02 Dec
Locks, Locksmith

Kinetica+ K4’s Game Changing Security

When I moved into a new home recently, I opted to get my locks changed to help increase the level of safety in my home. The lock I chose was the Fullex Kinetica+ K4 Euro cylinder that ended up being one of my best purchases yet.

The locksmith that helped me install it properly told me how it’s got a two-part cam system that prevents burglaries by stopping their attacks from working entirely. It has been tried and tested by myself when I once tried opening it without using my key.

Besides looking nice and clean on any door I’ve installed it on, I saw its ultra-secure BSI Kitemark 3-star rating, found engraved at the front of the lock, confirming its quality.

I mentioned that I put it on multiple doors in my home too, and I didn’t spend that much! The price is fair and worth it especially in the recent pandemic, it is advertised to have antibacterial and antiviral properties.

I highly recommend the product to everyone. It’s reliable, secure, and worth it. Plus, when I had any inquiries, their contact information was easy to find and get a response from.

30 Nov
Locksmith

10 Steps to Choose the Right Locksmith

Did you just move into a new home and you thought it would be best for your safety to get your locks replaced? What if you live alone and you got locked in or out of your own property? Cars are not out of the question, sometimes you get distracted and lose your keys.

It happens to the best of us, which is why it is important to remember that there are locksmiths who know just how to help you out.

However, not all of them can be trusted. Here are 10 steps you must take before hiring a professional locksmith. Find out how you can avoid unnecessary fees, damaged items, inefficient service, and other unpleasant surprises.

1. Look for a well-known business.

Locksmith businesses are well-known for a reason. Although in some cases, they might charge for more, you can guarantee that the service they provide has already been tried and tested by many. When businesses are well known, the easier they are to look up online or locals may be able to tell you more about them compared to places that are not. If you have time, look up your local locksmiths and check which one looks the most worth it in your opinion. Here in What’s the Damage’s Directory, we have listed businesses for each lock-related service you might need.

2. Ask locals for recommendations.

Even if it is indeed convenient to do your own research online, word by mouth has its own benefits as well. Your friends, family, and neighbours have recommendations and it is important to hear them out, learn about their experience, and determine if you want to try it out as well.

3. Check for licenses and certificates.

Any company and business must have legitimate documents that prove their authenticity. If you want to see if a place is legitimate, ask for their license and certificates that will tell you the time and effort they have put into the craft. When made to sign documents, it is only natural you have access to their legality in case you encounter any problem.

4. Make sure they are experienced in the industry.

Knowledge and skill grow through many years of experience. Make sure that the locksmith you hired has studied and worked long enough in the field, to lessen the risks of a failed service. You’ll feel at ease knowing the locksmith you sought help in has already experienced and fixed the problem you currently have

5. Guarantee product warranty.

Fixing locks is not the only job a locksmith has. They can install new locks, cut new keys, and install security systems too. When they get you a new product for your security, there should be a warranty in case something goes wrong to prevent you from getting unnecessarily stressed. When handing you a warranty, the locksmith might ask to see your ID and have you sign an approval form. This is the right procedure, you do not need to fret.

6. Ask for your locksmith’s identification.

Anyone handling your security should be documented and taken note of. You may take a photo of the license plate of the vehicle they came with, as well as their ID when you ask for it. Should there be any issues in the future, you may contact the business directly and have the information of the locksmith handy.

7. Request a written estimate.

Any reputable locksmith business is willing to send you an estimated cost for your service even before you ask for it. Sneaky locksmiths may get away with charging you extra if you do not know what exactly you should be paying beforehand.

8. Check their online reviews.

Looking through what previous customers think of the service they have received is important information. You can gauge if they’re good or not based on their ratings and some reviews will let you know if there are things you have to take note of in every business. Here in What’s the Damage, we mention the ratings and reviews of every listed business to help you when checking them out.

