Locksmith Birmingham

Locksmith Services Provided by AutoWise In Birmingham: Everything You Need to Know

As an experienced locksmith who owns AutoWise, I know firsthand the importance of providing our Birmingham clients with reliable and professional locksmith services. In this article, we'll review the various locksmith services we offer at AutoWise and how we can help you with emergency lockout needs.

What is AutoWise?

AutoWise is an all-service locksmith business based at Birmingham and provides a wide range of locksmith services for clients within our community. Our reputation for professionalism, competence, and customer satisfaction is what sets us apart. We can assist you whether your vehicle is locked out or your security system needs to be upgraded.

Emergency Locksmith Services

AutoWise can help you if you're locked out of your vehicle, house, or office. AutoWise's emergency locksmith service is available 24 hours a day in Birmingham, so we are always there for you.

Lockouts

Whether you've lost your keys or accidentally locked them inside your car or Birmingham home, our Birmingham locksmiths can help you gain entry quickly and safely.

Key Replacement and Duplication

If you've lost your keys or need a spare set, we offer fast and reliable key replacement and duplication services for all types of locks, including residential, commercial, and automotive locks.

Lock Repairs

If your lock is damaged or broken, our locksmiths can repair or replace it to ensure your security and safety.

Residential Locksmith Services

At AutoWise, we understand the importance of feeling safe and secure in your own home. Our residential locksmith services can help increase your home security.

• Lock Installation and Repair: We offer a variety of high-quality locks for residential use, and our locksmiths can install or repair them to ensure your Birmingham home is secure
• Key Cutting and Duplication: If you need spare keys for your Birmingham home, our locksmiths can cut and duplicate keys for all types of locks.
• Security Upgrades: Our Birmingham team can offer assistance if you have concerns about your property's security. You can trust our Birmingham locksmiths to install quality locks and deadbolts that will keep your property secure.

How Much Do Locksmiths Charge Per Hour in the UK?

When searching for a locksmith in the UK, knowing their hourly rate is essential. Doing this will enable you to select the most cost-effective option. When it comes to locksmith fees, location and the type of work needed can all influence how much they charge. For instance, a locksmith in London might charge more than one in Birmingham or the north of England.

The cost of the lock plays a role in how much a locksmith charges, as some locks are more costly than others. For instance, British Standard approved locks are more expensive than non-BS locks. Before booking with a professional locksmith, ask them for the price of parts and labour. Ensure the quote includes all costs involved - if not, consider it a red-light warning sign. Alternatively, request a receipt once the job has been completed for further assurance.

Lock Changes

Changeling locks is a commonly requested service from locksmiths. It may be necessary due to damage to the lock or if someone has stolen your keys and you want to ensure they can no longer access your home. When you call one our Birmingham locksmiths to change your locks, they will typically remove the old locking hardware and install brand-new components - giving you an entirely new lock and matching keys.

The task can seem intimidating when you need to change a lock on your own. Depending on the size of your home or business, you may have multiple locks that need changing. This could include all front doors, back doors, windows, garage, and gate locks.

Emergency Boarding Up

When your windows or doors have been broken into, you can contact an emergency board-up service to resecure the property. This is essential in protecting your home or business and preventing further damage until replacement glass can be installed. Boarding up your Birmingham property can be tedious, but an experienced Locksmith can finish the task quickly. They should also be DBS checked and possess at least level 3 qualifications in Locksmithing. Emergency boarding-up services are often employed to protect properties after fires, floods or break-ins. They may also be used as a preventative measure to minimise storm damage. They can be constructed of wood or steel and serve as a solid deterrent to thieves and vandals. Not only do they offer an economical solution, but they're usually completed within an hour of your call for assistance. Anti-tamper screws ensure these barriers remain securely fastened to your building's surface.

How Do You Tell If Your Locks Have Been Tampered With? Tips and Tricks

Locks are a crucial component of our home security systems. They protect our homes, cars, and belongings from theft and burglary. However, sometimes locks can be tampered with, compromising our security. Knowing how to detect if your locks have been tampered with is crucial so you can take appropriate action. This article will discuss tips and tricks to help you tell if your locks have been tampered with.

