Help & Advice
Honest locksmith advice, from the person who does the jobs
Everything I have written down so you can sort what you can yourself, spot a rip-off before it happens, and know a fair price before you ring anyone.
I am Sean Hamilton, the locksmith behind Lockerfella. I take the calls, drive the van and do the work myself, every day of the year, across Wolverhampton, Stafford, Cannock and the villages around Brewood. These guides are the same answers I give people on the phone: which jobs you can do without me, which ones genuinely need a locksmith, and how to tell the difference before anyone quotes you a penny.
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Why this exists
Most of these calls have an honest answer the call centres won't give you
About a third of the door-won't-lock calls I take are fixed with a hinge adjustment and no new lock. A good share of "I've lost my keys, change everything" calls need one cylinder, not four. And almost every week I talk someone out of an upgrade their door does not need. None of that makes me money on the day, but it is why people ring me back the next time and tell their neighbours.
So I wrote it all down. Pick the situation you are in below. Each guide gives you the doorstep checks, what the job actually involves, what it costs, and where the rip-offs hide. If you would rather just ask, the phone rings on me: 07386 341725.
Stuck, locked out, or something just broke
When something has gone wrong right now
Start here if you are looking at a door that will not work this minute. Each guide walks the doorstep checks first, so you know whether it is a two-minute fix or a parts-and-labour job before you ring anyone.
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Emergency locksmith, day or night
Locked out or a lock failed and you cannot secure the house? What actually happens when you call at 2am, honest response times for Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Stafford, and the price agreed before I set off.
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uPVC door won't lock
Tell a snapped gearbox from a worn cylinder from a dropped door before you ring anyone. About a third of these are alignment, fixed on the doorstep with no new lock.
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Composite door won't lock or open
A dark south-facing composite door that locks at breakfast and refuses at 4pm is thermal expansion, not a broken lock. The one question that separates a £90 adjustment from a new mechanism.
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Patio or French door won't lock
The lift test: if a sliding door locks while you raise it by the handle, the rollers have worn, not the lock. French doors that lock standing open but not closed are alignment. Both from £90, not the new doors a window firm quotes.
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uPVC door handle floppy or snapped
A drooping or spinning handle is nearly always a worn spring cassette, not a new lock. From £85 fitted, same keys. The one tell that it is actually the gearbox.
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Key won't turn in the lock
A four-step check that often frees the lock with a hex key or a puff of graphite and no new parts. Knowing which step you are on tells me what to bring.
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Lost house keys
When a lock change is genuinely needed and when it is money you do not have to spend. The back door shares no keyway with the front, so "change everything" is usually wrong.
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Broken key in the lock
How the snapped half comes out without replacing the cylinder, and the four-stage call on when DIY makes it worse. From £90.
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uPVC door won't open
The mirror of a door that won't lock. When the gearbox jams with the hooks stuck out, why forcing it doubles the bill, and what to do if you are locked inside.
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Locked out of the house
The calm checklist before you call anyone, how non-destructive entry actually works, and the lock-out overcharge trap that catches people at 2am.
Planning a lock change or security upgrade
When you have time to do it properly
No emergency, but you want the right answer before you spend. These guides give you the honest version, including the upsells I talk people out of.
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Changing locks when moving house
One mover in five needs every lock changed. The rest get away with a single cylinder swap. Five questions to ask before you book anyone.
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Anti-snap locks (TS007) explained
What TS007 1, 2 and 3-star actually mean, which brand to pick, and the £450 upgrade I once talked a customer out of because his door did not need it.
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Lock change after a burglary
What your insurer actually needs from the locksmith, and the crime-reference detail on the receipt that gets the claim paid quickly.
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What size euro cylinder do I need?
Measure A and B from the centre screw, not end to end. The offset that catches online buyers out, and why a cylinder sticking out is a snap risk.
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British Standard locks (BS3621) explained
Your insurer wrote BS3621 on the form, but if your door is uPVC that standard cannot be fitted. Which lock each door actually needs, and what it costs.
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Mortice locks and wooden door locks explained
Deadlock or sashlock? Two keyholes or one? The plain-English guide to the lock in your wooden door, the size to ask for, and what BS3621 means for it.
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uPVC door lock replacement: cost & options
Barrel, gearbox or the whole mechanism? Which one you need decides the price, and most people get quoted for the dear one when a barrel would do.
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uPVC window won't open or lock
A failed window lock is nearly always a repair, not a new window. Seized espagnolette, a spinning handle or a dropped sash, fixed for a fraction of what a window firm will quote you to replace the lot.