9. Check their rates and charging policy.

Before getting into any service, ask for their rates and charging policy, and compare it to online reviews or local opinions. That way you can avoid unnecessary costs and cheating.

10. Follow the payment procedure.

Pay accordingly and ask for a receipt. The closer you follow their payment procedure, the easier it will be for you to avoid any liability in case a problem is encountered.

When in doubt, feel free to ask them questions or inquire beforehand. If you take a look at any listing here, the necessary contact information is always available for you to check out.
18 Sep
Locksmith

Fun in Locksmith Exhibitions

What are exhibitions? In a nutshell, they are trade shows that offer a wide platform for brands to showcase their products, services and communicate their key message to a large audience that is at least interested in it. It can help people meet others that share the same interest and skill, widen their connections, and learn more about those that would normally stay in a separate area.

For business owners, it helps them market their products and services to a large audience, boosting their sponsorship and advertising opportunities. The people there are in the right frame of mind to hear others out. Finally, it helps business owners learn about their competitors and think about how they can compete against them more effectively in the future.

There are many exhibitions for all types of interests, you might even find a reptile show, the perfect place for you to learn about your favourite snake.

Locksmithing as a skill has been around for over 4,000 years, the first recorded locks dating back to 704 BC. As people that specialize in metal and repair work, locksmiths have been the perfect pick for everyone when it comes to their security, even after literal thousands of years.

With how important they are, of course, locksmiths have exhibitions as well!

MLA Expo, or Master Locksmiths Association Expo, is the UK and Europe’s largest locksmith exhibition. In the year 2021, they will return as the security event of the year, arguably the safest place to be.

From starting out as a small event in hotels, MLA Expo has grown significantly and is now the largest Locksmith and Security event of its kind in Europe, requiring a purpose-built exhibition venue of 6000+ square meters to house the significant number of exhibitors and visitors who attend the event.

Included in the list of exhibitors that will be visiting is APECS, Van Guard Accessories Ltd, Metric Safes, Adaptalock, Souber Tools, Abloy, Sold Secure, and way more! Each of them has their own forte, length of experience, and have all been recognized because of their work. They’ll present the best deals for locks, keys, and more items you might need for your security system.

Why should you attend MLA Expo? As you would with any expo, this is your chance to get your hands on the latest locksmith tools and security products, great show deals and the usual Excellent Locksmith Training, all at the premier locksmiths exhibition. It is open for anyone whether you are an aspiring locksmith in the industry or a simple citizen that is interested in learning more about them.

Besides stalls you can visit, and announcements you may listen in to, there will be training and seminars to help you widen your knowledge about locksmithing. Apparently, there will be over 80 classes being run with over 30 being free of charge, it continues to prove itself as a huge opportunity you shouldn’t miss.

If you want to read more about the event, the MLA has a website you can view where you can register to attend for free. If you’re reading this after the event has taken place, it is your chance to think about whether you want to join for another exhibition in the future.

What’s The Damage supports events that promote locksmithing and show how useful the industry can be.

18 Sep
Locksmith

Finding Passion in Locks and Keys

Locksmiths don’t just appear out of nowhere. Like most jobs, they require training and funding to start their own business. How do they get those? What does it take to be a locksmith?

Locksmiths are more important than most people think. They may sound like a low-key profession but the industry is large and it covers both domestic and commercial markets. After all, everyone values their security.

Those that receive the right set of training and certification are in demand and are never short of work. People are always seeking the right people to help them out with upgrading and building their security systems.

To become a locksmith, you do not necessarily need a previous qualification to start a training course somewhere. It depends, but the only thing some may need is a valid driving license. Anyone can do it, it is enough that you have the discipline to work and passion to learn.

Locksmith training courses cover the techniques you need to learn how to open a door without damage. Each course is different, some may provide your tools, some may take longer than others, some may be a breeze to go through. What solidifies your authenticity as a locksmith is skill and experience that will help gain people’s trust.

Why can’t you just install your own locks then? The question has the same ring as ‘why go to a hospital if you have essential oils.’ Sure, you could do that, but are you really doing the right thing?

