How to Find the Best Professional Locksmith

Finding the right professional locksmith for your needs will require a keen eye on detail.

Though there’s no perfect way in finding a locksmith, these tips will protect you against all forms

of locksmith scams.

Locksmiths are professionally trained individuals who offer valuable customer service to the

absent minded and those that frequently lose their keys. Locksmiths have the equipment and

dexterity to be able to open doors and various items secured by locks when you have locked

yourself out or have misplaced keys. Locksmiths can create a new set of keys on the spot, if

needed. Finding the right professional locksmith for your needs will require a keen eye on

detail. Though there’s no perfect way in finding a locksmith, these tips will protect you against all

forms of locksmith scams. Here’s how to find out if a particular professional locksmith is

reputable and honest.

Steps

1

Be sure to have an extra set of keys made. Most dry cleaners and luggage or shoe repair shops

have key making as an added service.

2

Place an extra set of keys in a hidden spot outside of your home or better yet entrust them with

a family member or a close friend. Asking them to come over instead of a professional

locksmith will be a lot cheaper and easier. However, if the idea of having spare keys is not an

option, you have no other choice but to contact a locksmith. Always pick someone that is from

around your neighborhood. But be wary of locksmiths posing as local. Untrained scammers are

only there for your money.

3

Make some necessary advance research using the yellow pages of your phonebook and the

Internet on several locksmiths before you actually need one. You may check the 'Find a

Locksmith' database on the Master Locksmith Association (MLA) website for details of

locksmiths near your location. Or make use of search engines and apply location-specific

keywords such as “locksmith se16,” “locksmith Kentish Town,” “locksmith Kilburn,” or “locksmith

Golders Green.” Write down a couple of locksmiths with their names, addresses and contact

numbers. If you’re in need of emergency assistance for your car, contact roadside assistance

first. They probably have made good past dealings with a highly skilled locksmith. You may also

ask a Gas Station for assistance, if there’s any nearby.

4

Before the locksmith begins the work, inquire about any additional fees. Ask the locksmith for a

written estimate of all work and replacement parts before you agree to have the locksmith begin

work. Note that some locksmiths may charge extra fees for responding to your call in the middle

of the night or for responding immediately. Be sure to inquire if there is a mileage charge or a

minimum fee.

5

Always go for an insured or bonded locksmith because if your property is damaged during repair

or due to poor locksmithing which then causes damage or loss, the insurance would cover these

unfortunate losses.