Nothing humbles a person faster than realizing their keys are on the wrong side of a locked door. One minute, you’re going about your day. Next, you’re standing there and patting every pocket like a detective searching for clues.
Whether it’s your house or your car, that sinking feeling hits the same every time – pure disbelief, followed by the desperate hope that maybe, just maybe, the door wasn’t fully shut. (It always is.)
But before you start sizing up your windows or Googling how to pick a lock with a bobby pin, let’s talk about the best locksmiths in London – because these pros can get you back inside way faster than your questionable DIY attempts.
And without the risk of explaining to your neighbors why you’re trying to break into your own home.
How much do locksmiths charge in London?
Locksmiths in London typically charge £65 to £85 per hour during standard hours, with rates rising to £120 or more for late-night services. The final price may change depending on the lock type, time of service, and job complexity.
How we chose
- Response Time & Availability – We reached out to multiple locksmith services at different times of the day, including late at night. This allowed us to see how quickly they answered calls and how soon they could arrive for emergencies.
- Service Range & Expertise – We checked each locksmith’s website and spoke with their staff to confirm they handle everything from basic lock changes to advanced security system installations.
- Certifications & Insurance – We verified whether the locksmiths were accredited by professional bodies like the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) and checked if they carried proper insurance for liability and property protection.
- Customer Experience & Reliability – We analysed feedback from real customers, prioritising services with a reputation for professionalism, reliability, and no surprise fees. We also looked for first-hand experiences that matched what was advertised.
1. The Lock Specialist Ltd
Location: 36 Alie St
Contact: +44 20 8261 7495
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
We recently had to deal with a late-night lockout situation, and we’re so glad we found The Lock Specialist Ltd.
We were relieved when they arrived in what felt like record time – seriously, they got to us in about 15 minutes. We also love that they’re available 24/7, so we feel confident we can call them anytime, whether it’s a midday security upgrade or a midlight lock crisis.
Plus, contacting them is super easy. We can reach out via WhatsApp, SMS, or a classic phone.
We especially appreciate their variety of services, from standard lock replacements and emergency lockouts to installing CCTV and even crafting custom security grilles.
However—and we want to be direct here—they can be quite expensive. But what really makes us happy is their transparency when it comes to pricing. We hate hidden fees as much as the next person, so it’s refreshing to find a company that’s straightforward about costs.
Plus, with the quality of work they provide, we think the price is worth it.
Replies promptly on phone and WhatsApp
“Great company! They replied promptly both on the phone and whatsapp. Even if wasn’t an emergency they came out on the same day which is also on a Saturday. Mase has been fantastic, he removed his shoes before coming in and he has been extremely professional and precise. He had to change a lock that wasn’t working and he promptly replaced it with a high quality one. He also filled and retouch any little snagged to the door. He provided two keys a with the locks and told me that of their 6 months warranty period which is a piece of mind. He also took the time to make some adjustments in the other lock that was working but that needed a little tweaking and he has even added a plate in the other lock to match the other one all included in the original price! Five stars because I can’t give more!”
Veronica Todisco, Google Review
Repairs door handle and lock with excellent workmanship
“Was sceptical at first as you have to pay before they can come out but after speaking with them on the phone i was assured that they were a trusted company. They were here within 20 minutes after completing the payment and Mace did an excellent job of repairing the door handle and lock. Great service with a competitive price. Highly recommended.”
Joe Sadler, Google Review
2. Two Brothers Locksmiths LLP Master Locksmiths of skill & integrity
Location: Unit 201, 235 Earls Ct Rd
Contact: +44 7958 742751
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
We reached out to Two Brothers Locksmiths LLP and, in our experience, they really do live up to their claim of being “Master Locksmiths of Skill & Integrity”.
They’ve been around since 1986, which already gave us a sense of confidence knowing they’ve got decades of experience under their belt.
We were pretty impressed by the scope of their services. They can do late-night lockout rescue, lock fitting, and more. They can even strengthen your door and frame to further enhance your security!
Another big plus is that all their staff are Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)-checked. The company is also licensed by the Master Locksmiths Association, so we felt like our security was in good hands.
Of course, no company’s perfect. We’ve heard a few rumblings about some customers experiencing rude service, which is never great to hear.
We didn’t encounter any issues ourselves, but it’s definitely worth keeping in mind if you decide to give them a call.
Delivers fantastic service with a friendly approach
“Geoff came out to let us into the flat when the main lock had failed. Fantastic service, really friendly and was very thorough. Would recommend to anyone in need of an emergency locksmith! With so many scam locksmiths out there in London it was such a relief to find someone trustworthy and reliable.”
Charlie Harris, Google Review
Maintains friendliness and professionalism throughout the service
“Jeff was very friendly and professional. He could have just done what we called him for and taken the money, but instead told us we should not have to pay for this out of pocket and advised us on what to do next, all free of charge. Thank you Jeff for attending our property yesterday, and for your honesty and integrity. Wishing you the best of luck with your business. Best, Ide.”
Ide Ezberci, Google Review
3. UK Auto Locksmith Ltd
Location: Flat 48, 6 Salamanca PI
Contact: +44 20 3880 9904
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM
When it comes to auto locksmith services in London, we are genuinely impressed with what UK Auto Locksmith Ltd brings to the table.