Locksmiths studied the right way to install locks. They know the most secure types of locks for you, things you don’t know, unless you’re just as experienced as them in the field. Not only that, they cut keys, help out with emergency lockouts, gain entry to sealed areas and objects, upgrade security systems, travel to many different properties in various locations with a vehicle full of stock that they will need, and way more.

Locksmiths are the kind of professionals that will be needed for a long time, and they are aware of the fact that times are changing, so they change and upgrade with it. You can count on them when it comes to CCTV installations and even car key programming. Even as an industry dominated by men, women are still encouraged to join in. Diversifying your skill leads to more work, you never truly stop learning.

However, all that being said, there are difficulties that come with it as well.

Locksmiths get flooded by calls from advertisers as soon as their business is up, and referral services may charge you for helping out. There is always the risk of work getting saturated in the area you want to base in, leading to you getting forced to lower your prices. As a beginner, you might have to spend a few years to gain experience.

It all comes down to passion and bravery. No matter the hardship you may face in the future, it is important to remember that “locksmiths won’t be needed in the future” has no truth to it. There will always be a need for a “security professional.” Hard work pays off eventually. Anticipate the people that will owe you their security in the future.

18 Sep
Locks, Locksmith, Uncategorized

Lock Types: What Works Best For You?

When building or upgrading your own security system, one of the many things that may surprise you is how wide the selection of types of locks really is. Naturally, it is important to know what they are in detail to help you know which would work the best for you.

  • Padlocks

Arguably the most common and easiest to distinguish for the common people is the padlock. It’s easy to “install” and use, an all-around type of lock that is easier to replace than repair as it rarely gets damaged in the first place. The padlock is the only type of lock that isn’t permanently attached to anything. They come in different shapes and sizes to fit a specific purpose but they come in just two different varieties, combination and keyed. The combination type is easier to decode, as it only needs some dials to press for it to open, while the keyed version is much harder to pry open.

  • Deadbolt

Deadbolt locks are generally installed on front doors, most accurately described as a flat device with a keyhole that locks and unlocks doors. This type of lock comes in three primary varieties: single, double, and lockable thumbturn. The main weakness of the deadbolt lock is that it is easy to open through any nearby opening where people can turn the thumbturn, if there is one, and gain access to any place or room they want to enter. It still depends on which type you feel is most suitable for the door you have in mind.

  • Knob Locks

This type of lock is most frequently installed along with a deadbolt in residential situations, although it can be used on its own as well, it generally isn’t advised to be used on external doors. Knob locks aren’t for main security functions, since the lock itself is located inside the knob, not the door. They are easy to break off with a hammer or wrench, completely rendering their function useless. Reconsider using a knob lock for your front door, it may be safer to use it on your bathroom or other doors instead.

  • Lever Handle Lock

These are the locks you may see in the inner doors of establishments and businesses. The lever function makes them very easy to open, perfect for a place where people are expected to be going in and out of areas.

  • Cam Locks

Cam locks are small and handy, perfect for cabinets and mailboxes that need to be private. They come in several different lengths and can use a variety of tailpieces or “cams” to interface with another locking mechanism. Cam locks rotate in 90 or 180 degrees for you to gain access to a small container.

  • Rim/Mortise Lock

Both locks are commonly used in commercial settings, although similar in appearance, the rim and the mortise lock differ in the way their lockin systems operate. The mortise lock is built with a cam on the back that revolves as the key is turned in the lock. Meanwhile, the rim lock is a threaded stem that turns the lock along with the key.

  • Euro Profile Cylinder

Sometimes referred to as DIN Cylinders, the Euro Profile Cylinder is quite common in Europe as well as in North America and other parts of the world. It is relatively standard, held by a single screw, making the type easy to remove because of the lack of reinforcement. They come in several varieties: single cylinder (one-sided), double cylinder, and single cylinder with thumbturn.

