FAQs Guides
Car Ignition Barrel Problems and When the Key Won't Turn
Why a car key sticks or will not turn in the ignition, the steering lock check the RAC and AA describe, when a worn key or barrel needs an auto locksmith, and what removal and repair typically cost.
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What to Do When a Child Locks Themselves in a Room
Calm steps for a parent whose child is locked in a bathroom or bedroom, when it is a 999 situation, when a locksmith can help and what it normally costs, and how to stop it happening again.
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How to Become a Locksmith in the UK and What Training Is Needed
Whether you need a licence to be a locksmith in the UK, MLA beginner courses and costs, the Level 4 qualification, how long it takes to get good and whether apprenticeships exist.
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Car Key Fob Not Working and When It Needs a Locksmith
What to check when a car key fob stops working, when a new battery is enough, what a repair or reprogramming normally involves, and when to call an auto locksmith rather than a main dealer.
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Keypad Door Locks and What to Do If You Forget the Code
What to do when you forget the code on a keypad door lock or key safe, why a reset depends on the model, what a factory reset wipes, and when a locksmith is the safe option.
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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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How to Complain About a Locksmith Who Overcharged You
Overcharged by a locksmith? Check whether they are MLA approved, gather evidence, complain in writing, ask your bank about getting money back and know when Trading Standards and small claims fit.
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Can Tenants or Landlords Change the Locks on a Rented Home?
When a tenant may change the locks, when a landlord may, why a landlord changing locks while a tenant is out can be a criminal offence, what happens between tenancies and who pays.
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Key Won't Turn in the Lock and What Usually Causes It
Why a key will not turn in a door lock, with the usual causes for uPVC and composite doors, night latches and mortice locks, what not to do and when a locksmith is the safe answer.
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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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Home Insurance Lock Requirements and What Your Policy Expects
What home insurers usually ask for on locks: BS3621 on timber doors, snap resistant cylinders on uPVC, window locks, and why your own policy wording is the only thing that counts.
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How to Measure a Euro Cylinder Before You Replace a Door Lock
How euro cylinder sizes work, what the two numbers mean, why a cylinder should not stick out and how to be sure you order the right length and snap resistant standard.
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