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Locksmiths guides

Plain-English advice to help you understand the problem and choose the right help.

• Locked out of your house: what to do
  Step-by-step: what to check first, who to call, what a locksmith will need from you, and how to avoid being overcharged.
• uPVC door won't lock or open
  Why uPVC and composite doors stop locking, what you can check yourself, and when the mechanism or cylinder needs replacing.
• Anti-snap locks explained
  What lock snapping is, how to check the cylinder on your door, and what TS007 3-star and SS312 Diamond ratings mean.
• Lost or stolen keys: what to do
  When you need new locks after losing keys, the difference between rekeying and replacing, and what to tell your insurer.
• After a burglary: securing your home
  What to do straight after a break-in, emergency boarding and lock repairs, and security upgrades that make a difference.
• How to choose a trustworthy locksmith
  Questions to ask a locksmith before they set off, what membership of the MLA means, and common scams to avoid.