  • Jimmy Proof Deadbolt

They’re a surface-mount lock frequently found in apartments and double doors. If you were to relate it to woodworking, it looks very similar to a dovetail joint. They can be attached to any door, making them easy to install, and therefore preferred by many.

  • Wall Mounted Lock

As the name suggests, this type of lock is directly mounted into the wall connected to the door or opening. They can be used for small storages, safes, and establishments, and they’re frequently built with alarm sensors.

  • IC Cylinder

The Interchangeable Core Cylinder is frequently used in larger institutions and businesses and are known for their easy ability to re-key the lock by swapping out the core without taking the lock apart. A separate key is used to take apart the core of the lock without the need to disassemble everything. This makes it very easy to upgrade, hence why it is preferred by businesses.

  • Furniture Lock

Like the cam lock, the furniture lock can be used for cabinets and desks, what differentiates it is that it can be safely used for sliding doors as well. Using a key, a furniture lock opens when you turn it and the rod that keeps things secure retracts into the body.

  • Rim Latch Lock

The Rim Latch Lock has a cylinder on one side and a surface mount latch lock on the other, letting it auto-lock the door behind you. Although it isn’t necessarily designed to be able to take much force, you can use it on external locks by pairing it with other locks.

There are still a number of locks that weren’t listed here. However, it is important to note that a locksmith’s input on what type you should use can make a huge difference. Their experience and skill can help you out, and they can recommend locks that they know will protect you.

When it comes to your security, don’t just settle for what’s available and convenient. Here at What’s The Damage, we show locksmith prices throughout the UK to help you compare. We hope that the short description of the previously mentioned lock types helps you out!

18 Sep
Locksmith

Why Is It Important to Have a Local Locksmith?

Why are there so many locksmiths? Just one look at What’s The Damage’s Directory makes you wonder, why can’t there be just one main shop for the country? Isn’t it confusing to have so many?

It’s obvious. It’s convenient and useful for everyone involved, the locksmith and the customer.

Like many local businesses, the closer they are to the centre of civilization, the more they profit. People will naturally prefer a place that is fast and easy for them to reach. Why do we need local restaurants, local laundromats, local groceries? No one will spend 2 hours of travel just to get a refill for the lowest shelf of their fridge. No one will wake up at 7 am on a Saturday just to catch the right bus and arrive on time for their lunch reservation. Businesses choose to stay close to the people so that in return, the people choose them back. It’s convenient, it’s fast, it benefits everyone.

Additionally, the closer a certain service is, the faster they can respond to any possible emergency. Almost every city has one or more of its own fire department, police department, hospital, and more. It is much safer for the citizens, and relative peace is kept in the city.

Security is one of the many expertise of a  locksmith. It concerns the safety of our houses and our own businesses. The closer the locksmith is, the faster they can respond to emergencies such as break-ins and sudden key snapping incidents.

In the event of you suddenly breaking your front door key, it’s a huge relief that you don’t have to spend the night outside your home or risk disturbing a family member that has your spare key. You could just call the local locksmith that will take just around 15 minutes to reach you. If you suddenly break your car key, you don’t have to come late to work, a locksmith can help you out with that as well.

When you have a local locksmith in your area, the easier it is to ask around for their opinion on the service as well. Through the people and their own experiences, you can determine if someone or the business you’re interested in is trustworthy enough for you to seek out as well. You can also start to form your own opinion of the locksmith, and have an expectation before you decide to call them.

When it comes to your security, sometimes looking up tips and stuff on the internet isn’t enough. It still makes a big difference to have a nearby professional that you can call or visit. That way, you can talk to someone that has the right training and skills, and avoid incorrect or outdated information.

A local locksmith’s experience includes knowledge of the city’s threat level. They know how many locks your house should include, where your cameras should face, and will offer to survey your house to check if your other openings such as windows are easy for intruders to open. 

Having a local locksmith saves you from spending more than you should compare to calling a locksmith outside your city. It can be hard to trust someone that likely hasn’t been to your area yet.

