A short history of the locksmith

A locksmith designs, installs, repairs and maintains locks and other protection devices. The trade dates back to the Egyptian, Greek and Roman empires, when locks were mostly wood and metal, guarding valuables and documents. The Industrial Revolution gave us the pin tumbler and lever locks that, in refined forms, still guard most British front doors today.

Chrome multipoint handle and hook bolt on a sage green composite door with euro cylinder
The kind of hardware I fit

A modern Eastleigh locksmith works with all of it: traditional mechanical locks, electronic and biometric locks, keyless entry, access control and everything in between. The tools have changed. The job, getting the right people in and keeping the wrong people out, has not.

What to do if you lose your keys

  1. Have a proper look. Pockets, bags, the car, the places you would never leave them. Be thorough before you spend money.
  2. Ask family and friends. If you may simply have misplaced them, check with whoever you saw that day.
  3. Call a locksmith. If the keys are gone and you cannot get in, I can open the door without damaging it and cut a new key on site.
  4. Rekey or change the locks. If you are worried someone may have found the keys, rekeying or changing the locks stops them being useful to anyone.
  5. Keep a spare somewhere sensible. With a trusted neighbour or in a proper key safe, not under the mat.
  6. Consider a smart lock. Keyless entry via app, PIN or fingerprint means lost keys stop being an emergency at all.

What to do if your lock is broken

  1. Assess the damage. A jammed key or loose screws might be a simple fix.
  2. Do not force it. Applying pressure to a failing lock usually finishes it off, often with the door shut.
  3. Call a professional. I can diagnose and repair most problems on the spot, or replace the lock if it is beyond saving.
  4. Consider replacement. Sometimes a new lock is more cost-effective and more secure than repairing an old one. I will give you an honest recommendation.
  5. Think about upgrading. If the lock is old or below current standards, an upgrade to British Standard or anti-snap hardware pays for itself in peace of mind.

The benefits of a local Eastleigh locksmith

  • Fast response: I am minutes away, not hours, with 24/7 emergency cover
  • Non-destructive entry methods that protect your door and frame
  • Lock repairs, replacements and upgrades from one van, one visit
  • Honest advice on security, with a free survey if you want the full picture
  • A name and a face, not a national call centre