FAQs

General Questions

Q: What areas do Thanet Locksmiths cover? A: We proudly serve the entire Thanet area, including Margate, Ramsgate, Broadstairs, Cliftonville, Westgate-on-Sea, Birchington, Minster, Monkton, and all surrounding villages.

Q: Are you a genuine local locksmith? A: Yes, absolutely! We are an independent, local locksmith service based right here in Thanet. We are not a national call centre, ensuring you get a personal, reliable, and swift service from a familiar face.

Q: Are you insured and qualified? A: Yes, we are fully insured and our locksmiths are trained, qualified, and experienced in a wide range of locksmith services. Your security is in professional hands.

Q: What are your operating hours? A: We offer urgent and out-of-hours locksmith services. Please check our Contact Us page for our full operating hours and how to reach us.

Q: Do you offer free quotes? A: Yes, we provide transparent, no-obligation quotes for all non-emergency work. For emergency services, we will always provide a clear estimate of costs before commencing any work

Q: How quickly can you respond in an emergency? A: We aim to respond to emergency call-outs as quickly as possible. Our local presence in Thanet allows for swift response times, depending on your location and traffic conditions.

Emergency Locksmith Services

Q: I’m locked out of my house/flat. What should I do? A: Don’t panic! Give us a call immediately on 07971 84 93 58. We specialise in non-destructive entry methods wherever possible to get you back inside without damaging your door or frame.

Q: I’ve lost my keys. Can you help? A: Yes. We can gain entry to your property and then recommend and carry out lock changes to ensure your security is not compromised. This is crucial if there’s any chance your keys could fall into the wrong hands.

Q: My key has broken in the lock. Can you extract it? A: Absolutely. We have specialist tools to extract broken keys from cylinders without damaging the lock in most cases. If the lock is damaged, we can replace it on the spot.

Q: My lock is jammed/not working. Do I need a new one? A: Not always. Sometimes a lock can be repaired or serviced. We’ll assess the issue and provide the best solution, whether that’s a repair or a full replacement.

Lock Change & Repair Services

Q: When should I change my locks? A: We highly recommend changing your locks in the following situations: * When you move into a new property. * If you’ve lost your keys or they’ve been stolen. * After a break-in or attempted break-in. * If you suspect someone has an unauthorised copy of your keys. * If your locks are old, faulty, or don’t meet current security standards.

Q: Can you upgrade my locks to British Standard? A: Yes. We stock and fit a wide range of British Standard locks (BS3621, TS007 for uPVC doors) to ensure your property meets insurance requirements and provides maximum security. We can advise you on the best options for your specific doors and windows.

Q: What types of locks do you work with? A: We work with all types of locks, including: * Mortice Locks (Chubb style) * Cylinder Locks (Euro cylinders, Oval cylinders, Rim cylinders) * Multi-point locking systems on uPVC, composite, and patio doors. * Sash locks and deadlocks. * Garage door locks.

Q: My uPVC door is not closing properly / difficult to lock. Can you fix it? A: Often, uPVC door issues are due to misalignment or problems with the multi-point locking mechanism, not just the cylinder. We are experts in diagnosing and repairing uPVC door lock problems, adjusting mechanisms, and replacing faulty parts.

Security Advice

Q: How can I improve my home security? A: There are many ways to enhance your security. We recommend starting with: * Ensuring all external doors have British Standard locks. * Installing anti-snap cylinders on uPVC doors. * Considering additional security measures like door chains, spyholes, or security grilles. * Most importantly: Always remember to lock your doors and windows, even when you’re home or just popping out for a moment. * We offer security surveys to provide tailored recommendations for your property.

Q: Do you offer security assessments? A: Yes, we can visit your property to conduct a comprehensive security assessment and provide expert, no-pressure advice on how to improve your overall security, recommending suitable locks and measures.

Payment & Pricing

Q: How do you charge for your services? A: Our pricing is transparent. For emergency services, our charges typically include labor and any necessary parts. For pre-booked work, we provide a fixed quote. We will always discuss all costs with you before starting any work.

Q: What payment methods do you accept? A: We accept cash, major debit/credit cards, bank transfer for approved customers.

Still have questions?

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Thanet Locksmiths directly. We’re always happy to provide friendly advice and professional service.

Call us now on: 07971 84 93 58