Faulty Front Door Entry Lock

I received a phone call from a local estate agent and letting agency. A tenant was having issues using the front door lock: it seemed stiff and took a while for the key to engage and open the door.

As part of my service I try to build a picture of the issue by asking pre-determined questions, so I can give an accurate quotation. I always either give a set cost or, if the issue sounds unpredictable, a minimum and maximum price.

It turned out the letting agents were acting on behalf of a previous client of mine. She had rented her property out and told them to use my services. Yet another referral from a previous customer.

On arrival and inspection of the internal night latch, I noticed the mechanism was very stiff to use. I advised the agents of my intentions and the cost, which was approved over the phone, then stripped the lock mechanism and gave it a full service. Some locksmiths would simply replace the night latch, but this particular one was an Ingersoll SC73, and those are not cheap.

Once serviced, refitted and tested, the lock worked perfectly, and the repair saved the client a small fortune compared with replacement.

The landlady, Rosemary, later messaged me: "Hi Richard, Amy at Field Palmer estate agents was very impressed with your professionalism. I've said you come highly recommended. I'm sure they will bear you in mind for future work if that's something you'd be interested in."