Locksmith in London (36)

There’s no fixed time that a job being completed by a locksmith will take. It will depend on various factors, including:

• Time of day
• Your location
• The complexity of the job (getting you access back into your home or changing the locks on your door)
• Traffic and weather conditions

To get more accurate timing, call your local locksmiths and ask them when they will be available.

They’ll also be able to estimate how long the job might take based on your specific situation.

How long will the locksmith be at my home?

As a general rule, an emergency locksmith will usually aim to arrive within 30-60 minutes after you contact them.

For standard non-emergency locksmith jobs, you’ll most likely need to book an appointment with the locksmith.

Yes, many reputable locksmiths will offer a guarantee for their work. It shows that they’re confident in the quality of their work.

A locksmith’s guarantee or warranty will typically cover the labour and any parts they install.

It’s worth checking the details of any guarantee offered, as the terms and conditions can vary between locksmiths.

Here are some questions to consider when checking a locksmith's guarantee or warranty:

• What does the warranty cover – labour, parts, or both?
• How long is the warranty valid?
• Are there any specific exclusions that aren’t covered by the warranty?
• How do you make a claim, if needed?

By understanding the terms of the warranty, you can have peace of mind knowing that you're protected in case of any issues with the locksmith's work.

Good news if you hire a locksmith through Checkatrade - We guarantee all our members’ work up to £1,000 – T&Cs apply.

Many locksmiths working in London will accept a range of payment options, including

• Via Checkatrade - Paying a locksmith through our platform gives you an extra layer of security, and you may be covered up to £1,000 by the Checkatrade Guarantee (T&Cs apply)
• Debit or credit card – Many locksmiths will accept card payments (although American Express isn’t always accepted by tradespeople in the UK)
• Bank transfer – As an alternative to cash or card, many locksmiths will be happy for you to do a direct bank transfer
• Digital payments – Some locksmiths may offer digital payment options like PayPal or Apple Pay

Always check which payment methods a locksmith will accept before hiring, to make sure you will be able to pay them using an appropriate method.

And make sure you get a detailed invoice that includes details of the locksmith services they provide, the parts they use, and the total cost.

Most locksmiths working in London will be able to open the majority of standard domestic and commercial door locks. But not all of them.

Some high-security or digital locks may need specialist tools or be impossible to open without causing damage to the lock or the door.

Experienced locksmiths will typically use several techniques to gain access to a property, such as lock picking, key extraction, and drilling.

When hiring a locksmith, it’s important to choose a tradesperson with experience in dealing with a variety of locks. They’ll be able to assess your lock and advise on the best solution.

Getting locked out of your home can be a stressful experience, but it’s important to remain calm. Help is available to get you back inside.

If you find yourself locked out, here are the steps to take:

1. Check for spare keys in case you left one in a safe place outside your home or with a neighbour, friend or family member

2. Try gaining entry without damaging your property such as through an alternative door that might be open

3. Avoid forceful entry or picking the lock yourself as you could damage the lock and door which will cost more to repair

4. Contact a locksmith – we have plenty of locksmiths here at Checkatrade, so see who works locally to you and check out their reviews to see if they're the right choice for you

5. Contact your home insurance policy to see if it covers the cost of emergency lockout services (they may reimburse you for the cost of a locksmith)

If you hire a locksmith when locked out, make sure you get proper documentation for any work done – especially if you plan on making a home insurance claim.

Who should I call if I'm locked out?

One of the best options for who to call when you're locked out of your house, flat, or business premises is a locksmith - or, even better, an emergency locksmith who can travel to you ASAP.

Type in your postcode and search above for locksmiths available in London, or find an emergency locksmith.

Yes — most locksmiths can open standard locks without damage using specialist tools. In more complex cases, like high-security or digital locks, drilling may be needed. Always check if they offer non-destructive entry first.

How can a locksmith open a locked door?

They’ll use tools like tension wrenches and pick sets to open the door. If it’s an emergency or the mechanism is faulty, they might need to drill the lock and replace it.