Locksmith Peterborough
Why You Should Have Your Locks Changed by Our Locksmiths
Locks are an integral part of any building or home. If they malfunction or break, fixing them promptly is essential to ensure the safety of your Peterborough home.
Lock Changes
A Peterborough locksmith can assist you with changing your locks for any reason, whether you have moved house, experienced a break-in, or simply wish to improve the safety of your home. The cost to change locks varies based on the job and the type of lock needed. Some tasks, such as replacing all the locks in your Peterborough home, will be more expensive than others. When changing locks, two primary options are changing the lock and rekeying it. Rekeying is usually less expensive and involves altering your existing lock's mechanical locking mechanism so your old key no longer operates them.
Lock Repairs
Repairs may be necessary if your lock is broken and you can't turn it with your key. This could be due to a defective strike plate, or it could be that the set screws holding the cylinder are broken or loose. Sometimes, you can resolve the problem yourself without calling one of our Peterborough locksmiths. However, it might be best to call us for the best results. If your lock is jamming, it could be due to dirt or debris buildup. A simple solution for fixing this is to remove the obstructions and use lubricant inside the lock for extra lubrication.
Keyless Entry
Keyless entry systems can be an ideal solution for businesses and homes. They're much more challenging to break into than traditional door locks, making monitoring who comes into and leaves your premises simpler. These systems also eliminate the issue of people forgetting their keys, leading to locked doors. These systems offer various options from simple buttons that require punching patterns all the way up to more sophisticated card swipe and biometric fingerprint scanners. Many of these systems are programmable, enabling you to disable access for specific individuals from the convenience of your office. This can be beneficial if you want to shield your business from ex-employees, service providers or others who might try to gain entry during odd hours or on weekends.
Newly Built Homes
When it comes to new builds in the UK, one of the most common tasks a local locksmith will complete is changing all locks. This includes both door locks and any other locks on furniture or electronic accessories that haven't been moved yet. If you recently purchased a Peterborough home, it's essential that all locks be changed to ensure no other people have access to your property. This is especially pertinent if the builder had their master key and subcontractors entered during construction. When scheduling an appointment to have your locks replaced, be sure to provide our Peterborough locksmith with all the necessary information so they can provide you with a better service. Doing this will simplify the process and save time and money in the long run.
24 X 7 Emergency Locksmith in Peterborough
No matter if you need a new lock installed or have lost your keys, our Peterborough emergency locksmith is always available to help. They can come directly to you at home or work and change the locks on the spot so that business as usual can resume quickly. Locksmiths need specialised training and experience in many skills and knowledge areas. This job carries an intense level of stress, necessitating patience and creativity to do the best job possible.
Losing Your Keys
Locking yourself out of your home can be one of the most frustrating and stressful experiences a person can go through. Losing keys may occur for various reasons, such as misplacing them or leaving them somewhere unexpected. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to guarantee never losing your keys again. Here are a few tips for helping locate lost keys and avoiding lockouts in the future:
- Check all potential hiding places where your keys could be, even if you don't think they belong there. Common spots include under a couch cushion or in an unopened pile of mail.
- Create a designated spot to store your keys. For instance, put them in a bowl or attach hooks on the wall for easy access.
Setting a designated spot for your keys makes it easier to remember where they are when you need them and can even help prevent you from losing them in the first place!
Locked Out of Your Home
Unfortunately car lockouts happen at the most inconvenient time. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to prevent being locked out of your home in the future. Start by inspecting all doors and windows in your house. Avoid being locked out of your home again by calling a trusted neighbour or friend with an extra key to gain entry. This will save you both time and frustration in the future.
UPVC Door Repair Services in Peterborough
Homeowners in Peterborough with uPVC doors occasionally have to repair their doors due to everyday wear and tear. In many cases, it may be more cost-effective to repair the current door rather than investing in a new one. A variety of problems can occur with an uPVC door, such as broken glass panels and stuck locks. Fortunately, there are solutions available for each one.
- Lock Cylinder Replacement: Lock Cylinder Replacement is one of the more straightforward UPVC Door repairs offered by locksmiths, though homeowners can also complete it with access to appropriate tools and knowledge. The lock cylinder allows the door to close and unlock securely, and if damaged, this cylinder may become jammed or stuck shut. UPVC doors typically feature multi-point locking systems, which ensure the door locks at multiple points when you turn a key. However, these locks may be vulnerable to snapping if not upgraded with high-security anti-snap Euro cylinders.
- Door Handle Replacement: One of the most frequent UPVC Door repairs services is replacing door handles. This can be an ideal way to spruce up your home's interior and give it a new look. Modern levers can be replaced with sleek designs that match your hardware perfectly. These ergonomic levers have ergonomic shapes for comfort and ease of use. These come in both locking and non-locking models, both backed by a two year warranty.
