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Frequently Asked Questions

Comprehensive Locksmith Services for Bristol and South Gloucestershire

Local Locksmith For Bristol & South Gloucestershire

Emergency Lockouts

 

Q: “I’m locked out – how quickly can you get here?” 

A: We aim to reach you within 30 minutes if you’re in Bristol or South Gloucestershire.

 

Q: “Will you need to break my lock to get me in?” 

A: Usually not. We use non-destructive entry techniques whenever possible. In fact, most lockouts are resolved without damage to your lock or door. If we do need to replace anything, we’ll explain why and provide options first.

 

Q: “What information do you need when I call?” 

A: Just your location, the type of door (UPVC, wooden, composite), and whether you have any ID showing your address. Don’t worry if you don’t – we have procedures for verifying you’re the property owner.

 

Q: “How much does an emergency lockout cost?” 

A: Unlike many locksmiths, we don’t charge: • No call-out fees • No ‘assessment’ charges • No hidden extras You’ll get a clear price before we start work.

 

UPVC Door Problems

Q: “My UPVC door is hard to lift/lock/unlock” 
A: This usually indicates a misalignment or mechanism issue. Often fixable without replacing the entire lock. Common causes include: • Door dropping on its hinges • Mechanism wearing out • Lock cylinder issues.
 

Q: “Can UPVC locks be repaired or do they always need replacing?” 

A: Despite what some locksmiths claim, UPVC locks can often be repaired. We specialise in: • Mechanism repairs • Door realignment • Handle fixes • Lock servicing. Only if repair isn’t possible or cost-effective will we recommend replacement.

 

Home Security Upgrades

Q: “Do I need to upgrade my locks for insurance?” 

A: Most insurance policies require British Standard locks (BS3621). We can: • Check if your current locks meet standards • Upgrade only what’s necessary • Provide insurance certificates • Advise on cost-effective solutions

 

Q: “What’s the best lock for my door type?” 

A: We recommend: • Wooden Doors: British Standard mortice locks • UPVC Doors: Anti-snap cylinders • Composite Doors: High-security cylinders • Front Doors: Additional night latches We’ll explain the options and let you decide – no pressure.

 

Over-60s Services

Q: “What’s included in the free Wednesday security check?” 

A: Our comprehensive check includes: • All door locks and mechanisms • Window locks and handles • Security weak points • Free advice and recommendations If repairs are needed, you get: • Parts at cost price • No call-out fee • No pressure to proceed. Just our way of looking after the community we serve.

 

Business Security

Q: “Can you handle multiple-site security?” 

A: Yes, we specialise in: • Master key systems • Keyed-alike solutions • Staff key management Perfect for: • Retail units • Office complexes • Landlords • Property managers

 

Trust & Security

Q: “How do I know I can trust you?” 

A: We’re: • DBS checked • Fully insured • Local (based in Thornbury) • Family-run • Members of the FSB and Local Chamber of Commerce. Plus, we’re happy to show ID and credentials on arrival.

 

Service Area & Response Times

We cover: Bristol • South Gloucestershire • Gloucester • Surrounding areas including: 

🔐 

🔐 Postcodes Covered by AHLP Locksmiths

Bristol Postcodes:

  • BS1 – City Centre, Harbourside

  • BS2 – Kingsdown, St Pauls, St Agnes

  • BS3 – Bedminster, Southville, Ashton

  • BS4 – Brislington, Knowle, Totterdown

  • BS5 – Easton, Redfield, St George

  • BS6 – Redland, Cotham, Montpelier

  • BS7 – Bishopston, Horfield, Ashley Down

  • BS8 – Clifton, Hotwells

  • BS9 – Westbury-on-Trym, Stoke Bishop

  • BS10 – Southmead, Henbury

  • BS11 – Avonmouth, Shirehampton

  • BS13 – Hartcliffe, Withywood

  • BS14 – Hengrove, Whitchurch, Stockwood

  • BS15 – Kingswood, Hanham, Warmley

  • BS16 – Downend, Emersons Green, Mangotsfield, Frenchay

  • BS20 – Portishead

  • BS21 – Clevedon

  • BS22–BS24 – Weston-super-Mare (on request or by arrangement)