When it comes to the safety of your family and your belongings, it is important to have a professional within your reach. Don’t forget to get your local locksmith’s contact information and have it handy at all times. Here at What’s The Damage, every business listed has their complete contact information and links to their website written for everyone to see. We aim to support the industry and those that seek their help.

Why wait? Click your city in our directory and check the businesses listed under it so you have their information ready for any future use!

20 Apr
Locksmith

A locksmith became a hero for a distraught family

A locksmith with experience was hailed a hero to a family. This locksmith dashed and helped a bedbound man and his distraught daughter.

The locksmith, Alan Ayers who is 64 years old, owns Lockforce Colchester for the past 2 years and has experience being a locksmith for 25 years. He got a call from a distressed Lisa Matthews, whose mother is being treated in hospital, while working on a job in Lexden.

Struggling to get out her thoughts, she explained to Mr. Ayers that her elderly and sick father was stuck at home alone, due to his caregiver having difficulty in getting in. Mr. Ayers then said to calm down, he noticed that she was so stressed and was panicking.

Alan Ayers stated that, “I immediately dropped what I was doing and rushed over there and managed to get the door unlocked and get inside. I then went and calmed her dad down and then made him a cup of tea and had a chat with him before calling his daughter to tell her he was all OK. She literally burst into tears and was so pleased and relieved, because she was working the other side of London, so was not able to get there.”

Mr. Ayers went about his day after fixing the back door of the Colchester property, which was kept shut with bits of wood, and said nothing more about it. However, he began receiving phone calls and texts from friends and family informing him that he had just been named Hero of the Day on a programme named Sara Cox’s Radio 2 show.

Mr Ayers said: “I was flabbergasted because this Lisa Matthews had put me up for it because of what I did for her and I was just stunned. It was all about how much of a hero I was and ever since then people have been calling me about it. It is all a bit embarrassing if I am honest. But I will definitely call Lisa soon to thank her.”

Mr. Ayers has had to help people get out of sticky circumstances on several occasions during his long career as a locksmith. He rescued an NHS doctor who had locked himself out of his car and left his house keys inside earlier this year, for example.

“People do panic when they lose their keys, so I shot round there straight away, and he was so pleased. After what the doctors and nurses have done this past year, I will never charge them again for my services – they deserve It,” added Mr. Ayers.

However, Mr Ayer’s most amusing encounter of getting others out of trouble involved a trapped man in a bath towel and a mischievous pet pup. He said: “I got a call from a man in Bergholt saying he had been locked out of his house and was in his neighbour’s home. When I got there, he came out with just a towel around him, and so I had to ask him what had happened. He told me he had gone to check if the milkman had dropped off his milk and then the dog had jumped and shut the door before him. It was right on the High Street as well so everyone could see him. I could not stop laughing – that was a really funny one.”

google search
29 Mar
Locksmith, news

Advertising Rogue Locksmiths—Is Google Responsible?

When you need something fixed but don’t know how to go about it, what’s the first thing you do? Where do you go when you need to know about the cost of a particular product or service? If looking it up on Google comes to mind, you think like the majority of the population. Due to Google’s massive accessibility and reach, it has become the best friend of many when it comes to acquiring information from anywhere at any time. However, how sure are we that everything we find on the search giant is true and legitimate?

For many years, rogue locksmiths—also called cowboy locksmiths—have taken advantage of the search engine’s popularity to scam unsuspecting customers. Recently, cases of these incidents have started rising once again due to the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic. Burglars looking to make money pose as the most knowledgeable and affordable locksmiths offering their services at around £49, which is about half the usual price. These people take advantage of the client’s urgency and lure customers in by paying large amounts of money for advertising. This makes them the number one search result, moving above all the legitimate locksmiths. On the other hand, flustered homeowners whose only goal is to get back into their property instinctively choose the first option they see. Once the fake locksmiths are hired, their “clients” are slowly intimidated into paying amounts that may go over a thousand pounds, making up for the sums they paid for advertising. This method helps them earn a lot more than they usually would, but only if they are able to get away uncaught.

