Hero Locksmith immediately piqued our interest when we discovered that it’s a one-man team consisting of Richard, an Edinburgh local. One thing we love about this locksmith is that, being a local, he knows his way around the city and thus arrives quickly at his clients’ homes.

We interviewed his previous clients to confirm this, and they told us that Richard was able to reach their location within 20 to 30 minutes after the phone call. Furthermore, they highlighted how he quickly unlocked their door, and they went about their day in no time.

As for his method, we appreciate how he first considers all other options that are non-destructive. Even if he does end up needing to destroy the lock, however, he offers installations that use guaranteed parts.

Lastly, Hero Locksmith offers free quotations over the phone and provides reasonable and transparent pricing. However, since he’s a one-man team, his responses can be delayed at times.

Extremely speedy

“Arrived within 20 minutes to help me after I locked myself out of my flat on a Sunday! Completely upfront about cost, no hidden surprises. Extremely speedy, and I was back in my flat and getting on with my day in no time. 

Worth the price for the experience, efficiency and reliability.”

Jasmin Hart-Brooke, Google Review

Knowledgeable, friendly, and approachable

“Richard came by and fixed our front door the same day I called. Really knowledgeable, friendly and approachable. Identified the problem quickly and even charged less than he’d originally quoted. Would definitely use again. Thanks!”

Tom Trudeau, Google Review

Smartlox Locksmith is one of the most reputable companies in Edinburgh, as seen in their 30+ years of experience. They’re also the go-to for these sorts of situations because of their expertise in different types of locks, including door entry systems, safes, and cars.

We reached out to their previous customers, and from what we’ve gathered, their locksmiths are as professional as they come. For instance, they highlighted the quick response of their representative, arriving within 30 minutes after the phone call.

Also, we phoned Smartlox Locksmith previously, and we were pleased that we reached a locksmith and not a call centre agent. He provided us with a free quotation, explaining in great detail what that fee entails.

However, we noticed that a handful of respondents complained about the representative’s lack of transparency. For instance, they were unable to inform the client that they charge extra for early morning hours.

Responded quickly

“We contacted Smartlox because our entryphone wasn’t working properly and our tenement main door was scraping the floor, not closing properly and hinges needed replacing. Steven responded quickly and came to do a survey. 

We got a very reasonable quote, and on the agreed day, when the required parts arrived, the voicebox was replaced and the entryphone problem was solved. The hinges were changed, and the door rehung, and now it works well and the door closes without issues. 

We are very pleased and we are very happy to recommend them.”

Vicky Larrad Rahkonen, Google Review

Very professional

“Having been scammed by emergency ‘locksmiths’ in Edinburgh before (please look out for them on Google, don’t pick the first advert you see), I had another emergency with a broken lock early on a Sunday morning. 

Steven from Smartlox answered the call, was on the way within five minutes and was very professional when he got there. He sent me photographs to help explain the situation with the broken lock, and repaired it in no time at all. 

And didn’t charge an exorbitant amount like the scammy “locksmith” had, just the opposite in fact. He was super helpful, kept me updated and put my mind at ease as soon as I spoke with him on the phone (I don’t live in Edinburgh), and was a pleasure to deal with. 

The kind of person you want to have around when your vulnerable, elderly mother is locked in her house and her carers can’t get in. Great service”

Keith Dewar, Google Review

Lockstar Lock and Key Company Ltd is a jack-of-all-trades, catering to both commercial and residential properties as well as different types of locks. 

We were impressed that they can work on doors, windows, safes, cars, and more. Furthermore, they also offer key-cutting services, which you can either wait for at their store or have delivered from the comfort of your home.

We also reached out to previous clients who availed of their 24/7 emergency services, and we’re pleased to know that it’s just as advertised. Clients shared how a master locksmith was sent to their homes in as fast as 20 minutes, and quickly fixed their locks.

Speaking of the locksmiths, they worked with the utmost discretion, especially when unlocking something inside a client’s home, and showed common courtesy by cleaning up after the service.

