Frequently asked questions

The mobile number is the 24 hour line, for emergencies — lockouts, break-in damage, a door that has locked shut. The Folly Market workshop keeps normal retail hours, and because we are often out on mobile jobs it is always worth calling ahead before coming in.

It depends where you are and what we are already on. You get a realistic time on the phone before anyone sets off, rather than an optimistic one — if we cannot get to you quickly we will say so.

No. Surveys in the Hampshire area are free and carry no obligation, and quotations come verbally, by email or in writing, whichever you prefer.

Petersfield and the surrounding villages as the core, and Hampshire and the neighbouring counties more widely. Safe work in particular takes us further afield. If you are not sure whether you are in range, call and ask.

You are given a figure before any work starts, and it is the figure you pay — the price does not change once someone is standing at your door. What it comes to depends on the time of day, the distance and what the lock turns out to be, which is why it is quoted on the phone rather than published as a list.

Yes — all work carries a one year guarantee.

Yes, all major debit and credit cards.

Usually not. Most locks can be opened non-destructively and left working exactly as they were. Drilling is a last resort, used where a lock has failed mechanically or is a high-security cylinder that cannot be manipulated — and you are told before it happens, with a replacement fitted the same visit.

Every locksmith carries identification, holds City & Guilds locksmithing qualifications and has an unblemished Disclosure and Barring Service check. Ask to see the ID — a genuine locksmith expects you to.

No. Proof that you are entitled to be in the property is part of the job, not an inconvenience. It is what stops the same service being used against you.

If the keys are gone along with anything that identifies your address, yes, and quickly. If you have simply mislaid them somewhere at home, a spare cut from the lock is usually enough. Either way, say what happened and you will get an honest answer rather than the more expensive one.

Most policies that specify anything ask for BS3621 five-lever locks on final exit doors and key-operated locks on accessible windows. Some now specify anti-snap cylinders to TS007 3-star or Sold Secure Diamond SS312. Bring the policy wording and we will tell you what satisfies it.

It is the attack that opens a great many UPVC and composite doors in under a minute: a standard euro cylinder is gripped and broken at its weak point. If your front door has a euro cylinder and you do not know its rating, it is worth having somebody look at it. A rated cylinder is designed to break in a way that keeps the door locked.

Usually. Locks can be keyed alike so a single key opens front, back and side doors, and a business can be master-keyed so different staff hold different levels of access.

Start with your insurer — they will state a cash rating, and cover generally runs to that figure for cash and around ten times it for valuables. Then size it for what is actually going in, allowing room for the things you will add later. Advice on both is free and independent.

In practice yes, and most insurers require it. Anything up to about a tonne can be moved by a determined thief and opened somewhere quieter. Anchoring is what makes the rating mean anything.

Yes, and wherever possible in a way that lets it go back into service with new lockwork rather than being destroyed.