How to Choose the Right Locksmith

A guide to picking the right locksmith

When replacing your locks, there really is no substitute to hiring a great locksmith. Numerous problems can arise when you do it yourself or use someone dodgy - the locks could not line up, the installation could be unfinished and security is sacrificed.

The industry is not regulated which means that anyone could decide to work as a locksmith even if they have no experience at all. There is no price guide either, leaving these people to charge what they like.

Read on for some tips on how to pick the pick locksmith for you and how to avoid falling for scams.

What credentials should a locksmith have?

While it is not necessary for a locksmith to have specific qualifications, they should have completed ample amounts of training. It can take up to four years to become a competent locksmith, even after attending training courses.

As most of their education is gained on the job, locksmiths are able to learn more about current industry standards, how to tackle problems as they arise and how to deliver the best quality of service.

Unfortunately, there are many scammers about who will pose as a reputable company before sending out an unqualified locksmith. To have peace of mind and know that you’re getting the best person possible, opt for an individual who has been approved by the Master Locksmiths Association, which is the UK’s largest association of locksmiths.

Read customer reviews

One of the best ways to judge a person’s work is to look at their previous customer reviews. If they have hundreds of happy reviews, then chances are you’ll have a positive experience with them too but if there’s a number of complaints then you need to be wary.

A few malpractices to look out for are rushed or shoddy work, locks that are broken easily and the unwillingness to correct any mistakes.

Some say that people only leave reviews when they are unhappy though, so take each with a grain of salt. However, if you see multiple reviews complaining about the same area, it’s safe to say that this locksmith is not the best out there. Remember, the best manchester locksmiths have glowing review profiles.

Shop around for the perfect locksmith

Don’t be tempted to just pick the first locksmith you stumble across on Google. You can use comparison sites too which can give you a list of locksmiths in your area, their contact details and includes a rating out of five stars from customer reviews.

Ask your friends too. Chances are, somebody close to you has needed the services of a locksmith and will be able to give you an idea on the trustworthiness of the tradesmen.

Be clear about what you need from your locksmith

Sometimes, mistakes cannot only be blamed on your employed locksmith. If the instructions you give are unclear or confusing then the final result can be something far from what you wanted.

Before you seek the services of a locksmith, make sure you know exactly what work you want doing, where you want it and when you ideally want the work to be completed. Although this isn’t always possible in emergency situations, it is good practice for scheduled appointments.

It is also a great idea to look around for general prices. Although there is not a regulated price for all locksmiths, you may see a trend in general costs for specific jobs.