Resources
Locksmith Resources & FAQs
Straight answers to the questions people actually ask a locksmith — no jargon, no upsell.
How fast can a locksmith reach me in an emergency in South Yorkshire?
For a genuine emergency, ASG Locksmith typically arrives within 30 to 60 minutes across South Yorkshire — around 15 to 30 minutes in Rotherham where we're based, and 30 to 60 minutes for Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster and surrounding towns. We're on call 24/7 including weekends.
Do locksmiths charge a call-out fee?
Most locksmiths charge either a separate call-out fee plus a labour rate, or a single all-in price for the job. ASG Locksmith confirms the price with you on the phone before we set off, so there's no surprise when we arrive.
How do I know a locksmith is insured and DBS checked?
The UK locksmith trade is unregulated — there's no licence. Ask any locksmith for evidence of public liability insurance and a DBS check before they attend, and be wary of anyone who won't provide it. ASG Locksmith is DBS checked and carries full public liability insurance.
Can a locksmith open my door without damaging it?
In most residential lockouts, yes — a competent locksmith can open a standard front or back door without damaging the door, the frame or the lock. Picking, bumping and specialist bypass tools resolve the majority of everyday jobs. Damage is only needed for a small minority of cases.
What happens during a safe opening service?
A locksmith will first attempt non-destructive entry — manipulation, override procedures, or replacing a flat keypad battery. If those fail, destructive entry (drilling in a controlled place) may be required, and in many cases this means the safe will not be reusable afterwards.
What should landlords know about changing locks between tenants?
Changing locks between tenancies isn't strictly required by law in most cases, but it's strongly recommended: you have no reliable way to know how many copies of the old key exist. A cheap Euro cylinder swap between tenants is far less expensive than a break-in claim.