Locksmith questions — answered directly
The questions we hear most often across Dulwich and South London. No filler, no hedging.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a locksmith cost in Dulwich?
Emergency lockouts start from £65. Anti-snap cylinder replacement from £55 fitted. UPVC gearbox replacement from £95 including parts. BS3621 mortice deadlock installation from £85. Smart lock installation from £120. We always quote a fixed price before starting — the price we quote is the price on the invoice.
Which door locks meet insurance and police standards for London townhouses and luxury flats?
UK insurers typically require BS3621-rated mortice deadlocks on timber doors, or TS007-rated cylinders on UPVC and composite doors (a 1-star cylinder with a 2-star handle, or a 3-star cylinder). These are also the standards referenced in police Secured by Design guidance. We supply and fit both, and document the ratings on your invoice for your insurer.
My key is stuck in the lock — what should I do?
Don't force it — forcing a stuck key is the most common way keys snap. Try gently wiggling while applying light turning pressure, and a small spray of graphite or lock lubricant (never oil-based sprays long-term). If it won't budge, call 07984 547185: we extract stuck and snapped keys without damaging the lock in most cases.
My UPVC door won't lock — what's wrong?
The most common cause is a failed multipoint gearbox: the handle drops or needs force, and the bolts won't engage. Other causes include a dropped door (hinge adjustment needed) or a misaligned keep. We diagnose the exact fault on-site and fix most UPVC problems in a single visit from £75.
How fast can you get to me in an emergency?
From our SE22 base: Dulwich and East Dulwich within 30 minutes; Herne Hill, Camberwell and Peckham 35–40 minutes; Brixton and Southwark up to 45 minutes. We give you a specific arrival estimate when you call — not a vague window.
Do you charge extra at night or on weekends?
No. Our pricing is identical 24/7 — nights, weekends and bank holidays included. No call-out fee, no hidden charges.
Will you damage my door or lock?
Non-destructive entry is our standard: specialist bypass and picking tools first, drilling only as a genuine last resort that we agree with you beforehand.
Should I change my locks when I move house?
Yes — it's the first thing we recommend. You can't know how many key copies exist with previous owners, tenants or tradespeople. We rekey every external cylinder on moving day from £55 per cylinder.
Are smart locks worth it?
For the right door, yes: keyless entry, temporary guest codes and an audit trail are genuinely useful. What matters is choosing the right model for your door type (UPVC multipoint vs timber mortice) and having it installed and configured properly — which is exactly what we do, from £120.
Can you cut a key marked 'do not duplicate'?
Only with the proper authorisation — the key holder's authorisation card or written permission, per the manufacturer's terms. Without it, neither we nor anyone reputable should cut it.
What areas do you cover?
Dulwich (SE22/SE21), East Dulwich (SE22), Herne Hill (SE24), Peckham (SE15), Camberwell (SE5), Brixton (SW2/SW9), Southwark (SE1) and wider South London. Call 07984 547185 if you're unsure about your postcode.
Do you provide invoices for insurance claims?
Always. Every job gets a full itemised invoice showing parts (brand, model, British Standard rating) and labour — formatted to meet UK insurer requirements, including after break-ins.