, it’s not only doors that need locks but windows too – so make sure your MLA licensed locksmith fits your window locks too.

3. Security Safes – Open, Supply, Fit & Repair

Make sure you get a safe that has been professionally specified for your needs and fitted properly.

Work includes:

• Safes opening and vault safe opening – from opening digital safes to dial lock safes
• Repair safes
• Safe installation and supplying
• Move safes and relocate large safes

4.  Vehicle Keys and Locks – Auto Locksmiths

Some locksmiths offer an auto locksmith service whereby they can specialise in locks and keys for cars:

Work Includes:

• Copying and duplicating car keys
• Repairing car keys and locks
• Programming car key remote keys
• Replace lost car keys

5. Access control Systems

Some professional locksmiths will be able to specify, supply and install electronic access control systems.

Access Control system allows businesses to control who can access a building, this prevents users from accessing a building who do not have permission.

Don’t forget that locksmiths can work on domestic and commercial properties so if you have a security requirement for your business then make sure you contact your local MLA licensed locksmith.

6. 24 Hour Emergency Locksmith

An emergency locksmith can help if your locked out at an unsociable hour, lost your keys or only need the locks replacing & changing an out of hours service is available from some locksmiths.

Work includes:

• 24 Hour Locksmith Service
• Emergency Lockouts
• Burglary repairs
• Help with lost keys
• Spare key cutting

Have they been DBS checked and vetted? – Make sure your locksmith has been independently accredited as vetted, inspected and competent for the job at hand.

7. Antique Locks and Keys

A skilled locksmith can also help with antique lock and key restoration, this includes the restoration and repair of heritage locks or keys that are either damaged, do not operate correctly or require new parts building or repairing.

Work includes:

• Restoring old locks and keys
• Repairing heritage locks and keys
• Making custom keys for antique keys
• Duplicating old antique keys

Further Reading

• Key Cutting Guide – Popular questions about getting keys cut
• Locksmith Price Guide & Costs – The price involved in hiring a locksmith
• BS3621 Locks + How To Tell – A guide to British Standard Locks