Our only gripe here is the slightly expensive price range. However, from the quality of locks and doorknobs they install, and the experience of their locksmiths, it’s incredible value-for-money.

A master of his art

“Amazing, professional and kind. A master of his art. Managed to fit us in on a busy schedule on a day’s notice. Provided professional service and was done in 20 minutes, always with a smile. 

No extra call-out fee, price was agreed upon beforehand and provided insurance-rated locks. No BS. Great pricing as well. 10/10 would recommend.”

Kosmas Papadopoulos, Google Review

Friendly and very knowledgeable

“Couldn’t be better. Contacted Lockstar for a repair on a tenement stair door. Mark responded immediately, went and viewed the faulty door while I was on holiday. Quote followed, and work was completed a couple of days later. 

From first contact to completed job, it was only a few days. The final price came in less than the original quote as well. Mark was friendly and very knowledgeable. Communication was clear and prompt throughout. Have already recommended this company to family members.”

Jamie Malcolm, Google Review

Albany Locksmiths was recommended to us by a friend who had used their emergency services after being locked out of his car. One of the things he shared was the company’s quick response times, stating a locksmith reached his location on the highway in just around 25 minutes.

We also looked into their services and were impressed by their service selection. For instance, they also offer key cutting services for various types of locks for doors and windows.

One service of theirs that caught our attention was burglary repairs. With today’s complicated security measures, we felt that having this accessible service could benefit families who, unfortunately, fell victim to unauthorised entries.

Additionally, we appreciate that they offer free security advice as well! They can also replace locks that couldn’t be repaired. However, we wish they could improve their selection to feature more affordable options, as they currently only offer branded models.

Very efficient

“Had an issue with my lock today, and William fit me in after his appointments this morning and sorted the issue straight away. Very efficient, highly recommend!”

Ellie Christina, Google Review

Responded immediately

“Brilliant service from William. Responded immediately to the initial email, scheduled work within a few days as it was not an emergency, and carried out work to my total satisfaction. 

Explained the problem clearly and replaced the lock in under half an hour. Very tidy and neat job all round. Highly recommended.”

Paul Finlay, Google Review

Alcatraz was one of the most recommended companies during our surveys. Our respondents recommended checking out this locksmith due to their reasonable and transparent pricing, and after a quick phone call, we can confirm this!

We called for a free quotation, which they happily obliged, and we were surprised to hear how in-depth their price breakdown was. Furthermore, we appreciated the friendly customer service.

Their locksmiths were also highlighted during our interviews. Respondents shared their fascination with how quickly their locksmiths worked and how knowledgeable they were on the matter.

Alcatraz also offers 24/7 emergency services, which are just as advertised! A handful of our interviewees even shared how they managed to fit the locksmith’s schedule, despite it being their day off when they called.

The only area for improvement is their service selection. We would’ve liked to see them offer services like key fitting and car door opening.

Skillfully fixed the door

“Fantastic service from Alcatraz! Danny arrived within an hour, installed new locks, and fixed a swollen door. Extremely friendly, trustworthy, and professional.

The price was very reasonable—the cheapest I found—and he was honest, not charging more than necessary. He skillfully fixed the door, sparing us the hefty cost of a brand-new door and saving us £1,000. Highly recommend!”

Alex, Google Review

Honest, quality service

“Fantastic Locksmith – Highly Recommended! I had my lock replaced recently and couldn’t be more impressed. The locksmith was incredibly professional, arrived fully equipped, and made me feel completely at ease throughout the process. 

He explained everything clearly, and the pricing was fully transparent with no surprises at the end — just honest, quality service.

Despite a parade happening nearby (which made the timing tricky), he still showed up promptly and handled everything with a calm and friendly attitude. Even when appearances might have raised eyebrows in the street, his respectful and courteous manner immediately reassured me.

It’s rare to find tradespeople who are this reliable, approachable, and MLA-approved. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to anyone needing lock work done — safe, skilled, and seriously trustworthy.”

Beatrix Calleja, Google Review