Do the boring checks first
A surprising share of call-outs end with a door that was never actually locked, or a second entry point that was open the whole time. Before you pay for a call-out, spend three minutes ruling those out.
- Try every external door, including laundry, garage internal doors and side gates.
- Check whether a housemate, partner, neighbour or property manager holds a spare.
- If you rent, call the agent — many hold a managed key and can authorise access.
- Check windows only from the outside at ground level. Do not climb anything.
What to tell the locksmith on the phone
The more precise you are, the more accurate the quote and the arrival window. A good locksmith will ask most of this without prompting.
- Your exact address and whether it is a house, unit, apartment or business.
- Door material: timber, aluminium, uPVC or glass.
- Lock type: knob set, deadlock, mortice, night latch, or a multi-point handle.
- Whether the key is lost, snapped in the lock, or simply inside.
- Whether you can prove entitlement to access the property on arrival.
Why drilling should be the last resort
Drilling destroys the cylinder and adds the cost of replacement hardware to your bill. Most residential and commercial locks can be opened non-destructively by a technician with the right tools and patience.
Ask directly: will you attempt non-destructive entry first, and will you tell me before you drill? Any answer other than yes is a reason to call someone else.
Protect yourself from lockout scams
The common pattern is a very low advertised price, a technician who arrives and immediately declares the lock 'unpickable', then a much larger invoice for drilling and replacement.
- Get the business name, a landline or local number, and a price band before dispatch.
- Ask what the call-out fee is separately from labour and parts.
- Do not accept 'we will work it out when we get there'.
- Ask for an itemised invoice. Under Australian Consumer Law you are entitled to a receipt for anything over $75.
Need a hand with this?
If you would rather have someone look at it, we cover Melbourne's north and inner suburbs. Send us a photo and a description and we will tell you what the job involves before you commit to anything.