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Types of door locks explained
Euro cylinder, mortice, night latch, multi-point, anti-snap or smart? Which lock suits your door, and which one your insurer actually wants.
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Smart locks and phone keys: are they worth it?
The honest, mechanical-first version: do they work on uPVC doors, are they easily bypassed, do you need an electrician (no), and why the cylinder underneath still decides your security.
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Burglary and home security in our area
The real 2026 burglary numbers for Staffordshire and the West Midlands, how break-ins actually happen, and a locksmith's checklist to harden your home.
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Commercial locks: restricted and master keys
Staff have left and you do not know who holds a key. Why the answer is almost never changing every lock in the building, what a restricted-key system actually buys you, and when a master key suite is over-engineering.
Choosing a locksmith you can trust
Before you let anyone near your door
The locksmith trade has no mandatory licensing in the UK, so the homework is on you. These guides show you exactly what to check and what the rip-offs look like.
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Can I change the locks? Your rights
Divorce, an ex, a rental, a council house or a landlord: who is actually allowed to change the locks in England and Wales, and the lawful route in each case.
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Locksmith scams: the 7 patterns
The seven scam patterns and the six checks to run on the phone, including the bait-and-switch quote and the fake-local Google trap.
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What "no call-out fee" really means
The honest version of a phrase every locksmith claims, plus the four narrow exceptions where a charge is actually fair.
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Local locksmith or a call centre?
How to tell who is actually coming to your door, how far out I really am by postcode, and why "15 minutes" from a national number means nothing.
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Are locksmiths regulated in the UK?
No, they are not, and that puts the vetting on you. What the lack of a licence really means, and the six checks to run before you let anyone in.
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How much does a locksmith cost?
Real 2026 UK prices for every common job, what changes the number, and how to spot a phone quote that is too good to be true.
Real jobs from the van
Three recent call-outs from across the patch. Two where I talked the customer out of work they did not need, one where the job genuinely had to happen and was charged at a fair out-of-hours rate. Real situations, real prices on the receipt, sat next to what a national number quoted. Customer details lightly anonymised at their request.
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Wednesday 20 May 2026 at 2.30pm · Stafford
Mrs Linda P., Stafford
Back door points would not throw fully. Handle lifted fine, key turned fine, but the door would not close-and-lock without lifting the bottom of the slab manually. Six-year-old door, no obvious damage.
A national number quoted the customer £185 + partsPaid to me £90Door had dropped about 4mm at the latch corner. Long hex key into the lower hinge 3D screw, brought the slab back into line, points slotted in cleanly. 15 minutes on the doorstep, no new parts, no new lock. The kind of "alignment, not a lock change" job a national would have sold as a full gearbox swap.
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Saturday 16 May 2026 at 2.15pm · Wolverhampton
Ms Greta H., WV6, Wolverhampton
Successful break-in through a smashed kitchen window overnight. Cylinder on the front door was untouched. She rang her insurer first, who told her she needed "all the locks changed" before they would release the claim. She rang me confused because the locks were fine.
A national number quoted the customer £380Paid to me £90I rang her insurer with her on speaker. The insurer actually needed one new front-door cylinder fitted (with a TS007 standard on the receipt) to satisfy the post-claim security requirement. Not "all the locks". Like-for-like TS007 1-star cylinder fitted, £90 total, receipt itemised, insurance claim released the same week. Saved her almost £300 on a job she did not need.
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Sunday 17 May 2026 at 7.30pm · Cannock
The Davies family, WS11, Cannock
Kicked-in uPVC back door, attempted-but-unsuccessful entry while they were out for a Sunday lunch. The multi-point gearbox had failed under the kick, the lock body was bent, and the cylinder was sheared. Out-of-hours emergency call, with the family standing in the back garden in coats because they could not lock the door behind them.
A national number quoted the customer £560Paid to me £295Out-of-hours full lock-body and multi-point gearbox replacement: new Fullex gearbox, new lock case, new cylinder upgraded to TS007 3-star anti-snap. 90 minutes on site. Itemised receipt with both the BS3621 and TS007 standards, crime reference number, full photos of the damage before and after. The Davies family back behind a secure door by 9pm. Insurer reimbursed £245 of the £295 (excess applied).
What customers say about the honest approach
Verified Google reviews from real customers across Wolverhampton, Stafford, Cannock and the surrounding villages.
