Research done by Neighbourhood Watch shows that two thirds (67%) of people in the UK are worried about their home being broken into, yet there are very simple but proven measures we all can take that will reduce our chances of becoming a victim of burglary by up to 50%.

To help you be and feel more safer in your homes, Neighbour Watch are running their Think WIDE(N) burglary prevention campaign all through March highlighting the simple, evidence-based WIDE measures which can be used in all homes and for little or no cost.

The Neighbourhood Watch scheme also believe neighbours keeping an eye out for each other is key to reducing burglary, so they’ve extended the WIDE acronym to WIDE(N) – playing a part in your local community security is a massive part of crime protection in your area.

W: WINDOWS: Keep your windows locked
I: INTERIOR: Put inside lights on a timer/smart bulb
D: DOORS: Double or deadlock your doors
E: EXTERIOR: Put outside lights on a sensor
(N): NEIGHBOURS: Keep an eye out for your neighbours

To learn more about WIDE(N) and burglary prevention measures, visit ourwatch.org.uk/thinkwiden

John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch Network had this to say

It is not okay for two-thirds of people to fear being burgled. More needs to be done to help people be and feel safer, and when it comes to burglary, prevention is always better than cure. Since 1982 we have been supporting communities to feel and be safer. We know that by securing your home’s windows, interior, doors, exterior and keeping an eye out for neighbours, we can all give ourselves the best chance of not being burgled. If you have been burgled recently, criminals are familiar with your home and may come back once you’ve had time to purchase new items. Act soon to avoid being retargeted – use the WIDE(N) advice for a combination of simple yet effective prevention measures.

Following the basic fundamentals of the WIDE(N) scheme could reduce your risk of being burgled by upto 50% but having the correct security in place will raise your security levels and reduce your risk by upto 99%

Burglars are on the look out for the easiest option and will actively seek out the least secure properties, having the correct locks on your doors, a well lit property with security cameras and a alarm installed will send them on their way.

LS Locksmiths is here to help we offer free advice on all types of security features and products so you can correctly raise your protection levels and secure your home and it’s contents.

LS Locksmiths is local family run locksmiths based in the heart of Nottingham we offer a incredibly fast same day service, thats affordable while only using high quality branded products. Our business counts numerous letting agencies, landlords and returning customers who use and recommend our low cost, fast and service. Call 0115 8320195 or use message system below this post.

LS Locksmiths Nottingham is not a franchise, we do not sub contract to national locksmith companies. We never charge a call out fee and prices quoted are fixed totals no VAT.

LS Locksmiths
72 Noel Street
Nottingham
NG7 6AU

Free Security advice and information in Nottingham

Locksmiths have been protecting peoples property for many many years, the original locksmiths were the actual creators of locks and constantly developed new security features or different types of locks so that they were always one step ahead in the security world.

Since the 1960’s our very own family business LS Locksmiths has not only been suppliers of high quality locks but have also helped in the design and development of security features that has furthered security and are still actively used in todays high security locks and additional security products.

So as the world moved into a new digital & electronic era we didn’t stand still and tested and aided development of the next era of security – The Smart era.

If you would have told most people 30 years ago that almost every person would be caring a smart phone that had more computing power then a small country you would have been carted off in a straight jacket, the advancement of technology in such a short period of time has been nothing less then miraculous we now are able to control household items via the internet from anywhere in the world.

Along the way there have been a few bumps and early adopters to the smart way of life have been almost beta testers for companies as they bring products to the smart market, but when it comes to the security of your home then you need to know that the Smart product your installing will not let you down.

Unlike other locksmiths or security installers unless we have fully tested a product and have full access to the manufacture support we will not recommend of install.

Lots of small electronic company’s are flooding online markets like Amazon with there latest fingerprint smart locks and customers are snapping them up to only find when things go wrong they are well and truly in proverbial canoe with out a paddle, with no physical override available and support non existent they are left locked out with what will be a mess of a door.

Before we ever entertained fitting the Dana lock – now used in the Ultion Smart lock – we closely monitored it’s software development till we were assured that our customers would not have any issues, we always were highly supportive of this type of smart lock as it still has a fully functioning key should you ever require to lock or unlock when the smart features were not available. But the biggest plus for us is that there support team are always on hand just in the very rarest cases when you need them.

After installing them for years now with no issues what so ever I was recently asked to install an Ultion Smart lock with the remote keypad.

