Interesting facts about locksmiths & locksmiths in London
July 29, 2025
The weird and wonderful world of locksmiths, just a few facts
First lock found
First models of wooden keys and locks originate from Ancient Egypt, where they managed to take advantage of gravity and the technique of falling pins to control the movement of the security bolt. The bolt could be freed from locked position by inserting a large and cumbersome wooden key into the lock, and manually lifting it upwards, displacing the pins that were held down by gravity. The best they could do was add fake holes to confuse would be trespassers. Roman age introduced many improvements upon original Egyptian designs due to their superior blacksmithing skills, but the expensive nature of the locks, their inability to sustain large external forces and easy picking made them all but useless in terms of security and turned into a way of flaunting wealth, influence and nobility. Small keys made from metals (iron, bronze, silver, gold) were often viewed as one of the most effective ways of publicly showing your wealth.
First high security lock in London
The first known high security lock to have been designed and used was the Bramah Lock. This was designed and created by Joseph Bramah in London after a receiving a patent for it in 1784. In the same year he started the Bramah Locks company at 124 Piccadilly, London.
After he invented his lock and until 1851 in fact was the only time in history where there existed a lock that gave people complete confidence in security. In 1851 Alfred Charles Hobb became the first man to pick both the Chubb Detector lock (Jeremiah Chubb developed a four-lever lock that when picked or opened with the wrong key would stop working until a special key was used to reset it) and the Bramah lock. The chub detector lock was picked in 25 minutes, the Bramah lock however took him 52 hours over the course of 14 days.
Thus ended the short but wonderful period where people could have the feeling of "Perfect Security"
Modern locks
Linus Yale Jr. (April 4, 1821 – December 25, 1868) was an American mechanical engineer, manufacturer, and co-founder of the Yale lock manufacturing company. He is best known for his inventions of locks, especially the cylinder lock. His basic lock design is still widely distributed today, and constitute a majority of personal locks and safes." Yale locks " became the generic term in the United Kingdom for pin tumbler household locks and keys and pin tumbler locks are the most common locks, many various types based on the same original idea from Linus Yale Jr.
Gaining the skills to become a locksmith
As we say each time we are asked, "how long did it take you to become a locksmith" - The actual training will vary from 5 days to 6 months depending on previous experience with joinery/ carpentry or locks, or if you are someone with good dexterity/electronic/mechanical skills. However you never stop learning.
It can take up to around 3-4 years to become a fully competent locksmith . There are constantly new locks arriving on the market, there are constantly new situations or locations that will require a lock that are so rare even after 5 years there hasn't been a job like. In situations like this, experience is key, the more experience a locksmith gains, the better he will become, provided he was any good to begin with of course.
The only awkward situation for a locksmith.
Whether you have been locked out because you left the keys inside, whether we have to open the door to a house where someone has passed away inside, where we have to break in as there are suspected burglars indoors, even when we have to break in and you have "locked myself out" in the nude, rushing after the shower, we will keep a straight face. We realise life is full of surprises we can never expect and not much can make a locksmith feel awkward. There is one situation where a locksmith will feel awkward though, only one, where the customer has booked more than one locksmith and we all arrive at the same time. This is incredibly awkward and we have been in situations before where all the locksmiths involved packed up and left. Keep in mind, in the dead of night, these locksmiths have had to leave their families to help you and you couldn't call to cancel, or to let us know you found someone else?
Awkward...
Combination of skills required
Mechanic, carpenter, security expert, joiner and engineer. A locksmith should have the combined knowledge of all these skills. This professional should know how to get the hang of different locks, and he must be familiar with the mechanism of action as well. He also has to be excellent at analyzing the security of locks and how to repair and re-key them when required. Other critical areas where a locksmith should demonstrate his skills include duplicating keys, repairing or replacing deadbolts, general carpenty skills to repair frames/ replace doors and installing different types of locks and, all these aspects clearly suggest that a locksmith should be an all-rounder.
Different types of locksmiths
There are 5 main categories of locksmiths, two of which are very similar however the rest can sometimes be worlds apart.
Residential locksmith
Commercial locksmith
Auto locksmiths
Emergency Locksmiths
Electrical locksmiths
Residential and commercial locksmiths are very similar however commercial locksmiths will tend to work on larger doors and heavier locking systems. They will most likely be familiar with welding for gates of commercial properties as well. Residential locksmiths will work on wooden doors in a home at a very fast rate due to it being a major part of the job and tending towards joinery and carpentry. Auto locksmiths as the name suggests work on Auto locks, these are mainly locks on cars and this is due to them using a different locking system to residential locks and require different tools. They also include transponders which is another element not involved in residential and commercial locks on buildings. Electrical locksmiths will usually get an NVQ and be able to install camera home systems, complex alarm systems and intercoms. All the above must have a good eye for security, sot the weaknesses and be able to solve them all in the same breath.