Check for Physical Damage

The first step in detecting if your locks have been tampered with is to check for physical damage. Here are some signs to look out for:

• Scratches or Scrapes: You may notice marks or scratches around the keyhole. This could indicate that someone tried to open the lock.
• Loose Lock: If your lock is loose or wobbles when you insert the key, this could indicate that the lock has been tampered with. A loose lock clearly indicates that someone has tried to force it open using significant force.
• Broken Key: You could have a key that breaks in your lock or is difficult to turn. Even if the lock has never been in trouble before, you might find this to be especially concerning.

Look for Signs of Picking

The second step in detecting if your locks have been tampered with is to look for signs of picking. Here are some signs to look out for:

Bent Pins

If the pins inside the lock are bent, this is a sign that someone has tried to pick the lock. Bent pins are a clear indication of tampering.

Scratches or Marks

If there are scratches or marks around the keyhole or on the lock itself, this could be a sign that someone has used a tool to try and pick the lock. Scratches and marks are a clear indication that your lock has been tampered with.

How to Avoid Locksmith Scams

Locksmith scams are one of the most prevalent types of fraudulence you should look for. While they can be challenging to spot, here are a few tips you can use to help avoid them:

Scammers take advantage of consumers in their most vulnerable state when locked out of their homes or cars. They employ paid advertising, Google Maps location poaching and fake websites to attract attention and defraud them out of a substantial amount of money.

Check their credentials

Locksmiths provide various services, from lock repair to home and business security. Many are trained and certified through accredited schools, take online courses, or gain experience working alongside other licensed locksmiths. Legitimate locksmith firms will have their service van marked with their company logo and technicians wearing uniforms emblazoned. If someone shows up in an unmarked van, that could be a warning sign of being scammed. Confirming the legitimacy of a locksmith's business name and address is essential. Reputable locksmiths will have an actual physical address and an accessible phone number. If the phone number is toll-free, that should raise a red flag, and automated fraudsters often utilise these numbers.

Check their credentials

Locksmiths provide various services, from lock repair to home and business security. Many are trained and certified through accredited schools, take online courses, or gain experience working alongside other licensed locksmiths. Legitimate locksmith firms in Birmingham will have their service van marked with their company logo and technicians wearing uniforms emblazoned. If someone shows up in an unmarked van, that could be a warning sign of being scammed.

Confirming the legitimacy of a locksmith's business name and address is essential. Reputable locksmiths will have both an actual physical address as well as an accessible phone number. If the phone number is toll-free, that should raise a red flag. These numbers are often utilised by automated fraudsters.

Check Their Reviews

Locksmith scams are a serious problem, often involving call centres or individual scammers that prey on consumers who require lockout services. These criminals use fake lead generation ads to attract potential victims. Scammers may create fake websites that appear legitimate. These sites are designed to lure people into calling a specific number and being transferred to an unreliable call centre based out of state or out of the country.

These call centres often employ unskilled subcontractors on call who will attempt to upsell the service and charge more than originally quoted. When a fraudulent locksmith arrives, they often claim your lock is broken and requires extensive repairs or drilling. This type of claim can lead to hundreds of dollars more in fees than what was originally quoted. When in need of a locksmith, it's wise to hire one who has earned a solid reputation and good reviews. Make sure their name and contact information is stored safely in case you require their services in the future.

Check Their pricing

Locksmith scams are unfortunately commonplace in the industry, leaving many with a negative experience. To stay away from them, it's essential to know what to look for when pricing out services from a locksmith. When making your purchase, the first thing to check for is the price they quote you over the phone. Make sure it matches up exactly with what they say it will be when they arrive.

Another indication of a scam is when they offer low prices at the start, then increase them later on. This practice, known as bait-and-switch, is one of the most widespread types. Another scam occurs when they claim your lock requires extensive repairs or installation and charge more than what was quoted initially. This tactic is used to extract money from you even if the need for money is legitimate.