Locks, keys and getting back in · Watford and South West Herts
Locked out, moving in or after a break-in in South West Herts
An independent enquiry service for households from Rickmansworth to Borehamwood. Explain the door or lock problem and, if you agree, we send it to a local locksmith working in your postcode, if there is one.
- Lockouts, new locks, jammed doors and break-in repairs
- Shared with just one local locksmith, and only if one works near you
- No charge to send it, and no commitment to any work
This is an enquiry service, not an emergency line. If someone is in danger or a break-in is happening, call 999.
Services
What do you need help with?
Getting back in when you are locked out
Shut out of your house or flat, with the keys inside, lost or broken? Check a few things first, then describe the door and, with consent, it goes to a local locksmith covering your postcode, if there is one.
About getting back in when you are locked outChanging locks when you move home
You never really know who still holds keys to a home you have just moved into. Describe your doors and, if you agree, we send the details to a local locksmith working where you live, if there is one.
About changing locks when you move homeBroken keys, stiff locks and jammed doors
A key snapped in the lock, a handle that will not lift, or a door that will not lock or open at all. Tell us what is going on and, with consent, it goes to a locksmith covering your postcode, if there is one.
About broken keys, stiff locks and jammed doorsMaking a door secure after a break-in
After a burglary or an attempted break-in, damaged doors and locks need putting right. Report it to the police, then describe the damage and, with consent, we forward it to a locksmith who works in your postcode, if one does.
About making a door secure after a break-in
Locked out now?
A few things worth checking
Being locked out is stressful. These are worth a moment before or after you send an enquiry.
Try the other ways in first
A back door, patio door or window you can open safely, or someone else who holds a key, such as family, a neighbour, your landlord or letting agent.
If you rent
Your landlord or letting agent may keep a spare key, and your tenancy may say who has to agree to a lock being changed.
If anyone is in danger
If a child or vulnerable person is alone inside and at risk, or a break-in is happening, call 999 now.
How it works
Three steps, one locksmith
- Step 1
Explain what is wrong
Say what has happened, the kind of door and lock if you know it, and your postcode. Leave a phone number, since a locksmith will usually want to talk it through.
- Step 2
We check who covers your postcode
Where a local locksmith works in your area and you have said yes, that single locksmith receives your enquiry. Where nobody does, we say so and share nothing.
- Step 3
Sort out the details together
Once your details are with the locksmith, they will be in touch. The work, the cost and the timing are for the two of you to settle.
Before you enquire
Useful to have to hand
None of this is needed to send an enquiry, but it helps the locksmith understand the job sooner.
- The type of door
uPVC, composite, timber or aluminium, and whether it is a front, back or patio door.
- The lock you can see
On most uPVC and composite doors it is a euro cylinder, often with a multi-point strip along the door edge. Timber doors often have a nightlatch, a mortice deadlock or both.
- What happened
Keys lost or stolen, a key snapped in the lock, a lock that is stiff or will not turn, or damage after a break-in.
- Something showing you live there
A locksmith may ask to see ID or a letter with the address on it before opening a door. It can help to know where one is.
- A crime reference number
If the lock was damaged in a break-in, report it to the police. Insurers usually ask for the reference number.
Areas · Watford and South West Herts
Areas covered
Not listed? Send your enquiry anyway. We only pass it to a locksmith who covers your postcode, if there is one. More about the areas we cover.
Questions
Before you enquire
What is West Herts Locksmiths?
An independent enquiry service for households in South West Herts. We are not a locksmith and nobody from us comes to your door. If you agree, your enquiry goes to a locksmith nearby who takes on work in your postcode, where one does.
What if nobody covers my postcode?
We say so, and nobody receives your details. Finding a locksmith some other way is then entirely up to you.
I am locked out and someone is inside who needs help. What should I do?
Call 999 if anyone is in danger, such as a young child or an unwell person alone inside, or if something has been left on the hob. Do not wait for a locksmith in that situation.
I am a tenant. Should I ask before having a lock changed?
Your tenancy agreement is the place to start, since many require the landlord's or letting agent's say-so for new locks, and telling them is usually the sensible course either way. Shelter or Citizens Advice can explain your own position. This is general information, not legal advice.
Do my locks need to meet a British Standard for my insurance?
Some home insurance policies ask for locks of a set standard, often BS 3621 for a mortice lock on a wooden door. Requirements differ between insurers, so check the wording of your own policy.
Does sending an enquiry cost anything?
No, and sending one does not tie you to anything. The price of any work is a matter for you and the locksmith.