I Highly recommend Lockerfella Locksmiths Absolutely amazing price and what a friendly guy, from asking if he can come replace a lock on my front door, gave me the price upfront which was a big relief. To the communication on time of arrival, and informing me of the anti snap locks. Quick and easy swap over from old lock to new anti snap lock. I cannot fault anything he did at all. Very informative and professional and helpfulness. Thank you very much. .
It was an absolute pleasure assisting you today in Penkridge John. Thankyou for choosing Lockerfella Locksmiths 24/7. Sean ☺️
Used Sean to replace patio door lock in Rugeley. Great communications, fast & friendly service. Reasonable price agreed before arrival. Would highly recommend.
Thankyou for the review guys! Pleasure helping you today with the new barrel and keys. Sean - Lockerfella Locksmiths 24/7.
I had a great experience with Lockerfella Locksmith, especially with Mr Sean. He was professional, patient, respectful, and took the time to make sure everything was done properly. My door lock turned out to be much more difficult than expected, but Sean stayed calm and worked hard until the job was completed perfectly. I really appreciated his honesty, kindness, and excellent workmanship. I highly recommend Sean and Lockerfella Locksmith to anyone looking for a reliable locksmith. Thank you again, Sean, and I wish you continued success in your business!
It was an absolute pleasure helping you today Saeideh in Wolverhampton. Thankyou so much for the kind words. Sean - Lockerfella Locksmiths 24/7.
Highly recommend fantastic service and Sean was a lovely honest polite chap Got us out of a mess and fitted a new lock very quick to arrive and completed the job brilliantly Thanks Sean
It was my pleasure to come out to Shifnal today and help you and Pete. Thankyou so much for your kind words. Sean - Lockerfella Locksmiths 24/7
Absolutely brilliant guy! Sean was in in seconds after I stupidly locked myself out. He kept me updated with what he was doing and was very professional and friendly too! Most importantly he didn't charge the earth, was extremely honest and no upfront or hidden fees. He's great for anyone local to Sutton Coldfield and surrounding areas
Thankyou for your review Richard. Very much appreciated. And an absolute pleasure meeting you and assisting you tonight. Sean - Lockerfella Locksmiths
Sean arrived at our home in Codsall exactly when promised, even letting us know when he was fifteen minutes away. Extremely personable, he kept us informed at every stage of the repair - a gear box change - and did a fantastic job at a good price, leaving the workspace looking immaculate. Would definitely recommend.
Thankyou so much for your review Chris. Absolute pleasure helping you today! Sean ☺️
Got in touch with this company via WhatsApp on an evening. Sean was really accommodating and quick with communication. I booked him in straight away for our new house move to Penkridge. Came out on time, very clean and tidy work with some great advice on door safety. I would highly recommend using this company, what you are quoted is what you pay! Very reasonable prices too. The service has been exceptional.
Thankyou for your amazing review Rick. Absolute pleasure meeting you. I hope you have many happy years in your new home. Sean - Lockerfella Locksmiths 24/7.
I contacted Sean in a panic after our back door wouldn’t lock at 21:15 on a Sunday night. Sean came back with a price almost immediately and offered to come and look at it straightaway. At my request, I asked him to come Monday morning and he sent me an ETA and turned up bang on time. Sean quickly diagnosed the problem, he had to go off to get a a part and when he was on his way back to me, he even shared his location via WhatsApp so I knew when he would be back. Part fitted, worksite cleaned up and he was on his way. Reasonably priced, fantastic communication from start to finish and a great bloke to speak too as well. Thanks Sean, you’re an absolute star!
Absolute pleasure meeting you and your wife today in Codsall / Wolverhampton. I'm really pleased I was able to repair your faulty upvc door mechanism. Thankyou for the glowing review....it's really appreciated. Sean - Lockerfella Locksmiths 24/7
Why you can trust this
Written by the locksmith, not a content team
Every guide on this page is written and reviewed by me. I am Sean Hamilton, Standard DBS checked, insured to £1,000,000 in public liability with Simply Business, and I back my workmanship with a 12 months guarantee. The recent-job examples are real call-outs with real quoted-versus-paid figures, lightly anonymised. Nothing here is generic copy lifted from another site, and nothing is generated and pushed live without me reading it first.
You can check all of that. My credentials, including the DBS and public liability certificates, are on the about page. How the content is written, sourced and corrected, and how I handle the rare AI-assisted draft, is set out in full in our editorial standards. And the verified Google reviews are pulled straight from my Google Business Profile, owner replies and all.
