Without doubt a very important question! So how could somebody find a good locksmith?
As there is no formal regulatory body covering the licensing of locksmiths (i.e. anyone can offer their services as a locksmith) it makes it doubly important that you do all of the necessary background checks before hiring a locksmith. Here’s how to go about checking the credentials of a locksmith.
How to ensure you are getting the real deal?
Firstly, you should always seek third party approval. Registration with the Locksmith Association Approved Company such as MLA or UKLA tells you that the locksmith has most probably been vetted, can be inspected on a regular basis and that the firm employs qualified locksmiths (by qualified I mean someone who has sat and passed the appropriate exams and has certification to prove it).
Don’t be fooled by logos, badges and links to other associations; with which often all a business have to do is pay for membership. Do your research on the associations your locksmith is affiliated with and see what their selection criterion involves. There are different types, levels and standards of accreditation; you should make sure that it actually means something.
Search Local
Use a local 24 hour locksmith contractor. Do everything to avoid nation-wide services that don’t work with their own engineers. Often these firms are nothing more than huge call centres who subcontract their work to local locksmiths. So essentially all you are doing is paying their margin on top of what you would have paid the locksmith. Save yourself some money and go local. You are also relying on the call centre-based firm to carry out the checks I have mentioned above; they may not do this.
Use different sources
Phone a friend. Ask around for recommendations; this is a great way to find a reputable locksmith who can be trusted.
Also remember that locksmiths do far more than just let you into your home when you have lost your keys on a drunken night out or dropped them down a drain getting out of your car! Locksmiths specialize in different residential and commercial locking problems through to vehicles lock issues. They can cut keys for you and they can get into things like safes too. Locksmiths are highly skilled professionals.
If you need a locksmith and wish to find one on the internet try to make a cross research, reading customers reviews and asking existing clients of the company about their satisfaction with the service. That is especially when more than just gaining entry to your home or changing a lock is required. Make sure that the locksmith is local to you and not just clamming to be so by verifying this with the locksmith over your initial phone call.