Their skill set is impressive, covering everything from basic key repairs and replacements to complex EEPROM programming. They’ve got the expertise to tackle just about any car key conundrum you throw at them – regardless of the make or model.
What also stood out for us is how transparent they are about pricing. Hidden fees are the worst, so knowing the costs up front (and getting a 12-month warranty on parts and labor) made us feel extra confident in their work.
We’ve also noticed plenty of positive buzz praising their prompt and professional approach. And from our own interactions, those reviews seem spot-on.
Our only minor wish is that they’d extend their hours a bit more. Even though they’re open until midnight – definitely better than your average locksmith – we’d still love to see them go 24/7.
Restores faith in customer service with reliability and professionalism
“My faith in customer service is restored. Tior (I think is his name) arrived just as promised, and was really quick to replace the broken key, and more than happy to demonstrate the new key then fully operational. He also told me about opening the drivers door when locked, with the button below the handle which I didn’t know was there. So very happy indeed and will certainly be recommending you guys when this service is required. Thanks again.”
Andy Homewood, Google Review
Replaces and programs BMW fobs efficiently on-site
“Wow, what a really good service. The buttons on both my BMW fobs had eventually stopped working though I could still access the car with the keys and start it with the fob against the steering column. I called this company and explained the issue. They said they could help and after due diligence (photo of my ID and proof of car ownership) they sent a technician within 45 minutes. 45 minutes later I had 2 new BMW fobs, programmed and fully working. I was still able to keep the old ones. The cost of both was less than purchasing and having programmed just one from BMW – plus I didn’t have to drive to a BMW dealer and wait for hours. I can’t rate UK auto locksmith highly enough. Technician was excellent and was happy to explain everything and give me options too.”
Batesey, Google Review
4. London Locks – Locksmiths Keys & Fobs
Location: 143 Bow Rd, Bow
Contact: +44 7743 247007
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
We came across London Locks – Locksmiths Keys & Fobs when our back gate fob suddenly decided to stop working. Right from the start, we could tell this wasn’t your average locksmith outfit.
They’ve been around since 2004, they’re approved by the Master Locksmith Association, and they seem to handle just about any lock or key situation you can imagine. They can fix or replace locks, cut keys, and even tackle advanced security solutions – all under one roof.
For us, the standout service was their ability to duplicate and program key fobs. We’ve got a few different gates and shutters around our property, and they managed to get everything working without a hitch.
We also appreciate their “No Call Out Fee” and “No Fix No Fee” policies. At first, we were skeptical if that would come with hidden catches, but it turned out to be exactly as advertised: straightforward and fair.
Plus, we can’t say enough good things about their e-cargo bikes. We love that they care about their carbon footprint, and it doesn’t slow them down one bit – they managed to get to us in about half an hour.
Our only wish is that they offer a 24/7 service. Lock emergencies don’t really only happen during business hours, right?
Arranges appointments quickly
“Completely brilliant and professional set up. The Lock had broken on our iron gate and was welded in. Appointment arranged quickly via WhatsApp. Price competitive. Turned up when promised and the work was carried out efficiently and effectively. And, to top it all off, they use electric/pedal bikes to get round London so are doing their bit for the environment too (and I didn’t have to worry about parking permits). 100% recommended.”
Vanessa Shield, Google Review
Completes the job swiftly
“Brilliant service and very professional A visit was arranged within hours and lock fitted next day. We were given good advice on what was needed and Mark who did the work was efficient and pleasant. Everything was quickly done and dusted and at a very reasonable price. I only wish we had known about them before.”
Lid King, Google Review
5. Keys4U Locksmith
Contact: +44 330 088 4662
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
It’s always a relief to find a locksmith you can count on day or night, and for us, Keys4U Locksmith fits that bill perfectly.
Many Londoners have ended up relying on them more than once – whether it was a midnight lockout or a quick daytime fix, they’ve been there 24/7 to save the day.
When we checked them out, it really felt like they’ve really got all bases covered. Beyond simple lock repairs and installations, they also handle high-end security systems like access control, CCTV, and alarm setups.
We also appreciate that they offer a six-month guarantee on any work they do. It’s a nice reassurance that if something goes wrong, they’ll actually stand by their service.
Plus, all their locksmiths are DBS-checked and fully qualified. This is really important for us since we’re basically letting a stranger into our home in the early hours of the morning.
Another big win is their ‘No Call-Out Fee’ policy, coupled with a goal of arriving within 30 minutes. We can confirm they got to us fast, and we weren’t left biting our nails for too long.
Our only caveat is that we’ve seen some feedback about people feeling overcharged, which can be off-putting.
Unlocks filing cabinets effortlessly
“Excellent service. The locksmith managed to unlock our filing cabinet and replace the lock with ease. Other locksmiths came out previously but did not have the correct replacement lock to hand and said it would be near enough impossible to find a locksmith who would have this lock with them and this needs to be ordered. This locksmith had the lock to hand and was very organised and professional. I highly recommend and will use only this company if needed.”
N R, Google Review
Gains access within minutes
“An interior lock had jammed and even our own security team couldn’t gain access. The locksmith team said “within the hour” and they arrived at 50 minutes from the phone call. The locksmith who attended was extremely efficient and gained access within minutes. The cost was exactly as estimated on the original phone call. I was very impressed by the professionalism and would use the same service again if a similar situation arises.”
Laurence Watkins, Google Review
