About Stephen FAQs

Qualifications & working standards

The UK locksmith industry isn’t government regulated, so information regarding professional memberships can provide additional reassurance. These qualifications & working standards FAQs help establish whether a locksmith, such as Stephen Fretwell at SF Locksmith, is professional, knowledgeable and skilled.

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Are you DBS checked?

Yes. Stephen Fretwell is DBS checked for your peace of mind. These checks are processed by the Disclosure and Barring Service to help customers assess an individuals suitability and integrity.

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Are you a member of any recognised locksmith associations?

Yes. SF Locksmith are members of the Association of Accredited Locksmiths and committed to maintaining high professional standards and industry best practice.

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Do you carry public liability insurance?

Yes, the public liability insurance cover for SF Locksmith is £5000,000.00.

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Can you provide proof if required?

Yes. SF Locksmith are happy to provide proof of our DBS check, insurance and professional credentials upon request.

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Practical experience & training

Ask these practical experience and training FAQs to help establish whether a locksmith is professional, knowledgeable and skilled, or someone who has simply bought some tools. Competent locksmiths, such as Stephen Fretwell at SF Locksmith, can explain their experience clearly, are comfortable discussing different lock manufacturers and door types, and do not avoid technical questions.

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How long have you been working as a locksmith?

SF Locksmith was established in 1999, and Stephen Fretwell has over 25 years’ experience providing professional locksmith services across Doncaster the local South Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire area.

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Is locksmithing your full-time business?

Yes. Locksmithing is Stephens’ full-time profession, providing emergency call-outs and scheduled appointments seven days a week.

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What training did you undertake to gain your knowledge?

Stephen completed professional locksmith training initially through the franchise KeyEdge and then with the renowned expert Bennie Wells. Stephen continues skills development through hands-on experience and ongoing product and security training with the top trainers in the UK

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What types of locks and security systems do you specialise in?

SF Locksmith specialise in domestic locks, including uPVC door mechanisms, anti-snap cylinders, mortice locks, night latches, digital locks, keysafes and security upgrades.

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Do you regularly undertake non-destructive entry work?

Yes. Wherever possible, Stephen uses non-destructive techniques to gain entry without damaging your lock or door.

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What areas of the country do you cover?

SF Locksmith provide mobile locksmith services throughout Doncaster and the surrounding city’s, towns and villages in South Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire.

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Reputation

When you are searching for a local Doncaster locksmith company with the best reputation, ask these reputation FAQs to establish whether each locksmith you talk to is professional, knowledgeable and skilled. The answers reveals a lot about their integrity. Independently check reviews on multiple platforms rather than relying solely on those displayed on their own website.

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Do you have reviews from local customers?

Yes. SF Locksmith have many genuine reviews from local customers and they are available to read on our website, our Google profile and on Facebook too.

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Do you sub-contract work or will you personally attend?

No. SF Locksmith don’t subcontract any work. The locksmith you speak to, Stephen Fretwell, is the locksmith who will attend. If we are unable to fit the work in, we will offer alternative local locksmiths that you can contact whom we trust.

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If a repair turns out to be simpler than expected, do you reduce the price accordingly?

Yes. We believe in fair, transparent pricing and will only charge for the work actually carried out.

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Tools & equipment

Experienced mobile locksmiths such as Stephen Fretwell at SF Locksmith of Doncaster, usually stock a wide range of common parts. These tools and equipment FAQs help establish whether a locksmith, is professional, knowledgeable and skilled.

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Do you carry specialist tools for different lock types or mainly rely on drilling equipment?

SF Locksmith carry a wide range of specialist locksmithing tools, and always attempt non-destructive entry wherever possible. An example of which, drilling a door lock, is only used as a last resort. Sometimes when speed is required destructive entry is used.

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Do you carry replacement gearboxes, multipoint mechanisms and cylinders on your van?

Yes. Our fully stocked van carries a wide selection of common door locks, cylinders, gearboxes, multipoint mechanisms and door handles. In addition, window parts, locks and handles are also available. It’s rare for Stephen to have to order parts and return at a later date to complete the work.

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Can you cut spare keys onsite?

Yes. We can supply replacement keys for the locks we fit, duplicate key cutting is possible from our mobile van workshop, which carries the latest key duplication machines.