Guide to Locksmiths
Locksmith Quotes
from local locksmiths
We live in a world of locks. From basic padlocks, to safes and the latest in retina scanning technology, there is a myriad of ways that we can secure our homes and valuable possessions. Locksmiths are the guardians of our worlds locks, a profession dedicated to helping you find and install the right locks for your home and office. Locksmiths also play a valuable role during those awkward times when we've locked ourselves out, helping us regain entry.
What does a locksmith do?
A locksmith is a trained professional specialising in making (and breaking) locks. Locksmiths can provide you with locks and keys for doors, windows, sheds and cars. They can also supply you with a safe, and in many cases security advice.
Some of the most common requests for locksmiths are:
- Key cutting: Locksmiths can copy keys as well as replace lost keys.
- Supplying and installing new locks: New locks are supplied and fitted to new homes and offices. Also, it is very common for locks to be replaced when people are moving home and want the security that no-one has a copy of the keys to their home. Insurance companies also often request that householders upgrade their locks to qualify for home contents insurance.
- Locks opened: Locksmiths specialise in the emergency service of opening doors when the keys have been lost, the keys have been misplaced, or the keys have been locked inside.
- Lock repairs: Lock mechanisms may need repair if they have suffered wear and tear, as well as locks that have ceased. Also, there can often by locks damaged by break ins, in which case locksmiths are called out to repair the locks.
Locksmiths also provide a number of specialised locksmith services such as:
- Master Key systems for schools, factories and offices.
- Safes: Supplying and fitting safes.
- Electronic Access Systems.
Locksmiths do often also provide security systems and services, including:
- Alarms
- CCTV
- Security bars & grills
What to consider before hiring a locksmith
When hiring a locksmith it is recommended that you have a clear idea of exactly what you require. Whilst locksmiths will provide their expertise in exactly which locks are right for you, before you speak to a locksmith consider:
- What locks you require
- Where the locks are going. Are they for the front door, back door, internal doors, windows, cabinets, etc?
- How many locks you need
- What the purpose of the lock is. Is it to qualify for home contents insurance? Is it to secure your home?
- What times suit you for a locksmith to install the locks for you.
- What is your budget.
The more organised that you are, and the clearer you can define your locksmith needs, the more locksmiths will be interested in competing for your work. Also, if you have very clear specifications than you will be able to compare different locksmith quotes on a like by like basis.
How to Find a Locksmith
Service Central makes it easy for you to find a locksmith. Simply, list your job request with Service Central and they will find a local locksmith that is available and interested in completing the work for you.
What to ask a locksmith
Whilst locksmiths may have a shopfront, you are often meeting a locksmith at your home so a sense of security and trust is essential when meeting and judging a locksmith. If you do not feel secure because the locksmith is poorly dressed or poorly presented then it may be best to choose not to use that locksmith.
If you have a large job for a locksmith to complete then its recommended that you ask for up to 3 locksmith quotes. When asking for quotes it is best to have a very clear specification of exactly what you require, so that you can compare quotes on a like by like basis.
Some questions that might help you assess whether a locksmith is right for you are:
- Are you a member of any industry associations? Are you a Master Locksmith? Are you a member of the Locksmiths Guild of Australia? Are you registered with Service Central?
- How long have you been a qualified locksmith?
- What brands of locks do you use? Have you used those brands for long? If someone has recently changed brands, is this because of a good reason like quality, or because they didn't pay their account to the old supplier?
- Will you clean up the mess after the locks are installed?
- What guarantees and warranties will the locksmith provide?
Choosing a locksmith
Once you have received quotes from a number of locksmiths you will have a clear price comparison. However, price is not always the most important, especially if good service and reliability are key to you. You may wish to ask each locksmith for testimonials before making your choice. Similarly, if the locksmith is registered with Service Central then you can view feedback from his/her previous clients via their online business profile. Simply, ask if the locksmith is registered with Service Central, and ask if they can provide you with the address of their online business profile.
With price and quality covered, you are now ready to choose the right locksmith for your project.
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Qualified locksmiths also offer a specialised service in the Automotive field! unlike car dealers who ask you to tow your vehicle to them when you have lost your keys, LOCKSMITHS can come to you and make new keys for your car ON-SITE, so there is no waiting or having your car 'off the road' for days or weeks, no towing costs etc. It is what we specialise in!
over a year ago by Julie
Locksmith Quotes
from local locksmiths