The customer was a elderly gentleman who required carers to visit numerous times during the day, they had previously been using a external keysafe but this had been a targeted while he was in hospital for a few nights, the family were gravely concerned that this could happen again and the key used to enter the gentleman’s property.

The family wanted the carers to be able to lock and unlock with out a key so the Ultion with the Dana keypad was the perfect solution so we set about a installing and setup so the family could create pins for carers and family to be able to gain entry and lock after leaving, no I’ve done lots of these installations and all with out a issue but after setting up the smart lock and getting it working when we went to add the Dana keypad the app just would not allow it, we did the usual things turned off/on Bluetooth, on/off the iPhone I even removed and installed new batteries but to no joy.

Now as a locksmith I can try to overcome almost mechanical or physical obstacle in a product but a software issue left me stumped but why we always recommend this product is because of there amazing product support.

My call went through to product support team based in Newark Nottingham who ran through a few tests just in case it was a install mistake (I didn’t take offence) who then contacted the German manufacturer Dana direct. Some how the keypad code (it’s unique device code) had previously been used and was still like on there servers so it was deleted so it could now be allocated to us.

This all took less then 10mins and the product was then able to be registered to out Ultion Smart lock and the device was up and running instantly, that’s the difference and that’s why we choose to install this product over so many others.

This counts for all Smart products including Smart Alarms and Smart Video Doorbells.

Just like Smart locks the video doorbell is another market flooded with cheap and to honest not fit for use video doorbells some manufactures utilise incredibly slow servers so you’ll often miss visitors due to the length of time between them pressing the bell and you getting a notification also most lack the features you’d expect in the app like designated motion detection areas that greatly reduce false negative alerts and battery drain.

Some companies have thrown there hat into the race and match or nearly match the king of the doorbell Ring who for us offer the most complete product at a price to suit all budgets.

Ring currently offer rechargeable, wired or adapter wired versions that suits all needs and circumstances and their app consists of all the relevant features that you’ll need, time between pressing the bell and push notifications is almost instantaneous and now it’s part of the Amazon family of companies you know that reliability is at the foremost.

If your ready to throw your hat in to the Smart Home Security market you’ll be happy to know there are some great products out there that offer you the customer all the features and levels of security that you’ll require combined with reliability, also there are products that may not be the household names like Ring but we have personally tested and recommend so you have something different and more in keeping for your own personal taste or style and has features you need.

LS Locksmiths is local family run locksmiths based in the heart of Nottingham we offer a incredibly fast same day service, thats affordable while only using high quality branded products. Our business counts numerous letting agencies, landlords and returning customers who use and recommend our low cost, fast and reliable service. Call 0115 8320195 and talk direct to a locksmith and not a call centre.

LS Locksmiths Nottingham is not a franchise, we do not sub contract to national locksmith companies. We never charge a call out fee and prices quoted are fixed totals no VAT.

LS Locksmiths
72 Noel Street
Nottingham
NG7 6AU

Locksmiths in Nottingham

A few days ago I was called to attend a Composite door that was unable to lock the family member was calling on behalf of a elderly lady who had not been able to lock the door and obviously this is a huge security risk so we set off to find out what the issue was and then fix it. On arrival we tested the door, the handle was lifting but the cylinder would not throw the bolt and lock, we removed the cylinder to check if it was a issue with the part and to see if any visible debris was impeding the bolt being thrown but no issues were found so I set about striping the mechanism while working the elderly lady started to chat about her life the work she had done in the past working at boots all her working life starting in the factory before ending in a ver high Managment role, her charity work for the local rotary club and parish council but now days due to age she just tended to the garden and wrote poems about Nottingham that she had had published in a few books,

Still working on the multipoint I found the gearbox had failed so grabbed a replacement from the van and set about replacing and fixing back into the door once all back together I tested the door and all was working as it should I was just about to say I’m finished and get ready to leave when the lady appeared with a tray with tea and biscuits so not to be rude I sat at the kitchen table and enjoyed a cuppa with more stories from my new friend.

Tea drunk and biscuits eaten I grabbed my tools but before I could leave I was met with “oh can you look at my back door while your here?”

I’d sat and chatted a little to long and had a appointment for another job and as it wasn’t a emergency she had a side door and back door in the kitchen I said I would come back in the morning and fix the door.

