How to find the best locksmiths near you

In a lock-out, having a trusted locksmith on speed-dial is a dream scenario. But what if you don’t know one? How do you know who is the best person to trust with your home security? 

With all the talk of rogue locksmiths, scammers and no-shows, adding a locksmith to your contact list is no small feat. So, if you’re overwhelmed with the never-ending list of ‘locksmiths near you’, here’s some tips on choosing the right one. 

You’re locked out and you need a locksmith, what do you do next? 

In a perfect world you would have researched beforehand. Making quick, panicked decisions is how most people get caught out whilst locked out. 

Taking time to do some research outside of an emergency scenario lets you think more clearly and compare options rather than clicking on the first number that pops up.

But accidents happen, and we’re not here to scold on ‘should haves’, so these are the three things to do when looking for an emergency locksmith: 

Check third party accreditations 

Weirdly enough, the locksmithing industry is not regulated by the Government, which means anyone can trade as a locksmith in the UK, regardless of experience and motive. 

So, to make sure you’re hiring an experienced trader, consult third party associations and directories like the MLA, TrustATrader and SafeContractor to verify a company or person’s status as a trustworthy trader. 

Read reviews 

Looking through the reviews is a great way to get recommendations based on past experience and customer satisfaction. They also re-assure you that the locksmith in question is safe. 

Make sure you read a good range of reviews that span a few years. Looking at a handful of reviews from last week, doesn’t give the most comprehensive picture. They don’t have to have 100% 5 star reviews, but where they have a lower rating look at what the issue was and how they resolved it.  

Ask around 

Before choosing a locksmith off the internet, have a ring around and see if anyone has a number they could give you. Everyone’s got locked out at some point, so chances are you have a friend, parent, aunt or uncle with a trusty locksmith already in the contact list. 

What to look for when searching for a locksmith

Good reviews

Sounds obvious, but when looking at reviews, you want them to be positive. The thing is, anyone can fill out a review form. To make sure they’re accurate, look for reviews that span years, or months at the very least. 

Great reviews discuss the customer’s personal scenario and experience, and will commend the locksmith’s communication and customer service. 

When searching for   ‘locksmiths near me’, narrow down your search by only considering those who are widely regarded as honest, reliable and efficient. 

Permanent address, phone number or website 

A nightmare situation is unknowingly hiring a rogue tradesman, being left with faulty work, and then their website disappears from the internet and their phone number no longer exists. 

To avoid this, look for well-established websites that are clear, easy to understand and well-designed. 

Never use a random phone number, unless given to you by a trusted person. If you need to get back in touch with the tradesperson, doing so without verifiable contact details is very difficult. 

Friendly telephone manner 

When you call an emergency locksmith pay attention to how they speak on the phone. If they’re impatient, rude or unhelpful then hang up and try a new number. If they continue to call, let them know their services are no longer required and block them.

You want to talk to a locksmith that’s patient, clear on the next steps and pricing, with a polite telephone manner. 

Well-prepared

Experienced locksmiths will come well prepared for a job. Although there are instances where you can’t entirely account for every possibility, the locksmith you hire should come with the knowledge and tools for the job. 

Destructive entry should only be required in desperate situations, as a last resort. If a locksmith is inflicting damage on your property without trying or suggesting other solutions first, this is a red flag. 

Final thoughts 

When you’re dealing with a lock-related disaster it’s tempting to click on the first name that comes up. But spending a little more time reading through reviews, checking contact details and comparing different websites means you’re more likely to find the perfect person for the job and get your lock back to working order.