Kirsty Douglas
Kirsty researches and writes guides for Top Rated Locksmiths, turning prices, rules and official guidance into plain advice for homeowners. She grows tomatoes in a very small greenhouse.
Articles by Kirsty Douglas
How to Choose a Strong Padlock for a Shed, Gate or Garage
How to pick a padlock for a shed, gate or garage: closed shackle versus open shackle, what Sold Secure ratings mean, why the hasp and staple matter, and what to check in your insurance policy.
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Car Key Burglary and Where to Keep Your Keys at Night
Why burglars break in just for car keys, what police advise about where to keep keys at night and when you are away, and which locks and habits make the front door harder to get through.
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Does Home Insurance Pay for a Locksmith or New Locks?
What home insurance, home emergency cover and optional key cover normally do and do not pay for when you need a locksmith or new locks, and what to check in your policy before you call.
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Should a Locksmith Drill Your Lock? Non Destructive Entry Guide
When a locksmith should drill a lock, when they should not, what non destructive entry means in practice, what a replacement costs and how to question a bill that starts with a drill.
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Composite Door Lock Problems and When to Call a Locksmith
Why composite door locks stiffen or fail, the signs that a gearbox is wearing out, when a door that has dropped is the real cause, and when a locksmith needs to fit a new gearbox or full lock.
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How to Spot a Rogue Locksmith Before You Let Them In
The warning signs of a rogue locksmith, from a too cheap advert and call centre phone lines to drilling first, plus what to ask, how to check and what to do if you have been overcharged.
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Garden Gate Locks and How to Secure a Side Gate
Why the side gate matters, the main types of garden gate lock, how to make a gate hard to climb, the planning height limits and what to ask a locksmith.
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Patio Door Locks and How to Make Sliding Doors Secure
How patio door locks work, the faults that stop them locking, how sliding doors are made secure and what a locksmith charges to repair or replace the lock.
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How Much Does Key Cutting Cost in the UK?
Typical 2026 prices for cutting house, mortice, window, security and safe keys, how long it takes and why restricted and patented keys need a locksmith.
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Types of Front Door Lock and Which Is Most Secure
The main types of front door lock in UK homes, how each one works, which standards make it secure and the best set up for a timber, uPVC or composite door.
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How to Find a Local Locksmith You Can Trust
How to check a local locksmith before you book, from trade body approval and ID to clear pricing, so you know who you are letting in.
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