The keys are left lying on the kitchen table while the door clicks shut and the only option left is to call for help using the smartphone. In just a few seconds, the phrase “locksmith near me” gets typed into the search engine.
Why the First Search Result Is Not Always the Nearest One?
In an emergency situation, when people type “locksmith near me”, they want to make a call to the first number found. In reality, some of the search results lead to online services that will assign a locksmith regardless of his location. The top of the search result tells nothing about who exactly will come and how much it will cost.
To get this information, the following should be clarified over the phone:
- Who will carry out the work and where is he/she located?
- What is the call-out fee and what is included in it?
- What would be the approximate total of the service?
Licensing Comes First Before Any Locks Are Opened
In a lot of states, locksmiths need a security licence to work. In New South Wales, for example, these licences are handed out by the NSW Police Force and a homeowner should be able to check that a locksmith holds one before they start working. Some jobs are exempt though, so the rules depend on what exactly needs to be done.
A decent locksmith won’t mind being asked to show their licence and other signs of a pro include:
- Being asked to show some photo ID when they arrive.
- Having public liability insurance in place.
- Giving a written or text quote before they start.
- Making clear what payment options are available and giving a proper invoice at the end.
If a locksmith can’t show you their licence, can’t give a quote or just can’t provide an invoice, it’s probably time to look for someone else.
A Locksmith Worth Their Salt Will Ask Questions Too
Being asked to prove you live somewhere can feel like a real pain when you’re stuck outside a locked door with no way in. But the truth is, a professional locksmith usually wants to make sure that they’re working for the right person. Showing them a driver’s licence with your address on it, or giving them a copy of the lease or a utility bill on your phone will usually do the job.
And that check is just as much for your protection as it is for the locksmiths, if they were going to turn a blind eye to who they were unlocking the door for, then they’d be happy to do it for any stranger.
Getting The Price Right Before You Call the Locksmith
A locksmith’s bill can sometimes break down into several bits: a call-out fee, some extra for working outside normal hours, the cost of the labour and any new hardware that’s needed. A reputable trader will explain all of that upfront and make sure you know the total before they get started. Under Aussie Consumer Law, the job also has to be done with a decent level of care and skill.
A good locksmith should be able to open most standard locks without causing any damage and having to drill. If they’re suggesting drilling straight off the bat, it’s probably worth asking why. And getting a written or text quote is a good idea too, if the trader refuses to put things right, you can always take that to the fair trading office for help.
Rekey or Replace? Which Makes More Sense?
Losing your keys doesn’t always mean you need to get a whole new lock. Rekeying just changes the pins inside the lock, so old keys won’t work anymore while the lock still stays on the door. That can be a lot cheaper than replacement and is a good idea for new homeowners, people moving out, or anyone who isn’t sure how many copies of the keys are still knocking around.
But when a lock is just worn out, damaged or just not up to the door it’s on, then it’s probably better to replace it. Older back door locks can be a bit of a weak spot, and a locksmith attending a lockout can give them a look on the same visit.
Getting Prepared Helps a Lot
Most lockouts can be avoided, and the ones that do happen can be a lot less stressful if you’re prepared. So:
- Leave a spare key with a trusted neighbour or relative, just make sure it’s not hidden under the doormat.
- Save the number of a local, checked and licensed locksmith in your phone right now.
- And remember that car lockouts, especially if you have a transponder key, need specialist skills.
Trying to find a locksmith on a cold doorstep with a dying phone battery is never a good idea. Spending 5 minutes checking ahead of time can turn what would have been a costly stress into a short wait instead.
