Probably the most common reason for needing a locksmith is to get you back into your home when you have managed to lock yourself out. In this case, you may want a locksmith urgently. The dinner may be burning and you will almost certainly feel rather silly -- and want to avoid the neighbours laughing at your misfortune. Even so, it is still worthwhile being careful as to which locksmith you choose to make sure that you get a good job done and that the associated costs are reasonable.

How to find a locksmith
One of the easiest and quickest ways to find a locksmith is to have a look at some of the websites which allow trades people to place classified adverts for their services. These adverts will provide you with information about the services provided by a number of different locksmiths as well as their contact details. Granted, this may not be that easy if you have locked yourself out of your house and your computer is inside but you could try asking a neighbour if you could use their computer. Alternatively, phone a few friends or ask your neighbours if they could recommend a locksmith. If you don't need a locksmith in a rush then take time to look at the websites of some local locksmiths and check whether or not they can provide the service you require. However, remember that the slickest websites do not necessary always guarantee the slickest service: perhaps their IT skills are superior to their locksmith skills! Equally, don't disregard a small, local locksmith with a simple advert as they may have the most appropriate experience and many of the more traditional firms may charge at more traditional rates!

What to ask
When you have selected a few different locksmiths phone them and find out a little about their services. Most importantly, try to establish if they use a non-destructive entry (NDE) approach. This means that they use techniques which open the lock but they do not damage the lock in the process. The alternative approach is to drill a large hole in your door and lock and, although this will allow you to get into your house, it may also result in you having to buy a new lock and perhaps even a new door.

Costs
It is also important to find out what the approximate cost of the job will be and whether this includes labour and any parts. Ask if there is a call-out fee as not all locksmiths will add a charge for being called out. Ask if there is a minimum charge: for example, some locksmiths will charge for a minimum of one hour, regardless of whether the job actually only takes a few minutes to complete. However, do remember that the cheapest job may not necessary be the best job. Your home security is very important so it is worth paying a bit more to ensure that the work is done to a high standard by a reputable and reliable tradesperson. Remember again that some of the smaller local locksmiths may be able to provide a very competitive price as they may not have to cover the high overheads of some of the larger national firms.

Timescale
Ask the locksmith how long it will take him/her to get to you. This is very important, especially if you are standing on your doorstep in the pouring rain! Some locksmiths operate a 24hour service which is vital if you find yourself locked out in the middle of the night.

Qualifications and experience
If possible, try to find out how much experience the locksmith has and whether or not he / she is a member of a professional body. For example, any locksmith who is a member of the Institute of Certified Locksmiths (ICL) should provide a high standard of service as all ICL members are fully trained, vetted and assessed. It is also worthwhile asking to see their identity card for extra piece of mind.

Other services provided
Being locked out of your house is not the only reason for needing a good locksmith. Other services that are provided by locksmiths include professional advice on security systems as well as fitting access control systems, intruder alarms, automated gates and door phone entry systems. They can also fit bars, grills and shutters, cut keys and replace locks. Locksmiths can also open car locks, safes and all security systems used by businesses and commercial premises. However, if you are getting a new lock fitted do make sure that the lock meets the insurance-approved British Standard (BS3621) and any specific requirements for your insurers.

Your home and business security are vitally important so it is worth doing your homework to make sure that you employ a reputable, reliable and trustworthy locksmith. If you have managed to lock yourself out you need to be assured that you will be able to get back into your house as quickly as possible with minimum stress, expense and embarrassment. Finally, when engaging a locksmith for wider security related services such as the installation of an alarm system, check reputation and the age of the business carefully: there have been many instances where crooks have set up in business as a local alarm installer and promptly raided the client's houses following the installation of the system!! Not only does the installation give them the chance to 'case the joint' but it conveniently provides them with the master access codes for the alarm!
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13 August 2008
FREE MONTHLY DRAW - CBT MEMBERSHIP WITH BENEFITS VALUED..
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