How To Find The Most Reliable Locksmiths In SW19?
Finding a reliable locksmith in Wimbledon isn’t just a matter of searching the internet for the nearest choice. You’ll be allowing the locksmith you hire to have a degree of access to your property – be it your home, office, or car – so it’s important to make sure that you choose one of the best locksmiths in SW19 and further afield.
Check out these tips to see what you should do to find a reliable and trustworthy locksmith:
Ask for Recommendations
If you’re new to the area or you haven’t needed to hire a locksmith before, ask your neighbours or friends if they can recommend a good and reliable locksmith. Chances are, someone in your neighbourhood or one of your friends has had to have a lock replaced or call a locksmith in an emergency. You can get good recommendations through word-of-mouth, and more often than not, these recommendations are reliable.
Look for Vetted and Accredited Locksmiths
Locksmithing isn’t a government-regulated profession in the UK, which means that there are currently thousands of untrained locksmiths out there. You’ll want a professional who has at least taken a locksmith course.
You can narrow your search down to locksmiths that have been vetted or accredited by a trusted third-party organisation, such as the United Kingdom Locksmiths Association (UKLA). All members of the UKLA have been carefully screened and have passed a criminal record check, ensuring that you will only work with trustworthy individuals. Moreover, you can rest assured that all UKLA-verified locksmiths are genuine experts in the trade.
Hire Local Locksmiths
The danger of simply searching on the internet for a locksmith in Wimbledon is that the top of the search results often include paid advertisements placed by locksmith companies. If you call the number provided, it’s highly possible that you’ll be calling their national call centre. They will then outsource the job to any of their people in your area.
While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, companies like this often don’t fully train or vet their locksmiths, which is why it’s best to stick to local businesses with locksmiths who will surely be up to the task. Local locksmith companies are also more likely to charge less.
Don’t Automatically Go for Low-Priced Services
If the prices you see on a locksmith company website seem too good to be true, that’s because they probably are. When a locksmith is advertising services at very cheap rates, be wary. That advertised price is unlikely to be the final price that you’ll actually pay. It’s more likely that the locksmith will add on extra fees and you’ll end up paying more than you expected.
Always ask the locksmith if the price they quote is an estimate or a firm quote, and make sure to ask if all service costs are included in the final price. A reliable locksmith will be open, upfront, and willing to discuss their costs.
The London Locksmiths is a trustworthy service that covers various areas in London. We make sure that our locksmiths are properly trained and we guarantee hassle-free services. For more inquiries, call us on 020 8133 2166 or email us at info@primealert.co.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a locksmith need to know?
A locksmith in SW19 needs to be fully trained and highly experienced in the locksmithing industry. This involves knowing how to use high-tech equipment and machines necessary to open locks and security systems, especially since some houses are equipped with smart locks and electronic security systems. They should also be knowledgeable in key identification, home and business security, and more.
Does a locksmith need proof of ownership?
Yes. Professional locksmiths need proof of ownership to ensure their clients’ safety, as well as the property’s security. Locksmiths usually look for receipts of purchase to prove that you are indeed the owner of the house or property that needs to be accessed. They may also request one or more forms of identification.
Should I change the locks when I buy a house?
As you don’t know who still has access to the property, having the locks changed is always a great idea if you want to enhance the security of your new home. You can then track the people who have keys to your home, giving you better overall access control.
Can you replace locks on uPVC windows?
Yes. Our trained lock specialists in SW19 can handle repair, replacement, and installation for uPVC windows and doors. It some cases, we are able to replace the faulty lock and handle with an exact match. Simply give us a call, and we will be able to advise on the best solution for your specific requirements.
Locksmiths’ Top Tips On How To Keep Your Home Safe
Here are some tips on improving your home security:
- Use tried and tested products – Security products, such as locks, keys, chains, and more should comply with the highest standards. They should ideally be tested by a credible locksmith organisation.
- Hire licensed locksmiths – Look for locksmiths who are registered with a trustworthy organisation. This ensures that you’ll work with people who offer reliable and excellent locksmithing services.
- Ensure properly fitted lock – Many homeowners today are not aware that their locks are actually improperly fitted. Always have your locks installed by a trained professional, and avoid buying cheap replica locks that don’t meet the industry standards.
Professional Locksmith: Why And How To Hire
Most people think that they don’t need to hire a lock expert in SW19, so they take on DIY lock projects, only to find out that online tutorials are simply not enough to keep their property safe from trespassers.
Moreover, thieves will have a much easier time cracking open a door or lock that has been installed by an amateur. It’s therefore best to invest in a reliable locksmith to maximise the security of your property.
You can ask close friends and family about their recommended provider of lock repair service in SW19. You can also do research online and confirm if they’re really trustworthy by visiting their website and reading genuine reviews.
Qualities Of A Good Locksmith
To ensure that you’re working with the best locksmiths, check for these important qualities:
- Well-experienced – Experienced locksmiths give you peace of mind, knowing that they know the right tools to use for each problem. They can even offer you personalised advice on how to strengthen your home security.
- Punctual – Locksmiths should be able to arrive on the premises as soon as possible, especially in an emergency. They should be able to prioritise the safety of the property as much as you do.
- Reputable – They should be well-known in your locality, and should ideally have many good reviews from their previous clients.
If you’re looking for a ‘locksmith near me’, contact The London Locksmiths Wimbledon today for the best services!