Locksmith prices genuinely do vary
As with any other business that supplies services, charges do vary. It could be the difference between a weekend charge and a weekday charge, or the difference between a daytime charge and a 3AM charge. If the gentleman/ lady stacking the shelves gets paid more for after hours it would make sense that if someone is leaving their family, to help you be with yours at an awkward time, his time would be worth more.
Even holiday charges, bank holiday charges, these are all times that the locksmith is sacrificing valuable time to help you gain access and rejoin the fun (or sleep if it's 3AM).
That being said, the locksmiths should always attempt to be as clear as possible before starting the job on what the costs may be, a rough estimate is always possible and if you call an experienced locksmith company they will be able to quote once you provide an image at a 90% accuracy rate (or at least we can)
To contact a reliable local locksmith based in London call now on 020-3151-0351
If you live in Wimbledon’s SW19, you know the vibe - gorgeous tree-lined streets, the buzz of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, and the charm of the Village or Common just a short walk away. But between the stunning Victorian houses, sleek modern flats, and lively shops on the high street, there’s a catch: lockouts after a late night cheering at the All England Club or the odd break-in, in quieter spots can throw a wrench in your day. Even thing like moving homes or updating your home insurance can come with challenges. That’s when you need a local locksmith you can count on to sort things out fast. At SMS Locksmiths, we're proud to serve Wimbledon and the SW19 area (including Southfields, Merton Park, and Colliers Wood) with 24/7 emergency and planned services. Our DBS-checked, fully insured technicians arrive within 30 minutes, using non-destructive methods and transparent pricing - no hidden fees or call-out charges. Whether you're a homeowner securing your Edwardian semi-detached or a business owner in the Wimbledon Broadway retail hub, we're here to keep you safe. In this guide, we'll cover the top 5 locksmith services we provide to SW19 residents, tailored to local needs like upgrading heritage locks or handling post-match rush lockouts. Read on for practical tips, and remember: prevention is key to peace of mind. 1. Emergency Lock Opening: Back Inside in Minutes, No Damage to basic locks Nothing disrupts a Wimbledon evening stroll like realising you're locked out - keys forgotten after a coffee at Gail's or a tennis viewing party. Our lock opening service gets you back in fast using advanced pick-and-decode tools, bypassing tools and years of skill and experience, avoiding costly door damage. • Why Wimbledon residents love it: SW19's mix of old sash windows and modern uPVC doors means quick, non-destructive entry is essential. We handle everything from front doors to sheds and post boxes without a trace. • Real-life example: A local family in Southfields called us at 10 PM after misplacing keys during a dog walk on the Common. We arrived in 25 minutes, opened the lock in under 10, and advised on a spare key safe. • Pro tip: Always keep a copy of your keys with a family member or a person you trust, but call us immediately for lockouts - DIY attempts often lead to bigger bills. No matter the time, our 24/7 team ensures you're not stranded. Customer review: "SMS saved our night - professional and stress-free!" – Wimbledon Village resident (5 stars on Trustpilot). 2. Lock Changing: Fresh Security for New Starts in SW19 Moving into a charming Wimbledon flat or after losing keys? A lock change is your first line of defence against unknown access. We replace old locks with high-quality, British Standard (BS3621) compliant options that meet insurance requirements. • Tailored for Wimbledon: Many SW19 homes have outdated rim locks on period properties; we swap them for secure euro cylinders or deadbolts that fit seamlessly. • The process: On-site assessment (free quote), removal of old locks, installation (under 45 minutes), and a full test. Costs start from £110, with a 1-year warranty. • Local insight: With rising lettings in Merton Park, tenants often request changes post-move—we've helped dozens secure their new homes and flats without voiding deposits. Don't risk spare keys circulating; a quick change brings instant security. Book via our site for same-day service. 3. Lock Upgrades: Boost Protection Against Wimbledon Burglary Trends SW19 saw a spike in bike thefts and shed break-ins last year, per Merton Council reports. Our lock upgrades modernise your setup with anti-snap, anti-drill cylinders and multi-point systems, deterring thieves in high-traffic areas like Haydons Road. • SW19-specific benefits: Upgrade Victorian night latches to snap-resistant models or add 5 lever British standard deadlocks for Colliers Wood flats – we supply multiple brands for you to choose from on site. • Why upgrade now?: Standard locks fail 70% of tested break-ins; our BS-approved options slash that risk and keep premiums low. • Quick win: A Wimbledon Broadway shop owner upgraded their rear door after a near-miss; no incidents since, and they saved on insurance. We offer free security audits to spot weak points - perfect for families near the tennis grounds during tournament season. 