Who should you call to replace a broken door handle?

A broken door handle on the inside of your front door can leave you feeling vulnerable. It’s the type of home repair you need to fix without delay. So who should you call?

Whether you have a floppy door handle or a door that refuses to close properly, we’ve got you covered.

In this guide, we explain how to find a reputable and reliable locksmith in your area. We share what to look for to help you make the right hire.

What qualifications should a locksmith have?

First up, you want to make sure you’re entrusting the security of your home to an experienced professional, so what qualifications should you look for?

Locksmiths approved by the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) are regularly vetted and inspected and must have a recognised qualification. This is a mark of their:

• Working standards – proof of skill and competence
• Up-to-date training – to ensure compliance and best practice
• Standards of conduct, practice, and materials used

MLA locksmiths must also pass standard Criminal Record checks.

When searching for a reputable locksmith, look for the wording:

• Master Locksmith MLA qualified
• Or, MLA Approved Locksmith

Any locksmith can call themself a ‘Master Locksmith’. However, only MLA locksmiths can use the distinctive yellow MLA logo to show they have been vetted and approved.

At Checkatrade, we make it easy to find approved tradespeople in your area and check their qualifications, expertise, and customer reviews all in one place.

Search your postcode to find professional locksmiths in your area.

Warning signs of a rogue locksmith

When it comes to the security of your home, you don’t want to take any risks. But how can you be sure you’re hiring a reputable locksmith?

Look out for:

• Cheap initial prices
• Unsubstantiated third-party accreditations or claims

1. Cheap initial prices

As long as a locksmith has some details about the job, they should be able to provide a fairly accurate quote before coming to your property.

In turn, you have a clear estimate of how much you’ll be charged to replace your broken door handle.

It’s recommended to avoid cheap standard prices you’re quoted either over the phone or online. More often than not, you’ll be faced with a higher bill once the work is complete.

On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.

2. Unsubstantiated accreditations and claims

It has been known for some locksmiths to make misleading claims about their accreditations and associations.

For example, being vetted and approved by a third party, or even that they’re ‘Police recommended’.

As we’re talking about the security of your home, its inhabitants, and all its belongings, it’s always worth exercising due diligence before you hire a locksmith.

With this in mind, here’s how to help ensure you hire a trusted and reputable locksmith to replace your broken door handle…

How do I choose a reputable locksmith?

Before hiring a locksmith, there are a few easy steps you can take to help ensure you’re working with a trusted trade.

• Check the company/locksmith details against the MLA register
• Use a trusted directory such as Checkatrade
• Read online reviews from previous customers

At Checkatrade, we connect homeowners with quality tradespeople

Only trades who pass our checks and meet our high standards are on Checkatrade.

In addition, our member profiles contain all the information you need to assess a tradesperson’s details and decide if they’re a good fit for your job. You’ll be able to see all this, and more:

• Experience and qualifications
• Accreditations
• How long they’ve been in their trade
• The vetting they’ve undertaken
• Company details and contact information
• Customer reviews and testimonials

We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.

How much does it cost to call out a locksmith?

The final part of the puzzle is knowing how much you should expect to pay for a locksmith to replace a broken door handle.

This will help to ensure you’re charged a fair and competitive price for the work.

A broken door handle on the inside of your front door is a security risk and it may therefore be the case that you need an emergency locksmith.

• Emergency locksmiths typically charge an emergency callout fee, which will be in the region of £50 to £150
• However, during normal business hours, locksmith prices are normally around £65 per hour 

Find an approved locksmith near you

At Checkatrade, all our approved members have to pass up to 12 checks, and everything from punctuality to professionalism is regularly reviewed by homeowners.

Plus, when you book a trade through Checkatrade, their work could be covered for up to 12 months (exclusions and T&Cs apply).

Enter your postcode below to find highly-rated, professional locksmiths in your local area.