The next day I arrived and went to work on the rear door u like the front door this was a Upvc and and although it was unlocking with the key the door wasn’t opening so I used a spreader to see which part was not retracting and it was just the latch so I used a mica card to swiftly get the door open and it was obvious straight away the latch screw had loosened so the handle could not fully retract so a quick tightening up and it was good to go.

I I went to leave the lady handed me a piece of foldered paper and said “ I wrote this for you”

I opened and read the short poem she had took the time to write

The Ode of Locksmith Nottingham

From a tender age that locksmith Nottingham
He learned his trade that locksmith Nottingham

His dexterous hands that locksmith Nottingham
He used to command that locksmith Nottingham

Locks open at his will that locksmith Nottingham
Like peas he does shill that locksmith Nottingham

The master of his craft that locksmith Nottingham
Makes other look daft that locksmith Nottingham

Works day and night that locksmith Nottingham
In sun or moon light that locksmith Nottingham

With a pick so precise that locksmith Nottingham
Hand steady like ice that locksmith nottingham

His name spread far that locksmith Nottingham
Known in every town bar that locksmith Nottingham

But his loyalty’s here that locksmith Nottingham
In the land of his near that locksmith Nottingham

I was taken aback by the lady’s kindness and thoughtfulness to take the time to do the poem and was really pleased with it, it just goes to show yes your there to do a job but for some people it’s maybe the only contact they might have had in days so always make sure if you do have a little time or even while your working a little chat could mean so much.

LS Locksmiths is local family run locksmiths based in the heart of Nottingham we offer a incredibly fast same day service, thats affordable while only using high quality branded products. Our business counts numerous letting agencies, landlords and returning customers who use and recommend our low cost fast service. Call 0115 8320195

LS Locksmiths
72 Noel Street
Nottingham
NG7 6AU
0115 8320195

If you value security then at some point your going to want to change the euro cylinder lock fitted to your double glazed, Upvc or composite doors especially if it’s old, a recent property purchase or to consolidate just who has a key. The older the euro cylinder the high likely hood is its very low in the security rankings and lacks security features like anti pick pins, anti drill, anti bump and anti snap.
A affordable new euro cylinder fitted will not just add these security features but will also mean you also now are fully aware who has a key to your property – if your really concerned about people maybe duplicating a key you give them then opt for a restricted key lock only you or who you authorise can get copies made.

Do you want to change the Euro lock or locks on your double glazed, Upvc or composite door but not a fan of DIY then give our team a call on 0115 8320195 we supply and fit high quality affordable anti pick, anti snap anti drill and anti bump Euro lock cylinders in all sizes including 1* & 3* top security rated.

First off before you are going to want to measure the distance from the edge of your existing handles to the Euro lock retaining screw located on the multipoint strip – in some older double glazed doors and wooden doors you may not have a multipoint strip just what looks like a sash lock remove the faceplate screws and under the faceplate you will see the Euro retaining screw.

When measuring do it as two separate measurements

External to retaining screw
Internal to retaining screw

Some lock makers only at security pins, anti snap features to the external side of the lock as it’s the side a attempted would only occur from outside/external

Use this measurement to order your new Euro lock ready for fitting.

Once you have your new Euro lock your ready to remove the old one and fit its replacement.

Start by removing the Euro cylinder retaining screw this is most likely a posidrive screw but older types use a flat head or even a Allen key grub screw.

Once removed you will want to loosen the screws on handles slightly or full to completely remove the handles to aid the removal of the Euro cylinder the handle screws can be found on the internal side of the door located below the Euro cylinder and either below or above the handle ( in some cases there are 3 screws but mostly just two and in some handles there is a Allen grub screw in the handle, if removing the handles this will also need to be slightly loosened off)

Next step is to slide the Euro lock out you will need to use a working key for the lock. Insert the working key we will call this 12 O’Clock and turn to either 11 O’Clock or 1 O’Clock depending on which side the door is hung and pull the key towards you and slide the Euro lock out – the Euro lock has a cam that needs to be aligned inside it’s lock body for it to slide out, if it will not slide out at 11 O’Clock then try turning to 1 O’Clock and pull to slide out.

Once out you can reverse the removal actions to fit your new Euro lock.

Remove the Euro lock from its packaging and insert a key it was supplied with to the internal side of the lock this will either be engraved on the lock or you will need to use the measurements that you took to purchase to know which side is internal.

