Lock Adjusting and Repairs—When Do You Need Them?

smslocksmiths • April 9, 2025

Everyone who cares about their safety—as well as the safety of those they care about—makes sure that they can lock their doors. But sometimes locks fail or don’t operate properly. A faulty lock can leave a person feeling uneasy and unsafe.


Lock adjusting and repairs help keep people and their loved ones safe and secure. Life has a habit of throwing unexpected situations your way, but Putney Locksmith Services are here to help when it comes to your lock needs.


New Home, Old Roommate

In any case where someone is moving into or out of a location, the event should always be accompanied by a call to Putney Locksmith Services. Anyone who owned your home before you as well as the realtor is likely to have a spare key for your home’s locks. If you shared a home with someone and they moved out, they probably have their copy of the key stuffed somewhere in their moving boxes.


If you think about all of the potential people who may have a key to access your home, it can be terrifying. Calling Putney Locksmith Services to have your locks changed is the only way to restore your sense of safety.


The Latch Isn’t Catching

Sometimes a lock gets to the point that it just won’t latch the right way. If your lock isn’t latched, you aren’t safe.


A fix for a lock that won’t latch is largely dependent on the cause of the malfunction. Sometimes your locksmith from Putney Locksmith Services just has to do some tightening of components in the lock mechanism to realign them. For bigger problems, it might take a little more time—but getting them fixed right away is critical to restoring your sense of security.


Frozen and Frosty

If you live anywhere where temperatures plunge low enough to make frost and snow show up, you have the potential to experience frozen locks. Both interior and exterior locks can freeze up and Putney Locksmith Services can help you identify both the problem and the solution to free up your lock. Hiring a professional can ultimately save you time and money, especially if the problem requires any tinkering with the lock mechanism itself.


Broken Key

The moment a person realizes that their key just broke off in a lock makes time seem to stand still. Keys don’t usually break leaving a nice, long neck that can be pulled out with some sturdy pliers. When a key breaks off, it likes to get stuck just out of reach.


Putney Locksmith services should be your first call when you break your key off in the lock. Trying to remove it yourself is likely to cause damage to the lock itself, creating even bigger problems than a broken key. Your locksmith has tools specifically designed to get your key out of the lock without doing any damage.


Conclusion

When your lock stops doing its job, your safety and sense of security are compromised. You deserve to feel safe at all times. Putney Locksmith Services will help rectify your situation quickly and thoroughly, helping you to feel safe again.

Smart Locks vs Traditional Locks: What’s Right for Your Home in Putney?

By Locksmiths • October 13, 2025
Introduction With technology advancing, you might be considering replacing your traditional locks with a smart or electronic locking system. But is that the right move for your Putney home? Here’s a breakdown of pros, cons, and what to look for. Traditional Locks: Still Reliable Time-tested mechanical systems no battery or electronics to fail Straightforward to repair or rekey Wide compatibility with UK standard locks (euro cylinder, mortice) Lower up-front cost Smart / Electronic Locks: Modern Convenience Remote access: lock/unlock via app or Bluetooth Temporary access codes or keycards (useful for visitors, workers) Audit trails: check who locked/unlocked and when Integration possibility with home automation / alarms Potential Downsides of Smart Locks Require power - battery changes or wiring More parts that may fail (electronics, motors) Compatibility: not all doors/frames will suit smart lock retrofits Cost: higher initial investment What to Consider for Your Home Usage : Are you in often, or out most of the time? Smart locks shine if you plan to use remote functions. Door type : UPVC or multipoint doors require particular coordination; some models may not fit. Security standard : Make sure the smart lock is certified (e.g. to British Standards) and offers forced-entry resistance. Backup method : Always maintain a mechanical backup (key override) in case electronics fail. Warranty & support : Pick brands with good support and ensure the locksmith can service them locally. Conclusion Smart locks can bring convenience and modern control, but they don't necessarily replace the need for a solid mechanical lock foundation. In many cases, a hybrid solution (mechanical + smart) works best. At SMS Putney Locksmith, we install and service both and we can advise what’s right for your door, budget, and security needs. 

How to Prepare for a Locksmith Visit: What You Should Do Before They Arrive

By Locksmiths • October 13, 2025
Introduction Having a locksmith come to your home can feel a little stressful, especially if it's in an emergency. But if you take just a few simple steps before they arrive, you can help them work more quickly and effectively and maybe reduce the cost in time and labour. 1. Identify the problem clearly Before you call, try to figure out exactly what’s wrong: is the key broken in the lock? Has the door warped? Did someone force entry? Observations like “key turns but won’t unlock” or “door alignment shifted after a move” help the locksmith arrive prepared. 2. Provide property details & photos if possible Send a photo or tell them the door type (UPVC, wooden, metal), lock brand or style (euro cylinder, mortice, multipoint), and whether there are other locks on that door (deadbolt, chain). This helps the locksmith bring the correct parts. 3. Clear access Make sure the path to the door is clear. Move cars or bins that could block access. Unlock gates if possible. The easier it is to get to the door, the quicker the work. 4. Have proof of address or identity ready A locksmith should verify you are the rightful occupant before gaining entry. Having a utility bill or ID ready will smooth this process. 5. Consider temporary security If a lock is failing and you’re waiting for the locksmith, consider using a chain lock or secondary bolt to add security until proper repair. 6. Ask for an estimate up front A trusted locksmith will give you a rough cost estimate before starting work, especially if parts are needed. Ask them what additional costs (parts, mileage, late hours) might apply.  Conclusion Preparing in advance helps the locksmith help you faster, safer, and potentially cheaper. At SMS Putney Locksmith, we aim to make the process smooth from beginning to end. Call us anytime for advice or to schedule a visit.
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