Helpful advice

Choosing a Locksmith

There are many highly skilled and reputable locksmiths around, but the industry is also plagued with rogue traders. To help you avoid a potentially rogue locksmith, Scotia Locksmiths is happy to share this free advice on what to look for when choosing one.

Low call-out fees

Many locksmiths advertise a low call-out fee of £39, £49 or even £59. This misleads customers into thinking that is the total price they will pay. In reality it is just the headline rate to secure the work: once the locksmith arrives and does the job, an often-inflated labour fee is added on top of the call-out fee, and parts and materials are commonly overcharged too. When comparing prices, always compare the overall cost to you, and make sure the quote includes parts, labour and, where appropriate, VAT.

Scotia Locksmiths will never charge a call-out fee. Every quote includes parts, labour and, where appropriate, VAT. We offer fixed pricing for the most common jobs, and tailored quotes for bespoke requests such as CCTV and high-security locks.

Avoid call centres

Some organisations advertise online as locksmiths when they are really only a call centre. They sub-contract the work out to another locksmith and charge you for the privilege. Scotia Locksmiths has no call centre: the mobile numbers on our website call the local locksmith directly, so you speak to the locksmith from the very first contact.

Not all locks offer the same quality and security

Locks come in various standards, some far better than others. At Scotia Locksmiths, all our euro cylinders are anti-snap, certified to EN1303, and pick, drill and pull resistant. All our Union 5-lever mortice locks and sash locks comply with BS EN 12209, BS EN 1634 and BS EN 3621.

Questions to ask the locksmith

A few direct questions quickly reveal how a locksmith really works:

  • Is there a call-out fee?
  • What is the total price for the work?
  • Who is the locksmith?
  • Who am I paying?