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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to wonder if this is illegal?

35 replies

winkywinkola · 13/12/2015 08:49

I had a new lock fitted. Got two keys with it.

I need a new key cut. I went to Timpsons. They cut me three for £50. None worked. I went back. They cut them again. None worked in the lock.

They said it was difficult because the code on the keys had been scratched off by the locksmiths and their phone number was etched on instead.

This means I can only get keys cut by that particular locksmith at an inflated price.

Is this legal? Aibu to be thoroughly cheesed off at having to pay almost double what Timpsons charged to new keys that work?

OP posts:
Creampastry · 13/12/2015 08:50

Why don't you ask for the code from the locksmith?

Anniegetyourgun · 13/12/2015 08:51

It might be cheaper in the long term to get the lock changed again, this time by a locksmith who doesn't do that cute little trick.

MrsGradyOldLady · 13/12/2015 08:54

Can you change the barrel? You can't be going back to the locksmith every time you need a new key. What a bunch of sharks. I don't know if it's illegal - I would guess not - bit I'd certainly be leaving reviews on the Internet to warn others.

KnockMeDown · 13/12/2015 09:01

Did you really pay £50 for 3 keys? That seems extortionate Shock

carabos · 13/12/2015 09:04

I'm not surprised at the price. Last time I had keys cut I asked the chap if the price he told me was a mistake Blush. When I were a lass, keys cost pennies. Now they're a joke price like greetings cards.

londonrach · 13/12/2015 09:06

Just change the barrel. Its very easy.

emilybrontescorset · 13/12/2015 09:06

Blimey I use a local locksmith and pay around £5!

MumOfGorgeousness · 13/12/2015 09:13

Blimey! They do it on the market for a few quid!

x2boys · 13/12/2015 09:23

They will be the same locksmiths that the NHS use we were always told replacement keys cost hundreds of pounds when I was a nurse.Hmm

Blu · 13/12/2015 09:36

Depends on the locks and keys.

At work we have a particular kind of security lock / key and it is deliberate that the keys can only be cut or replaced by the company that supplied them, and with authorisation. That makes them expensive.
I can well imagine hospital keys are similar, you couldn't have everyone able to get new ones cut.

sleeponeday · 13/12/2015 09:42

Yeah, when I was at Uni all the keys were like this, and in a workplace. The whole point is you can't just get them copied. But if it's just a random locksmiths, and the keys aren't restricted for any valid reasons, then that's rather different.

I'd change the lock, and name and shame the company online. It's sharp practice.

hollyisalovelyname · 13/12/2015 09:57

Our hall door key can only be cut by the firm that fitted the lock..... who have gone out of business Sad

Fourarmsv2 · 13/12/2015 10:07

Timpsons near us charges £10 for 3 house keys. These must be something different - house keys don't have a code.

Original poster
winkywinkola · 13/12/2015 10:08

It's a special security key. I think we will change the barrel.

It's a dirty trick.

I might contact trading standards agency.

OP posts:
Sallyingforth · 13/12/2015 10:19

Be careful if you change the barrel to a standard yale type one from a diy store. They are extremely easy to open with a gadget you can buy on the web for a few pounds.
My insurance company won't accept them and insists on having a good mortise lock.

BlueJug · 13/12/2015 12:12

I have keys that have to be cut by a particular company. With mine I have show id.

Neighbour's cleaner, we suspect, copied keys for four houses in the street. All were burgled at Christmas last year. Key easily copied in under an hour at the local Timpsons without them ever going missing or being noticed. She probably handed them to an "accomplice" while she was on her shift and he nipped down to shops.

Insurance wouldn't pay as no forced entry.

BoomBoomsCousin · 13/12/2015 13:26

If you have bought the lock and keys as new from the original locksmith then he has either not provided you with the product you ordered, or he's committed criminal damage by scratching the number off. I would definitely be kicking up a bit of fuss about that.

Original poster
winkywinkola · 13/12/2015 17:20

Boom, is scratching the number off criminal damage?

OP posts:
araiba · 13/12/2015 17:24

the whole point of security keys is that the people who can copy them are restricted.

Bunbaker · 13/12/2015 17:27

If it is a special security key then it is usual practice that you can only get another key from the people who supplied the lock. This is what makes it more secure.

£50 for three keys sounds extortionate.

Nonono · 13/12/2015 17:31

I would be happy with the extra security must help keep insurance cosys down too.

Nonono · 13/12/2015 17:32

Costs not cosys!

Original poster
winkywinkola · 13/12/2015 18:54

But these particular keys can be cut by Timpsons. It's just that this time they couldn't do it because of the code having been scratched off.

OP posts:
AnchorDownDeepBreath · 13/12/2015 18:58

It's not that the shape of the key cannot be copied - Timpsons can cut almost all key "shapes".

It's that the code is missing, so the keys that Timpson or any other key cutter cuts won't work. That makes the door more secure.

If you bought a lock for that security, they've done the right thing. If you bought a normal lock and didn't want that extra security, and they didn't advertise that this is what they'd do, you should ask them for the code. If they won't provide it, you might have a case for saying they missold your lock.

whois · 13/12/2015 20:39

Oh, to get a copy of our front door key you need the code and authorisation from the land lord. At least then you know there aren't any unauthorised copies flaring around.