Turn the key again to either 11 O’Clock or 1 O’Clock so the cam is aligned in the Euro lock body and slide into the door from the internal side – if you left the handles on then this will help to know how far to slide the Euro lock in as your new lock should be located from each edge of the handle if not as you slide the Euro lock in look through the hole where the retaining screw goes on the multipoint strip as you slide the lock through you will see the lock pass and stop sliding when you see the retaining screw hole on the lock.

Once in place turn the key back to 12 O’Clock and re screw in the retaining screw next you will need to re fit the handles or tighten the handle screws back up be aware as to not over tighten the screws.

You’ll next want to test the Euro lock it’s working so close the door loft the handle and turn the key test it’s locked and that’s it! Just to be on the safe side I would recommend that all the keys are tested on both sides of the lock internal and external.

We hope our guide has been a help but if your unsure on any points we gave and need advice don’t hesitate to give us a call on 0115 8320195

LS Locksmiths is local family run locksmiths based in the heart of Nottingham we offer a incredibly fast same day service, thats affordable while only using high quality branded products. Our business counts numerous letting agencies, landlords and returning customers who use and recommend our low cost fast service.

LS Locksmiths
72 Noel Street
Nottingham
NG7 6AU
0115 8320195

Change lock on double glazing door Nottingham

Keys, keys and more keys. Have you ever wanted to have to just one key to open all the locks on your property or business? Are you a landlord of multiple properties or HMO and would like to cut the number of keys you need?

Here at LS Locksmiths we can tailor make a solution that suits individuals, businesses and landlords alike so you can limit the amount of keys you require. Our solutions include

Keyed alike
Like the name suggests Keyed alike is to make all locks on a property made to be open by the same single key – this requires all locks to be either cylinder locks like for example Euro locks like found in Upvc/composite doors or lever locks if your property uses a combination of both either the lever locks can be converted to Euro cassettes or you would need two keys to open all locks – this works well for home owners and businesses alike.

Master Suite
This works extremely well for landlords with HMO Propertys where tenants have one key to open a main entrance and there own private entrance to a flat, apartment or bedroom and as landlord your key will open main entrance and all individual private entrances – this system can also be scaled up to include multiple different properties that as landlord you can open all main entrances and individual entrances while tenants keys only operate in the buildings they are required in and there own individual private entrances.

The pros & cons

Keyed Alike
Keyed alike can make life simpler especially if you have multiple locks on a door say for example on a shop or business premises – recently I installed new locks on a private residence the building had a front and back door and previous owner had installed on each door a sash lock and two deadlocks each lock came with its own key so in total 6 different keys to open and lock both doors, the new owner still wanted the same amount of locks so we built a keyed alike system for them so one key opened all locks on both doors.
This made so much easier in day today use but it’s main drawback would be if a key was lost/stolen then all locks would need to be changed. This is the same for business which as people leave employment you may be required to change all locks they once had access to.

Master suite
Landlords that have multiple properties then a master suite system really is a god send, gone are the days of having a massive amount of keys to each private entrance and building entrance – earlier in the year we was tasked with creating a master suite for a landlord in Nottingham who had 11 HMO properties each HMO contained between 8 and 16 individual private rooms now that’s a lot of keys. This gave the landlord one key to open every lock in all buildings so if one tenant lost there key or was locked out they could be let back in and all the landlord had to do is let us know which building and room number and we could create a new key for the locks from our records – the only downside to this is when the tenant who is locked out contacts there own locksmith without telling the landlord if that locksmith changes the lock then the landlord will need to contact us to remake the lock and key unless managed correctly over time multiple locks may get changed and this can lead to services unable to gain access especially at change over.

LS Locksmiths can build a system tailored to your exact needs and requirements, our keyed alike and master suite locks are quality built to high levels of security – please be aware not all systems are equal!
Our keyed alike and master suite systems are insurance approved and built to last using high quality cylinders and lever locks. Contact our team today to discuss your needs and requirements we can carry out a FREE site assessment and no obligation quote. Call 0115 8320195 and speak to a locksmith.

LS Locksmiths is local family run locksmiths based in the heart of Nottingham we offer a incredibly fast same day service, thats affordable while only using high quality branded products. Our business counts numerous letting agencies, landlords and returning customers who use and recommend our low cost fast service. Call 0115 8320195

LS Locksmiths
72 Noel Street
Nottingham
NG7 6AU
0115 8320195

Master Key Systems Nottingham

The first line of defence you have protecting you from intruders is your homes locks and the more security you have the more protected your home will be, Multipoint door locks are most commonly fitted to Upvc and composite doors and as the name suggests it’s has multiple locking points that run from the top of your door to the bottom. Most multipoint locking systems are activated when you lift the handle upwards (slam shut multipoint are auto activated) and when you turn the key are locked into position.

