Are Locksmiths operating during the covid-19 outbreak?
July 30, 2025
A few tips and news on finding a locksmith in London during the Coronavirus outbreak.
Are you looking to hire a locksmith during the Coronavirus outbreak in London? We aim to provide the answers if you need a locksmith during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Locks can easily become a surface that will hold the virus for an unknown, but potentially dangerous amount of time. According to some of the latest research, this can be up to 3 hours, which means anyone touching the lock can then pass on the Coronavirus. It is important for both our colleagues and customer to keep this in mind when dealing with locks.
With the progression of the novel Coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) outbreak, most locksmiths are doing everything they can to help reduce the spread of the virus whilst still providing emergency services. Below we will go through your chances of finding a locksmith who can help. We will cover a list of services that locksmiths can offer during this time and which types of locksmiths will be operating.
Are locksmith open during Coronavirus?
Emergency mobile locksmiths during Coronavirus
In almost all cases there will be an emergency Mobile locksmith located within an hours distance from you. As Mobile locksmiths have more or less a shop inside their vehicles they can tend to many kinds of situations. Emergency mobile locksmith will often work closer to city centers to cover the most areas. Most Emergency mobile locksmiths will still be operating during the Coronavirus , easiest thing to do is Google the 2 or 3 nearest to you and give them a call.
As most locksmiths operate on their own, and don't need to interact with customers inside of the 2 meter social distancing rules, the chance of spread is very low.
Locksmith Retail Shops Majority Closed
A number of our locksmiths have closed their retail shops although this is not mandated by governmentit is best practice to avoid more ques.
Commercial locksmiths
Commercial locksmiths are slightly harder to come by in any case. These locksmiths will often do jobs on large steel doors and will have a group of guys working on one job due to the size of the doors. This means that most of them will not be operating apart from extreme emergency jobs. Most will be assisting the NHS by providing services for the new NHS Nightingales. As most stores are closed unless its an essential service, they will refuse the job.
Locked out the house during Coronavirus, Can a Locksmith Help?
Locksmiths who specialise in lockouts & lock opening will still be operating during Coronavirus, although locksmiths will likely be taking special hygiene precautions during the outbreak such as cleaning any door locks and door handles touched etc. SMS Locksmiths are currently operating a full emergency lockout service, just give us a call to find out more.
What Services are Locksmiths providing during the Coronavirus Outbreak?
Most locksmiths in the UK are still operating normal mobile and emergency services, so you will be able to find a locksmith during COVID-19 for:
Locksmiths Open During COVID-19
- Emergency Locksmiths during Coronavirus (24 Hour services)
- Lockouts and lock opening
- 24 Hour locksmith service
- Replacing lost keys*
- Key Cutting and copying*
- Door lock repairs
- Installing burglar alarms and CCTV**
- Auto Locksmith service for car keys and opening car locks
- Lost car keys and car key programming
*Provided they have a key cutting machine, always ask the locksmiths first
**Some locksmiths will only be providing emergency services only and unless there is a risk will not take on large new projects.
What are SMS locksmiths doing?
The safety of our locksmiths, customers and work colleagues is always our top priority. We are monitoring the situation closely and following the latest advice from the UK Government.
To protect your safety we are taking the following actions:
1. Wearing gloves on every job
All our locksmiths will wear gloves and will not be shaking hands.
They also sanitise their hands before and after each job, in most cases with soap, to ensure no virus can be carried over.
2. Wearing masks in cases of vulnerable customers
Locksmiths will carry with them masks at all times
Locksmiths will wear the masks especially on jobs with vulnerable customers
3. Sanitising card machines
Locksmiths who carry card machines will ensure they are sanitised before and after each job
Phones & pencils are sanitised before and after each job
What should customers do?
- Wash your hands with soap and water frequently for at least 20 seconds
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
- Put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards.
- Keep a safe 2 meter distance between you and any trades-person in your home
Customers will be asked to let us know if they are self-isolating or if anyone in the property is, and if so appointments will be rearranged
Summary on Locksmiths during Coronavirus
At the moment locksmiths throughout the UK are operating a normal service but taking extra security precautions to prevent the spreading of the disease. For more information just give us a call or send us an email here.
This is one of the top questions people ask before calling a locksmith. Rekeying what it means Rekeying resets the lock’s internal mechanism, so only new keys work. It’s cheaper and fast. Good for: Lost keys (but lock itself is fine) Moving house (if the existing locks are in good condition) Replacing when it’s better Changing the whole lock is best when: Locks are old or damaged You want stronger security You’re upgrading to smarter or multi-point systems A locksmith will recommend the best option after inspecting your hardware.
People searching for a locksmith often worry about cost before they call. So let’s break it down clearly. Typical locksmith pricing Costs depend on: Whether it’s an emergency call-out The time of day Type of service (e.g., unlock, change lock, install new security lock) Parts required Example ballpark figures Emergency opening (no lock change): £60–£150 Lock change (cylinder replacement): £80–£200+ UPVC multi-point lock repair: £100–£250+ High-security lock fitting: £150–£350+ These are typical ranges a local locksmith will confirm before work starts. Tips to avoid surprises Ask for a firm quote before work Confirm whether VAT is included Check if emergency call-outs cost extra Request parts costs upfront SMS Locksmith gives transparent quotes up front , so you’re never left guessing.
