Registrations, certificates, questions to ask and typical UK prices.
Being locked out is one of those problems that can't wait. Whether it's a door that's slammed behind you, keys lost on a night out, a key snapped in the lock or a uPVC door whose handle has gone floppy, the job is the same: get you back in without wrecking the door, then make it secure.
Most lockouts can be opened without damage. A good locksmith will try non-destructive entry first and only drill a lock as a last resort, and should tell you before they do. If a lock has to be replaced, ask for one rated to British Standard BS 3621 (for wooden doors) or TS 007 3-star / SS312 Diamond (for uPVC and composite euro-cylinders). Many home insurance policies expect these.
Moving house or had keys stolen? Changing the lock cylinders is usually quick and far cheaper than people expect, and it's the only way to know who has a key to your home.
| Lockout (non-destructive entry) | £60–£120 |
| Euro-cylinder lock change | £70–£130 |
| uPVC door mechanism repair | £90–£200 |
| Out-of-hours call-out | often +£20–£60 |
Guide ranges only. Prices vary with the job, access and time of day. Always get a quote before work starts.
Usually, yes. Most domestic lockouts can be opened non-destructively. Drilling is a last resort and a good locksmith will explain why before doing it.
It's strongly recommended. You can't know how many keys the previous owners or tenants handed out. A cylinder change is one of the cheapest ways to secure a home.
Check your policy. Many specify BS 3621 locks on wooden doors, and anti-snap TS 007 3-star or SS312 Diamond cylinders on uPVC and composite doors.