- Anti-Snap Barrel Replacement: For effective protection against intruders snapping your lock, it is highly recommended that you get an anti-snap barrel replaced. In the UK alone, burglaries utilising this technique account for nearly 25% of all break-ins. Fortunately, plenty of security locks are available to help keep your home secure. Our Peterborough locksmiths will advise on the most suitable ones for your property and install them promptly and expertly. Anti-snap Euro Cylinders are an ideal way to safeguard your uPVC doors against this danger. They come standard on all new doors and come in various sizes.
- Multi Point Lock Repair: Maintaining your multi-point lock system on a UPVC door is essential to prevent problems with its locking mechanism. Doing so can help ensure the smooth functioning of the locking mechanism. If your multi-point lock feels slightly loose when turned, dirt or debris may be stuck between two pieces of metal within the locking mechanism. This causes friction, making turning difficult. A reliable way to clean these parts is with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. This will help remove any remaining dirt particles and allow you to reassemble the locking system once more.
- Lock Repair: UPVC door locks are a commonly encountered issue on domestic home doors. They may experience various problems that necessitate professional locksmith intervention to fix. Commonly, lock alignment issues arise due to improper fitting and alignment of the door and frame. Weather variations, traffic through opening and closing cycles can all impact lock alignment. If this is the case, our Peterborough locksmith can realign your door so it can be locked without excessive force. This task should be easy for an experienced and trained locksmith to carry out.
Why a Locksmith Needs an Identity Check
Being locked out of your house or car can be a frustrating situation. Our Peterborough locksmiths require proof of identity to open the door or car for you. There are a few ways you can prove your identity, including obtaining a driving licence, utility bill or mail addressed directly to you.
Proof of Ownership or Residency
Locksmiths must first confirm that you are the owner or resident of a property before they begin any work. This step is essential, as it prevents them from working on unclaimed territory and shields them against claims or lawsuits that might ensue if something goes awry. Our Peterborough locksmith can verify your ownership or residency by asking you to present some form of identification. This could include a driving license, bill or other documents bearing your name and address.
Another way a locksmith can verify your ownership is by showing them proof of residency to the property you're trying to access. If you possess a copy of this document, then it's the most reliable way to prove that you are the legitimate owner or resident of the home that's being locked out. If you cannot provide proof of ownership or residency, call the non-emergency number of your local police station and request they send a police officer to inspect your home. They can watch as the locksmith opens your door so they can confirm that you are indeed the owner or resident of the property.
Proof of Address
Our locksmiths must confirm your identity before granting access to your property to guarantee you are the owner or tenant of said asset. Although this can be inconvenient, having identification is necessary for a locksmith to do their job correctly. If you don't have any ID, contact family and friends to see if they can offer any assistance. Your neighbours could also provide assistance. They may possess documents, ID or bills that verify your address and identify you as a resident of the home. Confirming your residence is the quickest and simplest method available. You can show valid photo identification such as a driver's license, utility bill, homeowner's association ID card, school ID card or another document with the correct address.
Proof of Identity
Locksmiths must confirm that you own your property before they begin any work on it. This helps them avoid accidentally giving access to people who aren't legitimate owners, which could cause major problems and put them in legal hot water. Proving your identity is the simplest way. Simply show the locksmith a piece of mail with the address where you live. This will let them know that you are the legal owner of the property and they'll feel more confident granting access. If your house is rented, it would be wise to ask your landlord for a vouch, as they own the property and have the legal authority to let you into it. They may even have a spare key for use.
Why Our Peterborough Locksmith Should Install CCTV and Home Alarm Systems
When searching for a Peterborough locksmith, ask them about their experience with home security systems. They can install CCTV and alarm systems and help you select the ideal one to meet your requirements. A home alarm system can protect your family against break-ins and alert authorities if someone attempts to enter your property. It also detects issues like carbon monoxide leaks or malfunctioning heating and air conditioning equipment.
CCTV Installation
CCTV installation is an effective way to monitor your property. Cameras come at various prices and with motion detection and video analytics features. Some cameras can record hours of footage, enabling you to watch events unfold in real time or have them stored for later reference. Many people opt for a CCTV system as it deters crime and protects their families. Installing cameras in key places like hallways or main stairs that thieves must pass through to enter your home can be beneficial in deterring burglaries and keeping everyone safer.
Home Alarm System
Alarm systems are intended to alert authorities when an intrusion, fire or environmental problem occurs. They can also serve as a way for homeowners to stay informed about medical emergencies. Home alarm systems can range in complexity. A basic setup consists of a control panel and sensors that may be hardwired or wirelessly connected. Wireless systems utilize a transmitter that sends signals from the sensors to a central monitoring station, offering more security than wired connections. Sensors such as door and window contacts, motion detectors, glass break sensors, smoke detectors, high-carbon monoxide alarms, flood detectors, temperature sensors and security key fobs can all be programmed into the system so they respond when certain conditions, such as when the system is armed are met. They may also have a delay period before activating an alarm to allow for testing before an actual incident occurs.