What does Google have to do with this?

The blame not only falls on the rogue locksmiths for doing such a thing but also on the platform that enables them to multiply and carry out their malicious deeds. The advertisements that appear on Google are based on who can pay the most during the auctions they hold. The bidding process determines which of the interested parties gets to advertise on the desired spot.

Before a business is allowed to participate in the bidding, its legitimacy is determined through background checks conducted by Google’s local partners. These checks involve both identity and criminal history checks, as well as other important factors that play a huge role in building trust between the business and its customer. However, these background checks are only currently available in Canada and the United States, which means that not all advertisements from various regions are thoroughly checked. Furthermore, the fact that false advertisements are able to make their way to the top proves these background checks somewhat ineffective.

Is Google doing anything about this issue?

Google has received countless criticisms on their algorithm, with various researchers claiming that they allow questionable companies to be placed on top in exchange for the large amounts of money they offer for advertisements. This makes many think that Google has a hand in helping cowboy locksmiths thrive.

These issues have forced Google to take action. This year, they announced that advertisements for locksmiths and garage door repairs in the USA and Canada will now be limited to businesses that have successfully gone through advanced verification processes. As for locations such as Germany, Sweden, Belgium, and the Netherlands, ads for locksmiths are completely restricted—probably until thorough background checks become available in those regions. In addition to this, Google continues to update its restrictions regarding business ads. They do this to ensure that businesses comply with their rules and regulations, and to avoid being held liable for possible scams as well.

How long locksmith advertisements will be concealed is still unknown to the general public. As for now, it is best to look for locksmiths through only the most trusted websites available on the web.

Finding the best locksmiths in the industry

trusted locksmithHiring trusted workers is essential to maintain a safe environment. It’s a good thing that various websites have made it easier to find locksmiths, without having to compromise security. It’s best to be familiar with these websites, in order to be prepared if ever the situation calls for it.

The Master Locksmith Association (MLA) has a search tool on their website which allows residents of the UK to easily find locksmiths close to them. All locksmiths who are part of the MLA can certainly be trusted, as they have gone through police checks and thorough verification processes.

On the other hand, WhatsTheDamage provides a directory of the most trusted locksmiths, cobblers, and jewellers across the UK. With the intent of putting your safety above everything, WhatsTheDamage ensures that each and every company listed on their meticulously-made directory has been verified down to the smallest detail. Not only does it contain locations and contact information, but also detailed reviews and ratings based on many of their clients’ testimonies, which make finding a locksmith a lot easier.

Familiarise yourself with the locksmiths in your area today. With WhatsTheDamage, you’ll never have to worry about picking the wrong locksmith.

criminal picking lock
26 Mar
Locksmith, news

The Locksmith Who Fixed Locks by Breaking Them

Imagine that you’re on your way home from a tiring day of work when you notice that the lock to your front door seems to have stopped working. It might have ended up like so due to how old it is, the way it was used, or how its internal workings have been affected by a number of surrounding factors. Before panic consumes you, relief washes over you as you see a locksmith’s business card conveniently propped near the broken lock—it’s your lucky day!

Locksmiths across the European Union have used this technique to quickly multiply their earnings. After breaking the locks of unsuspecting homeowners, they place their business cards where the alarmed victims would easily spot them. A particular 24-hour locksmith from Spain was fined €1,800 with an additional sentence of €2,834—a total of €4,184 or £3,584—after being caught on the town’s CCTV surveillance system. He was seen to have inserted toothpicks and other small items into the locks of both private and commercial properties in Valladolid. Admitting to his crimes, the locksmith was advised by the court to pay off the compensation in monthly increments of €100.