4. New Lock Installations: Seamless Fits for Home or Business Renovating your Wimbledon townhouse or fitting out a new office near Plough Lane? Our lock installation service handles everything from single deadbolts to full master key systems for multi-unit properties. • Local expertise: We specialise in SW19's diverse builds -reinforced locks for ground-floor flats or heavy-duty ones for garage conversions in quiet Merton Park cul-de-sacs. • Step-by-step: Site visit for measurements, custom sourcing (e.g., thumb-turn cylinders for easy exit), professional fitting, and handover with keys and instructions. Most jobs completed in the first visit. • Business perk: For Wimbledon shops and cafes, we install mechanical digital access control for staff shifts, reducing downtime. Invest in lasting quality - our installations come with lifetime advice and no-fuss guarantees. 5. After-Burglary Services: Restore and Reinforce in SW19 A break-in is every homeowner's nightmare, and Wimbledon's green spaces can attract opportunists. Our after-burglary response includes immediate boarding-up, full lock replacements, and forensic-safe repairs to get you secure overnight. • Comprehensive support: We coordinate with police (providing reference numbers for claims), replace damaged frames, board up broken doors and windows to restore security providing you with peace of mind and giving you time to change doors. • Wimbledon focus: In areas like Southfields, where gardens back onto commons, we add perimeter advice like gravel paths for noise alerts. • From the frontlines: After a recent Merton burglary wave, we helped a family in SW19 board up, reinstall high-security locks, and claim via photos - back to normal in 24 hours. Act fast: Delaying repairs invites further risk. We're your second call after the police post-incident, with compassionate, efficient service. Why Choose SMS Locksmiths for Your Wimbledon SW19 Needs? As a family-run business with over a decade in South West London, we know SW19 inside out - from the rush of match days to the serenity of the Common. Our services aren't just fixes; they're tailored solutions with free quotes, 30-minute responses, and eco-friendly practices (we recycle old locks!). Plus, we're fully insured and DBS-vetted for your peace of mind. Ready to secure your Wimbledon home or business? Visit smslocksmith.co.uk to book online or request a free security check. For emergencies, we're just a click away - no postcode too far in SW19! Stay safe, Wimbledon - SMS Locksmiths has your back. #WimbledonLocksmith #SW19Security #EmergencyLocksmith #LockChangeWimbledon #MertonLocksmith ________________________________________ FAQs for SW19 Residents: Q: How quickly can you arrive in Wimbledon? A: Typically 20-30 minutes, 24/7 - no exceptions for rush hour on the A3! Q: Are your services insured for SW19 properties? A: Yes, all work is given a 1 year warranty and compliant with UK standards. Q: What's the cost for a basic lock change in Wimbledon? A: From £110, with no surprises - get a quote today. For more security tips, check our blog or follow us on social for Wimbledon updates!
Below is a more detailed breakdown of each service, which you can place under “Locksmith services we provide in Hounslow”: Lock Changes & Upgrades
 If you’ve just moved into a new home or want to increase your security, we can replace your locks with better, more secure models. Whether it’s euro cylinders, mortice locks, deadbolts or master key systems, we can recommend and install insurance-grade products. Lock Repair & Adjustment Locks wear out over time - maybe the key sticks or you force it to turn. We diagnose whether parts can be repaired (springs, levers, cylinders) or whether it requires replacement. We can also realign misaligned mechanisms so things work smoothly again. Emergency Lockout / Non-Destructive Entry Locked out at an inconvenient hour? We specialize in non-destructive entry, meaning we’ll open your door without breaking it. We carry a full set of specialised tools, from lock picks to tensioners, to gain entry safely and professionally. Burglary & Forced Entry Repair If your property has been broken into, we can repair or replace damaged locks, door frames, or hinges. We can also strengthen weak points and offer recommendations to prevent future incidents (e.g. reinforced strike plates, heavy-duty cylinders). Door & Frame Carpentry / Refurbishment Sometimes the door frame, jamb or door edge is also damaged or poorly aligned. We can carry out carpentry, reinforce the frame, repair door edges, or adjust the door fitting so your locks work properly. UPVC / Multi-Point Door & Window Mechanisms UPVC doors and windows often have multipoint locking systems that require delicate handling. We service, repair, or replace gearboxes, locking rods, handles, and cylinders. We can also realign or replace stuck mechanisms so your windows and doors seal properly. Commercial & Business Services For offices, shops, and commercial premises, we offer: Master key systems Restricted key zones Keyholding & emergency access Panic bars, exit devices, and high-security door furniture Mechanical Digital keypad / access control installations Lock re-keying when staff changeover occurs Area Coverage & Availability We cover the TW3 area and nearby zones in Hounslow, including Feltham, Heston, Cranford, and West Drayton. Wherever you are in Hounslow, we strive to reach you fast. We operate 24/7, every day. Even during weekends and bank holidays, we remain on call.