Types of locking features on a multipoint locking Mechanisim

Centre bolt or hook
Hooks
Rollers

When multipoint locks were first introduced almost all used a combination of a centre bolt and rollers but it was quickly realised that just this combination was not secure enough, the bolt was extended and manufactures started to add additional bolts in a top and bottom position – nowadays most multipoint have moved from bolts to hooks throw in opposing directions so the door cannot be prised open greatly adding even more security.

Inside a multipoint gearbox
Your multipoint gearbox contains a lot of small moving parts that work in combination to lock your external door securely if one part breaks the whole gearbox ceases to work fully or partially – in almost all instances if a gearbox has failed then it is always recommended that the whole gearbox is replaced and not just the faulted part. The exception to this (personally) is if a follower cam has failed in a Millenco 117 – this is a simple task that can save a customer money and will extend the life of the multipoint greatly.

Guide to replace top cam follower on a Millenco 117 multipoint lock

Bellow is the set sequence of parts to remove to replace the failed cam follower it also shows how many parts you can find inside a multipoint gearbox and how they have to all be located in the correct position for it to work correctly – top tip watch out for the ball bearings sat on little springs 👍

Don’t forget after replacing any part or gearbox that you fully service all other moving parts and make sure that the door is correctly aligned in almost all cases of failed multipoint locking mechanisms it is because of alignment issues causing excessive force be placed on the multipoint gearbox this can be done by either adjustment to the door hinges or toe and heel to a Upvc door.

LS Locksmiths is local family run locksmiths based in the heart of Nottingham we offer a incredibly fast same day service, thats affordable while only using high quality branded products. Our business counts numerous letting agencies, landlords and returning customers who use and recommend our affordable fast service. Call 0115 8320195

LS Locksmiths
72 Noel Street
Nottingham
NG7 6AU
0115 8320195

LS Locksmiths Nottingham

When I was first introduced to locksmithing as a very young man many moons ago I was told

“to be a locksmith you must be able to view a problem and find a solution but don’t stop there keep trying to find solutions, a faster solution or maybe make or adapt tools to make a simpler solution but always keep searching for solutions”

Opening locks is a problem, lock makers have designed there product so that people cannot open them without the correct key being used but the solution to this is to make a key or to manipulate the lock so that it behaves like the correct key has been used to open… that went a little deep but to open a lock a locksmith uses the same parts that are designed to stop you gaining entry to be able to gain entry.

Depending on the type of lock either levers or pins are used to stop the lock from being opened without the correct key, the levers or pins are set based on the cuts on the key to correctly line up so that the bolt or core can be moved without a key the locksmith must move or manipulate each individual pin or lever in the correct sequence into position to be able to open the lock which is no easy task but is very much possible, and once the locksmith finds the solution then the work begins to find a quicker or create tools to assist the solution.

Different types of lock opening done by locksmiths

Bypass
As the name states to gain entry or open a lock using a bypass technique – bypass the locks security. The most simple to describe and most common lock bypass is using a mica sheet to open a night latch. Mica is a strong but flexible sheet of plastic that can be slipped between door and the frame to press the latch into its lock body and open the door. More bypass techniques can be used on thumb turn locks, Adams rite locks and BS standard night latches that have a letterbox present all of these require speciality tools to enable bypass like a letterbox tool.

Cylinder lock picking
Cylinder locks are a very popular lock found on almost all Upvc, composite doors and also common on wooden doors as well. To pick a cylinder lock, you have need to lift or depress all the pins to the shearline A key is designed to do this all at once, and to turn the plug (thats bit you put the key in). To pick the cylinder lock we have to apply very light tension (turn the core) while we lift or depress each pin into the correct position one by one. Tools have been designed to speed up this task like a pick gun, electric pick gun but still require skill and always the correct amount of tension per lock.

Lever lock picking
Lever locks are becoming less popular as each year passes but can be found in wooden doors old and new and as long as they are a quality brand and passed British Standard testing offer excellent levels of security. Lever lock picking on a quality BS lever lock will the correct tools and a very high level of skill and knowledge that takes lots of practice and patience to overcome the extra security features found inside but simple put just like in a cylinder the lock using a tension tool and a lever pick to lift each lever one by one emulating the action of what a key does at the same time while avoiding anti pick measures and the dreaded false gates/notches.

