Locksmith

davidmcn

bassc wrote: »

What I am more interested in though is code of conduct. If two people approach a locksmith to get their locks changed, is it acceptable to simply swap the locks around with each other and reissue keys that have already been in circulation? Is the onus on the consumer to specifically request a “new” lock?

I would have thought it implicit generally that you'll be supplied new parts, whatever the trade in question. Though unless it's actually worn out significantly I don't see the issue - it's not a huge security problem unless somebody else knows what lock you've got (and obviously there's always a risk that the locksmith will have kept a record or a copy of a key).

I’ve also hit the problem so many times with tradesmen who won’t provide itemised receipts or even breakdown materials from labour, is this acceptable practice in terms of trading standards?

There's no general consumer right to a receipt.

Can I rightfully withhold payment?

On what basis? You don't seem to have any evidence that he hasn't fitted a BS-compliant, new lock. And obviously you don't get a receipt if you haven't paid...

Comms69

Zandoni wrote: »

If he supplied the lock then he should give some sort of receipt for the lock and his work.

- Yes but not the receipt that he got when buying it...

Fitting used parts and passing them off as new is a massive issue. Would you accept a secondhand car if you paid for a new one?

It's very much not the same thing.

Zandoni

Comms69 wrote: »

It's very much not the same thing.

It’s exactly the same, if you pay a locksmith to change your locks then he should fit new, not secondhand. Used locks would only be acceptable if the customer knew and paid considerably less.

Zandoni

bassc wrote: »

Thanks for the replies all.

My instructions about BS and receipts were clear but I live overseas so DIY and even inspection is not possible.

What I am more interested in though is code of conduct. If two people approach a locksmith to get their locks changed, is it acceptable to simply swap the locks around with each other and reissue keys that have already been in circulation? Is the onus on the consumer to specifically request a “new” lock?

I’ve also hit the problem so many times with tradesmen who won’t provide itemised receipts or even breakdown materials from labour, is this acceptable practice in terms of trading standards? Can I rightfully withhold payment? Remember I am dealing with a locksmith who can easily access a property...

It's certainly not acceptable that a locksmith fits used locks.

Receipt wise I doubt you'll ever get full itemisation, but parts and labour listed seperately is a reasonable request.

You could delay paying until you get an invoice.

Comms69

Zandoni wrote: »

It’s exactly the same, if you pay a locksmith to change your locks then he should fit new, not secondhand. Used locks would only be acceptable if the customer knew and paid considerably less.

It really isn't 'exactly the same'.


If you cant see the difference between an expensive, depreciating asset and a £5 lock; then I'm not sure what merit there is in this discussion

Zandoni

Comms69 wrote: »

It really isn't 'exactly the same'.


If you cant see the difference between an expensive, depreciating asset and a £5 lock; then I'm not sure what merit there is in this discussion

The price of the product makes no difference. Locksmiths don’t sell £5 locks, they charge premium prices. If you think about it, this could mean that they might only buy a few new locks and they sell them over and over.

bassc

davidmcn wrote: »

On what basis? You don't seem to have any evidence that he hasn't fitted a BS-compliant, new lock. And obviously you don't get a receipt if you haven't paid...

In the case of insurance you can't assume anything, they certainly won't in the event of a break-in when they decide to void it or add a large excess after finding a sub-standard lock. That's why I needed the paper trail. Payment has been made, so this question is for next time because the job needs to be redone.

davidmcn

bassc wrote: »

In the case of insurance you can't assume anything, they certainly won't in the event of a break-in when they decide to void it or add a large excess after finding a sub-standard lock. That's why I needed the paper trail. Payment has been made, so this question is for next time because the job needs to be redone.

If you want to play safe, just don't say to the insurers that the locks are BS-compliant? I haven't encountered any who insist on it.

If you need to know for certain that the fitted locks actually are BS locks, look at them. Or get someone else to. You obviously don't trust the locksmith anyway.

bassc

davidmcn wrote: »

If you want to play safe, just don't say to the insurers that the locks are BS-compliant? I haven't encountered any who insist on it.

My past two tenant landlord insurance policies have both requested it specifically and if it's a 5 point mortice lock. "Doesn't know" means no, so this is when specs become important.

Manxman_in_exile

bassc wrote: »

Thanks for the replies all.

My instructions about BS and receipts were clear but I live overseas so DIY and even inspection is not possible.

What I am more interested in though is code of conduct. If two people approach a locksmith to get their locks changed, is it acceptable to simply swap the locks around with each other and reissue keys that have already been in circulation? Is the onus on the consumer to specifically request a “new” lock?

I’ve also hit the problem so many times with tradesmen who won’t provide itemised receipts or even breakdown materials from labour, is this acceptable practice in terms of trading standards? Can I rightfully withhold payment? Remember I am dealing with a locksmith who can easily access a property...

You didn't mention anything about British Standard in the OP. What did you actually specify that you wanted? (Your OP only says you asked a locksmith to change your locks).


If you can't inspect the locks because you live abroad, who's told you they don't comply to BS?


What has the locksmith told you?