Locksmith blog
Practical advice on locks, home security, and what to do when things go wrong.
What Is a 5-Lever Mortice Lock? BS3621 Explained
A five-lever mortice lock is the deadlock most UK insurers require on front doors. Here is how it works, what BS3621 means, and when a 3-lever lock is fine instead.
Locked Out? What to Do Depends on Why
Keys inside, faulty lock, or lost keys — each situation needs a different response. Here is exactly what to do for each one.
Emergency Locksmith in Central London — What to Expect
An emergency locksmith in central London can reach you in 29 minutes on average. Here is what happens when you call, what the job involves, and what it costs.
Change Locks When You Move Into a New Property — and What to Fit
When you move into a new property, change the locks. You do not know how many keys are in circulation. Here is what to fit and what British Standard means.
UPVC Door Maintenance — How to Keep the Mechanism Working
A UPVC door mechanism needs basic maintenance every six months. Skip it long enough and the gearbox seizes. Here is what to do and how to spot the early warning signs.
How Much Does a Locksmith Cost in London?
A non-destructive lockout in London starts at £90. A lock change is £61 per lock. Here is the full breakdown — and what to watch out for.
Anti-Snap Locks: What They Are and Whether You Need One
Cylinder snapping is the most common forced entry method in the UK. An anti-snap cylinder stops it. Here is what to look for and whether your door is already protected.
How to Spot a Rogue Locksmith in London
Rogue locksmiths advertise cheap prices, then charge three times more on arrival. Here is how to avoid them.
Why Won't My UPVC Door Lock? The 6 Most Common Causes
A UPVC door that will not lock is almost always one of six things: a failed gearbox, a misaligned door, a worn cylinder, a seized mechanism, a dropped handle, or a faulty keep. Here is how to tell which one.
What Locks Does Your Home Insurance Actually Require?
Most policies require a BS3621 mortice deadlock on timber doors and a TS007-rated cylinder on UPVC. Fitting the wrong lock can void your claim after a break-in.
Types of Door Locks Explained
Yale, deadlock, euro cylinder, mortice. Here is what each one does and which ones your insurer actually requires.
How to Secure Your Home After a Burglary
The first priority after a break-in is getting the door secured. After that, assess what was bypassed and fix it properly. Here is the order of steps.
Signs Your UPVC Door Mechanism Is Failing
A stiff handle, bolts that will not engage, or a door that misses the keeps are all early warnings. Catching a failing UPVC mechanism before it stops working saves you being locked out.
Locked Out of Your House? Do This First.
Before you call a locksmith, check these five things. One of them might save you the call-out fee.
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