Lock Bumping
There’s a strong debate going on in the locksmith world and one I strongly hold my stance on, I’m a big advocate of bump keys and have been for a very long time they are a great tool in the locksmith world where gain entry quickly is required but there availability to non locksmiths is a major concern to me. Bump keys are not a magic wand you still need the correct type of key for many different locks and also the correct technique but this is much easier to achieve then lock picking so in the wrong hands could really be bad. We have all seen how lock snapping has become a quick simple method to gain entry used by criminals but lock bumping could be 10x worse because no damage is caused to the lock so no visible sign of entry which could invalidate home insurance.

Bump keys are keys that have been cut to either 5 or 6 pin all at the lowest pin height then inserted into a lock the key is then hit with a tool making the pins bounce or bump, a small amount of tension is applied to the key during the hit and done correctly the lock can be “bumped” open. Like I wrote this is not a magic wand but unfortunately there are many locks out there that will open very very quickly using this method which is very scary and which is why I believe they should only be available to trading locksmiths and not to the general public.

Can you protect against lock bumping?
If a bump key existed for a lock it can be bumped and if you trawl through the websites selling bump keys you’ll find it’s one hell of a lot but not all locks are equal and just because a key exists in unskilled hands it may not work. More recently produced locks have added anti bump measures and some are even un bump able – we can offer advice and information call 0115 8320195

Do only locksmiths pick locks?
Being able to pick locks takes a lot of time and practice to master and is a skill that has to adapt to new innovations in lock security constantly so locksmiths are able to provide the service that they do as professional tradespeople but there is a very large non locksmith community that find the challenge of lock picking, this community is called locksport.

Many videos of non locksmiths post videos and share tips on lock picking from all levels and is a community that grows year on year. If your ingested in getting into lock picking I strongly suggest you take a look on YouTube as the advice and tutorials are very interesting and informative.

LS Locksmiths is local family run locksmiths based in the heart of Nottingham we offer a incredibly fast same day service, thats affordable while only using high quality branded products. Our business counts numerous letting agencies, landlords and returning customers who use and recommend our low cost fast service. Call 0115 8320195

LS Locksmiths
72 Noel Street
Nottingham
NG7 6AU
0115 8320195

Open locks in Nottingham

“Holidays are coming Holidays are coming” yes it’s the most festive time of the year and just like everyone else our locksmiths are looking forward to enjoying time with family and friends and more then a few light ales I imagine.

It’s a rough year or two for everyone but as we enter the festive period I think most people were looking to put it all behind us and start to get back to normal and try to enjoy this years Christmas holidays with plans for works parties and family gatherings all planned out.

Recent reports of variants and Boris pushing forward jabs and more jabs it might have took a little shine off what we really all wanted which is a normal Christmas time, but we do defiantly look like we will still be able to enjoy some much needed time with our families and to reflect on this we’ve come up with business opening times that give our staff a much needed time off while still being able to offer our service at key times.

It might surprise you but Christmas Day morning has always been a busy time for us not one year has gone by with out at least one emergency locksmith call out. With so many people travelling to spend time with family, family walks and out with the kids on there new bikes or skates (showing my age do kids get skates anymore?) the chances of peoples thoughts elsewhere leads to accidental lock outs.

Many cry’s of “ I thought you grabbed the keys” ring out across the city almost more then festive songs on a Christmas morning but don’t let that spoil your Christmas pud. If you need to get back in on Christmas morning we are on hand to help.

A few years ago I attended a emergency call out on Christmas Day morning for a family In Mapperley, they had spent the early morning opening presents and starting preparing the Christmas lunch with the turkey already in the oven they wrapped up in scarfs and hats to take kids and pet dogs out for a walk along the plains. The house had recently been fitted with a new composite door that had a slam lock mechanism – this type of composite door has no handles when you pull the door closed the mechanism throws the hooks and bolt effectively locking your door without using a key – which is great for security but not so great if you leave your keys inside when the door closes.

