1st Defence Locksmiths Leeds

1st Defence Locksmiths Leeds: local locksmith with over 15 years in the city

1st Defence Locksmiths Leeds is a family-run locksmith company based in Leeds with over 15 years of experience. The company presents itself as a local service, in contrast to national call centres, and its owner, Ben Gatenby, personally handles calls, emails, text messages and WhatsApp. The company states it has completed over 7000 jobs in Leeds and has accumulated more than 800 online reviews, of which over 550 are on Google.

Locksmith services for homes and businesses

The business serves both domestic and commercial customers across all areas of the city. The service catalogue includes:

• Door and lock opening, with an attempt at non-destructive entry whenever possible.
• Installation of anti-snap locks in Leeds, with recognised brands and models such as Brisant Ultion, which according to the company includes a £5000 guarantee against the lock snapping method.
• Supply and installation of high-security door handles.
• Repair of UPVC doors and windows, including multi-point locking systems.
• Repair of aluminium doors, a service the company notes other local locksmiths often refuse.
• Van locks.
• High-security steel doors.
• Commercial locksmith service.

24-hour emergency service and scheduled work

The company offers a 24-hour emergency locksmith service, 365 days a year, for problems such as broken locks, lost keys or damaged doors. Its goal is to respond to emergency calls in Leeds within one hour, although in most cases it can arrive sooner. In addition to emergencies, it carries out scheduled work by appointment, including evening or weekend slots.

Work process and guarantees

The process begins with a direct conversation with Ben, who diagnoses the problem over the phone with a few questions. He then provides a fixed price that includes parts and labour, with no hidden charges. If the job is not urgent, a day and time are agreed; if it is urgent, an estimated time of arrival is given. On the visit, the problem is shown to the customer and the price is confirmed in person. For lock openings, the customer's identity is verified. The work is carried out with genuine parts and, on completion, the customer is invited to visually inspect the result and test the operation of the locks. Parts supplied and fitted come with a 12-month guarantee. The company states it is fully insured and DBS checked.

Prices with no VAT or call-out fee

1st Defence Locksmiths Leeds does not charge a call-out fee, even in the evening or at weekends, and does not add VAT to its rates. According to the company, this represents a 20% saving compared to other Leeds locksmiths. It accepts payment in cash, card, Apple Pay, Google Pay and bank transfer.

Verifications and reputation

The company has been a Checkatrade member since 2017 and is verified by Certified Locksmiths & Security (CLS). Both platforms have their own admission and verification requirements. The company attributes its reputation to customer satisfaction and the availability of materials in stock, which allows it to resolve most jobs on the first visit. When it does not have a part, its relationship with local suppliers usually allows it to obtain it the same day.

Examples of recent jobs in Leeds

Recent jobs detailed by the company include the replacement of a floor lock on a glass door in Merrion Street, in Leeds city centre, because the locking mechanism was striking and the oil seals had failed; the alignment of a door that would not close near Lower Wortley Road, adjusting the hinges without needing parts; the replacement of a multi-point locking gearbox in Hunslet (LS10), completed in less than an hour; and the extraction of a broken key from a front door lock in Shadwell, near Commercial Road, without needing to change the lock.

Location and contact

Phone: 0113 418 2306 · Email: 1stdefencelocksmiths.leeds@gmail.com · Hours: 24-hour emergency service, 365 days a year. Scheduled work also available in the evening or at weekends.