Locksmith Blog
Hands-on articles about the lock, safe and car-key headaches that crop up in Johannesburg houses, flats and offices. Each article explains the likely cause, what you can check safely yourself and when to call someone in. You won't find instructions here for defeating any lock.
More articles
- Booking a locksmith
Locked Out of the Office After Hours
Locked out of your office or shop at night or on a weekend? Who can authorise entry, alarms, electric locks in a power cut, and what a locksmith needs.
- Lock problems
Safe Won't Lock or Close Properly
Safe door won't shut, handle won't turn to locked, or the keypad says the bolts didn't throw? Likely causes, careful checks and when to call a locksmith.
- Lock problems
Multipoint Lock Won't Engage: Causes and Checks
Handle won't lift, hooks won't throw or the key won't turn on a multipoint door? Find which stage is failing, try the open-door test and know when to stop.
- Lock problems
Pedestrian Gate Lock Problems at Home and in Complexes
Walk-through gate won't latch, release or lock? How mechanical and electric pedestrian gate locks fail, what a power cut does to them and who fixes a complex gate.
- Repair or replace
Older Doors, Older Locks: Lock Care in Established Suburbs
Rim locks, long-key mortice locks and timber doors that have moved: how to tell a tired lock from a tired door, when to keep original hardware, and the 60-year rule.
- Repair or replace
Smart and Keypad Door Locks: What to Know Before You Buy
Thinking of a keypad or app-controlled front-door lock? Batteries, backup keys, settings to change on day one, warranty catches with imports, and privacy.
- Home and office security
Upgrading an Apartment Front-Door Lock: Sectional Title Rules
Want a stronger lock on your flat's front door? What the sectional title conduct rules say about changing the outside, access duties, master keys and disputes.
- Home and office security
Key Control for Landlords and Short-Let Hosts
Keep track of who can open your rental: a simple key register, restricted key systems, codes for short-let guests, when to change a cylinder, and the lockout line.
- Home and office security
Choosing Padlocks for Security Gates and Burglar Bars
How to choose an outdoor padlock for a security gate, chain or burglar bar: what the grades mean, shackle and body choices, weather ratings, hasps and keying.