So you can imagine how upset they were to arrive back home just in time to baste the turkey to realise no one had grabbed the house keys, luckily I wasn’t to far from them as I was driving back from a earlier job so I was able to attend in double quick time and even though most of these composite doors have 3* security cylinders fitted that are designed to be anti pick I was able to pick the lock (not all locksmiths are equal) quickly enough that the turkey didn’t get to dry…

And because we are not scrooges we only charged our normal fee – yes you’ve read that right for the whole of the festive period we do not charge any extra fees on the bank holidays, we also like to spread some festive spirit and realise a extra large bill for calling a locksmith is not what people wanted out of Santas sack so we charge exactly the same prices we charge all year round but if you want to tip a mince pie we won’t say no.

For the first time in our 60 year history we have decided to not offer a call out service on New Years Day looking back over the years it’s never been a day that’s warranted having a member on staff on call all day – although of the few times I’ve had to work News Years day call outs have been quite eventful and very often involve men being in a lot of trouble from there behaviour the night before – and as a company we wanted to give as many of our staff as much time off as possible so we hope you appreciate why we have chosen to not open.

Ours like other locksmiths in Nottingham will be offering limited hours so non emergency’s may be next day instead of our normal same day service to cope with smaller staff numbers and limited time, but we can assure you will be seen to and we will never leave anyone in a insecure or dangerous position.

So as a final word we would like to wish all of regular customers, landlords and letting agents a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year and here’s hoping it’s a good one for all and it it means getting a couple of jabs alone the way so we all stay safe and avoided anymore lock downs or restrictions then it’s what we will have to do.

LS Locksmiths is local family run locksmiths based in the heart of Nottingham we offer a incredibly fast same day service, thats affordable while only using high quality branded products. Our business counts numerous letting agencies, landlords and returning customers who use and recommend our low cost fast service. Call 0115 8320195

LS Locksmiths
72 Noel Street
Nottingham
NG7 6AU
0115 8320195

LS Locksmiths Nottingham

After taking the afternoon off to watch our local football team Radford FC play there final home game of the year – Radford FC play there home games at Selhurst St in Hyson Green Nottingham – it was my turn to be on call for the Saturday night, a call came in from one of our letting agents who had a tenant who was locked out.

Now some letting agents may not even take calls over the weekend or will mostly direct tenants to call a locksmith as a lost key is the tenants fault but these guys were happy to get a spare and drive over on a Saturday night to help but unfortunately the tenant had already allowed a “friend” to try to drill the lock and the drill bit had snapped so when the letting agent arrived with a key it was now useless.

So I attended what should have still been a pretty simple job of removing the offending drill bit and gain entry followed by replacing the cylinder.

But things are never straight forward especially on a cold wet winters night…

As soon as I arrived and examined the door I could see that something was not right, the handle was hanging much lower then it should and is a tell take sign that someone had forced it down in a attempt to gain entry.

This will never work but so many people try it, the Upvc door locking mechanism is designed to not allow this and all it does is cause more damage and more cost to not just replace the parts but the extra time it will now take to get the door open.

So instead of just waiting a short time for a key to arrive we now have a Upvc door that needs a new cylinder, a new multipoint locking mechanism and handles to boot this “friends” attempt to gain entry was going to be expensive.

Unlike when a Upvc multipoint has failed as locksmiths we are still able to manipulate the gearbox to get the door open but excessive force or hitting the handle with a mallet which was now evidently the culprit jams the moving parts so the only way now was to spread the door and force the hooks and bolt out of the keeps in the frame, again I stress the mechanism has been designed to not allow this to happen and without training this can and will cause damage to the frame and you could be looking at having to buy a whole new door if you let a “friend” try this.

Even with all the added obstacles put in my way the door was opened and all parts replaced in around 1 hour so it’s always always better to get a professional to get the job done, yes it might not be what you want to be spending money on but it’s always going to be cheaper in the long run.

LS Locksmiths is local family run locksmiths based in the heart of Nottingham we offer a incredibly fast same day service, thats affordable while only using high quality branded products. Our business counts numerous letting agencies, landlords and returning customers who use and recommend our low cost fast service. Call 0115 8320195

LS Locksmiths
72 Noel Street
Nottingham
NG7 6AU
0115 8320195

Professional Locksmiths in Nottingham

Upvc doors have been around few years and are still highly popular today – they offer a greater level of security, protection from the elements and noise reduction that is when they are working as they should.

General wear and tear from usage is always going to effect how the Upvc door works and can lead to water ingress, drafts and in the worst cases the ability to be opened.

Over the years we have seen and fixed all types of issues with Upvc doors but is shocking just how common some problems are so we have decided to list the most common Upvc door problems and issues.