South Gloucestershire Postcodes:

  • BS32 – Bradley Stoke, Almondsbury

  • BS34 – Filton, Patchway, Stoke Gifford

  • BS35 – Thornbury, Alveston, Olveston

  • BS36 – Winterbourne, Frampton Cotterell

  • BS37 – Yate, Chipping Sodbury, Iron Acton

  • GL12 – Wickwar, Wotton-under-Edge

  • GL13 – Berkeley

  • GL11 – Dursley


Gloucester & Stroud Areas:

  • GL1 – Gloucester Central

  • GL2 – Quedgeley, Hardwicke, and surrounding villages

  • GL3 – Brockworth, Churchdown

  • GL4 – Abbeymead, Matson, Barnwood

  • GL5 – Stroud

  • GL6 – Nailsworth, Painswick

  • GL10 – Stonehouse

  • GL11 – Cam, Dursley

  • GL12 – Wotton-under-Edge


Welsh Borders:

  • NP16 – Chepstow and nearby areas

 

Typical response times: • Emergency: 30 minutes • Same-day: For urgent non-emergencies • Scheduled: Book up to 2 weeks ahead

 

Pricing & Payment

Q: “How do you calculate prices?” 

A: Our pricing is transparent: • No call-out charges • Clear labour rates • Parts at fair prices • Written quotes before work starts.

We accept: • Cash • Cards • Bank transfers

Moving Home FAQ

Q: “Just moved in – should I change the locks?” 

A: Yes, we strongly recommend it. Previous owners might have spare keys, and you don’t know who they’ve given copies to. We offer: • Same-day lock changes • All doors keyed alike (one key for all) • Insurance-compliant locks • Free security assessment with every change

 

Q: “How quickly can you change all my locks?” 

A: Usually within 2-3 hours for an average home. We’ll: • Change all external door locks • Check window security • Update garage access • Provide multiple key sets • Book a convenient time slot → 07700 100146

 

Landlord Services

Q: “Tenant hasn’t returned keys – what now?” 

A: We provide emergency landlord services including: • Legal lock changes • Property repossession support • Documentation for court if needed • Same-day response

 

Q: “Can you create different access levels for properties?” 

A: Yes, we specialise in: • Master key systems • Restricted key systems • Tenant/Cleaner/Maintenance keys • Key management solutions Perfect for: • HMOs • Student properties • Serviced apartments • Holiday lets

 

Common Lock Problems

Q: “My key turns but doesn’t lock/unlock” 

Common causes: • Worn lock mechanism • Misaligned door • Damaged key • Frozen lock Quick fixes available – call for diagnosis

 

Q: “Lock feels stiff or sticky” 

We can help with: • Lock lubrication • Mechanism cleaning • Parts replacement • Full servicing Often fixable same day

 

Q: “Handle is loose or spinning” 

Usually indicates: • Worn spindle • Loose fixing screws • Failed mechanism Fast repairs available – most parts in stock

 

Security Surveys

Q: “What’s included in a security survey?” 

Our comprehensive check covers: • All entry points • Lock conditions • Window security • Weak points • Security lighting • Key security

 

Q: “How much does a survey cost?” • Free for over-60s (Wednesdays) • £45 for residential properties • Custom quotes for commercial Includes: • Written report • Upgrade recommendations • Insurance compliance check • No-obligation quotes

 

Emergency Situations

Q: “Break-in attempt – what should I do?”

  1. Call police first
  2. Contact us for emergency secure-up
  3. We’ll provide: • Temporary security • Lock replacement • Insurance documentation • Future prevention advice
 

Smart Lock Installation

Q: “Can you install/maintain smart locks?” 

Yes, we work with: • Yale smart locks • Samsung digital locks • Access control systems • Bluetooth-enabled security Including: • Full setup • User training • Backup key solutions • Ongoing support

 

Commercial Security

Q: “Can you secure my business premises?” We provide: • Shop front security • Safe installation • Shutter locks • Access control • Master key systems • Staff key management

 

Rapid Response

upto 30 Minutes*

All Work

Guaranteed

Over 10,000

Customers

Established

2005

Independent

No Call Centre