Locksmith FAQ Hastings —
honest answers to your questions

For Hastings we aim to be with you within 15–30 minutes. For surrounding areas like St Leonards, Bexhill, Battle, Rye and Camber it will be a little longer — give us a call and we’ll give you an honest ETA straight away. We don’t make promises we can’t keep.

We’re available 24 hours Monday to Friday, and 9am to 5pm on weekends. If you call outside weekend hours, leave a message and we’ll get back to you as early as possible. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for any dates we might not be available.

We always try non-destructive entry first — picking or bypassing the lock without drilling. This saves your door, your lock and your money. Drilling is an absolute last resort and we’ll always discuss it with you before we do anything destructive.

Yes — and we actively encourage it. Send a photo or short video to 07440 323523 on WhatsApp before we arrive. It helps us bring exactly the right parts and tools first time, which means we’re more likely to sort it in one visit without needing to go away and come back.

No — never. There is no callout charge at any time of day or night. You only pay for the work carried out, which is always agreed with you before we start.

No — S.T Locksmiths is not VAT registered, which means there are no VAT charges added to your bill. The price we quote is exactly what you pay. No hidden extras.

Lock changes start from £90, which includes labour and the cost of a quality anti-snap euro cylinder. The exact price depends on the number of locks and type involved. We can often give you a price over the phone, but sometimes it helps to see the lock in person first — especially if it’s an unusual type. We’ll always agree a price before we start work.

Yes — for planned, non-emergency work we provide free quotes. Call us or send a WhatsApp with a photo of the lock and we’ll give you a price before committing to anything.

We accept cash, card (credit and debit), and bank transfer. For commercial clients we can also arrange invoiced billing with agreed payment terms.

We’d always recommend it. You never know how many copies of the keys are out there from previous owners or tenants. It’s also worth knowing that old or worn locks are more prone to snapping keys or failing mechanisms. A lock change is quick, affordable and gives you complete peace of mind in your new home.

Yes — we cut spare domestic keys from your original. From £5 per key when added to an existing job. A minimum charge applies for key-only visits where we come out solely to cut keys.

We work with all common domestic lock types including euro cylinders, mortice locks, rim cylinders, uPVC multipoint locking systems and window locks. For commercial properties we also work with high-security mechanical locks, electronic access control, magnetic locks, push bars, panic devices and master key systems.

Yes — we design and install master key systems for businesses, hotels, landlords and commercial properties. A master suite lets you control access across multiple rooms or units with different key levels. We completed a master suite refresh for the Cooden Beach Hotel earlier this year. Call Tony to discuss your requirements.

Yes — stiff handles, dropped doors, failed gearboxes and seized multipoint mechanisms are all common jobs we deal with, particularly along the East Sussex coast where salt air accelerates wear. We diagnose and repair or replace as needed.

Yes — we’re now offering double glazed unit replacement as part of our services. If your windows are misted, cloudy or the seal has failed, we can replace the glass unit itself without needing to replace the whole frame. Send us a WhatsApp photo for a quote.

Yes — we provide ongoing maintenance for commercial clients. Regular servicing helps prevent lockouts, extends the life of your security hardware and keeps costs down in the long run. Call Tony to discuss what would work for your property.

For some vehicles yes — we can gain access to cars using professional non-destructive methods. Give us a call and describe the situation and we’ll let you know if it’s something we can help with right now.

Not yet — but this is something we’re actively working towards. We’re planning to launch a full auto locksmith service in 2027, including car key cutting, programming and transponder work. If you want to be notified when this launches, send us a WhatsApp message and we’ll add you to our list.

Yes — we carry full public liability insurance on every job. You’re fully covered whether we’re working at your home or a commercial property.

Yes — Tony is DBS checked and approved. We understand that inviting a locksmith into your home requires trust, especially in emergency situations, which is why we maintain full DBS clearance.

We’re a local, family-run business with verifiable Google and Facebook reviews. You can check our Google Business profile, read reviews from real named customers, and verify our FSB membership. We’ll always identify ourselves when we arrive. If you’re ever unsure about a locksmith — local or otherwise — check their reviews and don’t be afraid to ask for ID.

Yes — we stand behind everything we supply and fit. If you experience any issues with our work, call us and we’ll put it right. We’re a local business and our reputation matters to us.