Locksmith Frequently Asked Questions

What locks should I have in order to comply with my insurance policy?

This will differ from one insurance policy to the next, so the best advice we can give you is to check your individual policy. On external doors, they will probably expect you to have one of the following:
– five lever mortice deadlock (or sashlock)
– multi point locking system (usually on a uPVC door)
– rim automatic deadlatch (also known as a nightlatch) complying with BS3621

Your insurance company will consider a lock that complies with British Standard BS3621 to be higher security. Some insurance policies require that your locks all meet this standard, and not doing so may invalidate your insurance.

Another option may be to have key locking bolts which can only be operated with a key from the inside, for example rackbolts, in addition to lower security locks.

Should I change the locks when I move home?

There is no need to change the locks on your old home when you move out of it – the new owner should do this themselves. You should definitely change the locks on your new home when you move in – and this should be a priority!

You have no idea how many keys exist for the old locks, or to whom those keys belong. It is also a common practice for estate agents to put their copy of a key on a keyring marked with the address of the property.

It’s a small cost, but a huge benefit. If you moved into a new property and you were burgled by someone who used a key, your insurance company would not pay out.

Furthermore, while you’re moving your belongings into your new property, it won’t be occupied at all times, though it will contain many of your valuables, conveniently boxed up and marked. Don’t be vulnerable – make it your first priority when moving home.

Should I change the locks if I lose my keys?

Absolutely – although you may think it’s unlikely that anyone would find the keys and know which lock they open, that’s really going to depend on who finds them and where! It’s better to be safe than sorry and, as above, if you are burgled using a key, your insurance will not pay out.

What is lock snapping?

Lock snapping is a burglary method which has received much publicity recently. Without going into detail, this method involves literally snapping a cylinder lock in order to gain entry to a property. This can be prevented by making sure your lock is correctly fitted, and by fitting an anti-snap cylinder. We advise that you seek professional advice from a locksmith if you are concerned that your lock is vulnerable.

Do you charge a call out fee?

No I never charge a call out fee, neither do i charge for coming out to your home or business to diagnose or quote on works. I only charge when you actually have works carried out after having all costs and details of works explained to you.

Is the work guaranteed?

Absolutely, all works are guaranteed for 12 months, any failure of materials is also guaranteed at St.Locks expense.