About the locksmith
The locksmith answering your call
I'm Sean Hamilton. I run Lockerfella as a one-man-band, so when you ring, the phone rings on me. I will work out from your symptoms whether you even need me out, quote the all-in price before I leave the van, and tell you honestly when the cheapest fix is the right one. No call-out fee. No upsell.
- 30+ years fascinated by locks. I've been picking, stripping and studying locks for the love of it for over 30 years. Lockerfella is what happens when a lifelong interest in how locks work becomes the day job.
- Trained and certified. Certificate of Locksmith Skills from A'Jam Locksmiths covering cylinder, mortice, padlock, wafer and euro lock picking, plus re-keying and mortice bypassing.
- Standard DBS checked, £1M insured, 12 months workmanship guarantee. Redacted DBS and insurance certificates are published on the About page, with originals available to view in person before work starts.
- One man, one van, one phone number. The phone rings on me directly. No call centre. No third-party fitter. If I quote you a price, that's the price you pay.
Common questions about getting locksmith help
Straight answers on what you can fix yourself, how to spot overcharging, and whether you really need a lock change.
Which lock problems can I sort out myself?
More than the national call-centre numbers would like you to believe. A uPVC door that will not lock is very often a dropped door, fixable with a long hex key in the hinge and no new parts. A key that will not turn is often a dry cylinder that a puff of graphite or PTFE sorts in two minutes, or alignment again. None of that needs a locksmith. The honest dividing line is mechanical failure: once a gearbox spring has snapped, a cylinder has worn, or a key has broken off inside, that is a parts-and-labour job. Start with the door-won't-lock diagnosis and the key-won't-turn guide, both of which walk you through the doorstep checks before you spend a penny.
How do I know if a locksmith is overcharging me?
The single biggest tell is a refusal to quote a price on the phone for a routine job. A competent locksmith can band the price for a standard cylinder change, a lockout, a snapped key or a gearbox swap once you describe the door and the symptom. If the only answer is "we will see when we get there", that is room being kept to negotiate up on the doorstep while you are panicking. My published prices are the floor prices I quote on the phone, with no call-out fee and no VAT on top. The locksmith scams guide lays out the seven patterns and the six checks to run before you let anyone near your door.
Do I always need to change the locks after losing my keys or moving house?
No, and anyone who tells you otherwise without asking a single question is selling, not advising. Lost keys with no address tag, dropped somewhere with no link to your home, are usually no threat at all and need nothing. Keys lost with your address on them are a front-door cylinder change, not "all the locks", because the back door and window locks share no keyway with the front. Moving house is the same logic: one mover in five genuinely needs every lock done, the rest are fine with a single cylinder swap. The lost-keys guide and the moving-house guide walk through exactly which situation is which.
Will you give me a price over the phone before you come out?
Yes. Tell me the door type, the lock type and what is actually going wrong, and I will quote the all-in price before I leave the van. The price I quote on the phone is the price on the receipt. There is no call-out fee on standard attended work, no deposit, and no VAT on top because Lockerfella is not VAT-registered. The narrow exceptions where a charge can apply are spelled out on the no call-out fee page.
Is the advice on these pages written by an actual locksmith?
Yes. Every guide on this site is written and reviewed by Sean Hamilton, the locksmith who actually does the jobs, working out of Brewood. The recent-job examples are real call-outs with real quoted-versus-paid figures, lightly anonymised. Nothing here is generic content lifted from another site or generated and pushed live unread. How the content is made, sourced and corrected is set out in full on the editorial standards page.
What areas do you cover for the jobs in these guides?
Everything on these pages applies across the working patch: Wolverhampton, Stafford, Cannock, Walsall, Brewood and the towns and villages between them, out to the north and west of Birmingham. One locksmith, one van, one phone number, every day of the year. The full list of towns with response times is on the areas page. If you are not sure whether your postcode is in range, ring and I will tell you straight on the phone.
What should I do if I have already been overcharged or scammed?
Keep the receipt and any photos, do not throw them away even if you are furious. Ask the locksmith in writing for an invoice with parts and labour itemised separately. If they refuse, the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133 passes serious cases to Trading Standards. If you paid more than £100 by credit card you may have a Section 75 claim; debit-card payments can use chargeback. The recovery steps, including reporting fraud and complaining to the Master Locksmiths Association, are set out in full at the bottom of the locksmith scams guide.
Rather just ask?
Tell me the symptoms and I'll tell you straight
Send me what the door or lock is doing on WhatsApp, or ring and describe it. I will tell you whether it is a doorstep fix, what genuinely needs doing, and the all-in price before I set off. No call-out fee. No deposit. No surprises.