WhatsTheDamage puts your safety above everything else. To ensure that you never come across a locksmith like him, take a look at their thoroughly researched directory of locksmiths. Containing only the most trusted locksmiths across the UK, WhatsTheDamage guarantees that through their website, you will easily find a locksmith you can rely on.

broken door lock
12 Mar
Locksmith, news

The Case of The Cowboy Locksmiths & How to Avoid Their Scams

First isn’t always best, just as top search results aren’t always the most accurate. This has been proven by the recent spike in issues surrounding the so-called “cowboy locksmiths” who have been silently wreaking havoc across the locksmith industry.

Who are cowboy locksmiths?

Cowboy locksmiths who deceive unsuspecting homeowners who have gotten locked out of their homes have been around for decades. They pose as certified locksmiths, offering the lowest rates available on the market. Flustered individuals eager to get back in their homes take the bait and hire them immediately. What they don’t know is that those low prices are merely a fraction of what they are yet to be charged.

Once a rogue locksmith—appearing as top search results, thanks to multiple ads—is called out, quotes begin to skyrocket. This is what happened with North London resident Ruth Leveson, who found “Local Locksmith 24 Hours” after a quick Google search for locksmiths in her area. The initial quote to replace a front door lock was priced at £50, which seemed too good to be true. To Ruth’s surprise, she was charged an additional £400 upon the arrival of the locksmith half an hour later. Far from being content, the locksmith once again charged an additional £400 while threatening to pack up and leave with the lock lest he didn’t get paid. Feeling like she had run out of options, Ruth reluctantly paid the final invoice of £782 and decided to take the issue to court. The whole incident cost her over £1000.

Spotting rogue locksmiths

drilling a lockDue to the global pandemic and lockdowns across the UK, more and more rogue locksmiths have seized the opportunity to scam innocent families. These trying times make it all the more important to ensure that the person you are hiring to secure your home can be trusted.

The frustrations of getting locked out usually make searching for a trusted locksmith seem tedious. However, a rogue locksmith can easily be spotted if one takes a close look. One of the easiest means to spot a fake locksmith is by checking their accreditations. Locksmiths who have been certified by the Master Locksmith Association (MLA) are some of the most trusted in the industry. Refrain from directly asking your locksmith for proof, as these documents can easily be faked. Instead, take a quick look at the MLA website to know whether or not they are accredited.

Rogue locksmiths are also identifiable by their extremely low quotes. They lure customers in with their “affordable prices” and “excellent service” as they compete with real locksmiths. Unaware of the real practices used, rogue locksmiths tend to use drills without trying non-destructive entry methods. To refrain from being fooled by their tactics, it is important to be mindful of the actual costs of hiring a locksmith. Trusted websites such as those of the MLA and WhatsTheDamage provide an extensive list of the common costs of various repair and installation jobs. These prices are known to be the average across the locksmith industry in the UK.

Finding the right locksmith

Spotting a trusted locksmith can be difficult. However, knowing what to do makes everything a lot easier. Since locksmithing is no easy task, skills and experience are crucial in a locksmith’s career. Ask your locksmith for previous projects they have worked on, as well as other relevant experience they have gained. This can help you gauge their expertise and trustworthiness when it comes to working. In addition, make sure to get quotes from more than one locksmith. As tempting as it is to go for the first locksmith you find, it is also very impractical as there is a chance that they could be rogue.

Hiring the most trusted locksmiths has been made easy with WhatsTheDamage. Through in-depth reviews on the background and services of accredited locksmith companies, customers no longer have to go through the trouble of making sure that they’ve hired someone they can trust. WhatsTheDamage also provides up-to-date store locations and contact information, acting much like the UK’s largest directory of the best local repairmen.

Make sure to take a look at the directory of WhatsTheDamage the next time you get locked out to save yourself from unnecessary stress and anxiety. Checking the website beforehand can also help you familiarize yourself with the locksmiths in your area, helping you avoid the dangerous threats of cowboy locksmiths. With WhatsTheDamage, you’ll be back in your home in no time.

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