What can I expect when I call a locksmith in London?
July 29, 2025
This post can serve useful to budding locksmiths and customers alike and goes through the basics of what to expect when calling a locksmith in London.
You never know when you might need to hire a locksmith in London .
It might be an emergency—You’re locked out of the house , the keys are left inside! – or it could just be that you feel the time has come to change the locks on your home, business, garage or storage.
Whatever the reason, it’s important to know what to expect when you call a Locksmith in London so that you receive the best service possible.
It’s important for you as a customer to know what to expect when you call a locksmith and it is important for budding locksmiths and certain cowboy locksmith companies to consider this information. This is so that as a customer you are receiving the highest quality of service. As a locksmith, this will mean you are providing a solid service to your customers and will avoid call-backs.
Once you call the locksmith, it is always advised to stop messing with the problem so that you don’t cause further damage or more work for the locksmith. For example, if you called a locksmith to help you remove a broken key from inside a lock, make sure that you do not continue to tamper with the lock as this could end up leaving the lock damaged. It’s also more likely to make the situation worse and force the key even deeper inside the lock. As a result - this will cost you more money in the long run.
The process is comprised of 7 simple steps that the locksmiths should be taking on each and every one of their jobs. Having this information as a customer will allow you to hold your locksmith to a higher standard of quality as well as just knowing what is happening behind the scenes when you call a professional locksmith. Having this information as a locksmith in London will help you provide the best service possible and avoid call-backs. With this list, you will be able to confidently call a locksmith and know that you are receiving the best possible care for your property.
- Locksmith Callout
- Dispatch
- Update
- Arrival/ Assessment
- Locksmithing
- Testing
- Payment
1.
You know your problem ( Locked-out , need a lock change , damaged lock ) and you now have found a locksmith you want to call. The next step is to call them and request assistance. Your call will most likely be received by a main office which acts as a central hub for the company and all the locksmiths. Centralised communication gives the company an opportunity to service larger areas and provide 24/7 service. During the call, you will be asked to provide your approximate location (for example, we will ask for the first 4 digits of your postcode), the nature of the service and your contact information.
2.
The company’s main office will contact the locksmith directly for the area you are in . They will then give the information to the locksmith and dispatch them to your location. In most cases this only takes the main office no more than 3 minutes as the locksmiths are ready for call-outs.
3.
Once the technician receives the job, that technician will call the customer. During the call, they will inform the customer of their estimated time of arrival and their location. This keeps the customer up to date on how the process is advancing, they can also advise to wait in a nearby café until the locksmith arrives if the weather is bad. The locksmith will then call again upon arrival.
4.
The locksmith will arrive and greet the customer in a professional manner, introducing themselves and discussing the job scenario briefly. Once the technician has introduced themselves, they will assess the situation and determine what steps will need to be taken. The customer will be informed of what services are required, and a price will be determined and agreed.
5.
The technical process starts. The amount of time that it will take to finish the job will depend on the service and situation. The reason for this is that each case is dependent on the lock, what service is required, and the number of tasks. During the locksmithing process, the technician will not harm any part of the building or door. Destructive entry is only used on the lock and the locksmith should always make sure he has a replacement on hand. Destructive forces are only used when there is no other way of gaining entrance to the property and is viewed as a last resort.
6.
Once the locksmith has finished and cleaned the area he has worked in, he will call you or someone on site to test your locks. This is an important part of the process for good reason, should you have a new lock installed it may operate in a slightly different way. It’s at this point that the locksmith can walk you through the locks different functions and for you to test his work. This also ensures the locksmith has less call-backs as the product and labour has been tested, preferably multiple times.
7.
Now the locksmith will collect payment. This will never be more than the agreed upon price at the start of this process. The locksmith on site will always confirm the price of the work and parts before commencing work, the amounts should be the same now. The locksmith will also provide receipt, most locksmiths will advise you to hold on to this for your warranty.
And that’s that. Whether you’re locked out , need a lock change , been burgled , the process should always be the same.
For lockouts there are a few extra details we thought we would add to the conclusion. Breaking into someone’s house is against the law and if the locksmith doesn’t request some sort of ID before unlocking the house to verify the address, he is an accomplice aka partner in crime…So, working as a locksmith, the technician needs to take a moment and check the ID… if you have no ID, questions can help. How did this happen? Where were you before this happened? Are you sure you do not have spare keys? If you find the locksmith is asking a load of questions that are similar to the above, he’s most likely trying to find out if you are in fact the resident of the property. Locksmiths are not allowed to be involved in any criminal activity. This means that as locksmiths, it is our job to make sure that we are not dragged into breaking the law. It is our responsibility to call the police, if this happens.
We hope this basic breakdown of calling a locksmith in London has helped, if you find you have any questions please feel free to contact us
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.