1. Miss alignment

By far the most common job we get called out to and they biggest cause of a failed multipoint. Miss alignment is caused when the Upvc door drops.

Even a small drop of a few millimetres can result in extra pressure being forced in the Upvc gearbox. The first sign of a miss alignment you notice is it requires more effort to lift the handle to lock the door.

If left miss aligned the extra effort will gradually become more effort and damage to the handles and gearbox will occur.

2. Failed multipoint

Through years of usage or miss alignment the gearbox that operated the multipoint mechanism will fail and you will be left with a Upvc door that your unable to open or close (very rare).

The multipoint gear box contains many small parts that operate the latch, bolt, hooks and rollers when one part breaks the whole gearbox will stop working.
In some cases the broken part can be replaced but in most instances it’s better to replace the complete gearbox – some manufacturers produce multipoint locking systems where the gearbox cannot be replaced or the locking system is old and obsolete and the full new multipoint locking system will need to be replaced

3. Faulty cylinder

Faults with a cylinder can range from jammed pins to broken springs or even the whole core falling out but what they all have in common is your not going to be able to lock or unlock the Upvc door. Luckily Upvc door cylinders have been designed so they can be quickly and simpler removed and replaced (that is if you can get the door open) but always remember Upvc are not all the same and require the correct size of cylinder for that door – to small or to large and you will be at risk of issues locking and unlocking or a security risk.

4. Miss aligned cam on cylinder

You will know when you have a miss aligned cam in your Upvc door because you will either not be able to remove the key after you have unlocked the door – this is most commonly caused when keys have been left in the cylinder when locked and someone has tried to unlock from outside – if the keys inside are at the perfect 12-6 o’clock position they will push out and no damage is done to the cylinder but if the are just slightly off the 12-6 o’clock position when you try to use the key instead of bumping the inside keys out you can force the key to turn which will get the door unlocked but this leaves the cam out of position and this mis alignment will cause misalignment.

If you are unlucky to have one or more of these faults and are based in Nottingham or surrounding areas don’t panic we are on hand to help. All our locksmiths are fully trained and carry all the required parts to fix your issue in one fast visit. All parts supplied and fitted come with a full parts and labour warranty.

LS Locksmiths is local family run locksmiths based in the heart of Nottingham we offer a incredibly fast same day service, thats affordable while only using high quality branded products. Our business counts numerous letting agencies, landlords and returning customers who use and recommend our low cost fast service. Call 0115 8320195

LS Locksmiths
72 Noel Street
Nottingham
NG7 6AU
0115 8320195

Locksmith Nottingham

Who would have thought the sun would be out, shorts and t shirt worn and it being Goose fair weekend. But that’s just what we got last weekend and we did enjoy it.

Booked in to do a lock change on a old Methodist church in West Bridgford we had already put some work in on the bench in the workshop as the customer had requested that the four locks on the front of the property would operate with a single key – keyed alike.

To do this we took four locks and changed the levers inside three to match the forth one. For this we used union strongbolt BS the locks were all 3” and a combination of 2x deadbolts and 2x sash locks, we also cut a few extra keys. The locks in the doors were a missmash of different brands with some not BS so we hasps a little work to cut out before fitting.

New handles were fitted as well to the sash locks – hoppe nylon in a very fetching grey to match the doors leaving a very tidy and easy to use set of doors.

More locks around the building were also changed and a extra Thumbturn dead lock installed to a exterior door – last job of the day was to remove a steel gate lock and fit a new version before we could call it a day.

A old version of a Lockinox steel gate lock had been fitted but the bolt had been damaged in the past so we had ready a new version ready to replace but this old lock didn’t want to play nicely and decided it would put up a fight before it was retired to the scrap bin.

A lot a WD40 and some gentle persuasion finally got the Lockinox to part company with its long time partner and start the journey to the scrapyard in the sky.

This job has been a joy to work on and we wish all the best to the business who are now making it there new home, we look forward to what developments they have planned in the future for the space and if they go ahead for a few pop up comedy nights we will defiantly be paying them a visit.

LS Locksmiths is local family run locksmiths based in the heart of Nottingham we offer a incredibly fast same day service, thats affordable while only using high quality branded products. Our business counts numerous letting agencies, landlords and returning customers who use and recommend our low cost, fast and service. Call 0115 8320195

LS Locksmiths
72 Noel Street
Nottingham
NG7 6AU
0115 8320195

Local locksmiths in Nottingham