Hames and Sons Locksmiths

Hames and Sons Locksmiths: family-run lock repair across East Kent

Hames and Sons Locksmiths is an independent, family-run locksmith business serving East Kent. Ross Hames has worked in the trade since 1997, and the company describes itself as a local operation rather than a call centre or a nationwide firm. It states that it is DBS checked and Checkatrade vetted, and that it is a member of its local Chamber of Commerce. The business presents fixed pricing and no call-out fee, with a free quote given upfront over the phone or, if pricing has not been discussed, on arrival before any work begins.

Mobile locksmith service and response times

The mobile service covers residential homes, local businesses and uPVC door repairs. The van is stocked with locks, cylinders, handles and specialist parts so that most jobs can be completed on the first visit. During operating hours, the company says it can usually reach customers within 30 to 60 minutes. Calls go directly to Ross rather than to a call centre, and no third-party contractors are involved.

uPVC door lock specialisation

A core part of the work is repairing and replacing uPVC door locks, multi-point locking systems, handles and gearboxes. The company handles doors that are stiff, jammed, dropping or whose mechanism has failed completely, using specialist tools and replacement parts to repair most problems on site. Where possible, it repairs the locking system without a full door replacement. It also offers door realignment to reduce future wear on the locking mechanism.

Lock fitting, repairs and security upgrades

Lock fitting and repair work covers wooden, composite and uPVC doors for homes and businesses. The company fits British Standard locks, anti-snap cylinders, deadlocks, sashlocks and window locks, and aims for a clean, non-destructive approach wherever possible. Typical reasons for the work include meeting insurance requirements, replacing worn locks, or repairing a snapped key or faulty mechanism. Additional security products listed include uPVC door and window handles, garage locks, keysafes and further window and door security fittings.

Lost keys, lockouts and moving home

For lost or stolen keys, or keys locked inside, the company aims to gain entry using non-destructive methods wherever possible and can replace locks on site so that old keys no longer work. Mobile key-cutting is available with many lock installations. For people moving into a new property, it recommends changing the external locks, since previous owners, tenants, tradespeople or neighbours may still hold copies. It can also advise on upgrades to meet modern insurance standards and carry out a basic security check of doors and windows.

Emergency locksmith call-outs

The emergency service covers lockouts, urgent lock repairs, snapped key extraction and emergency lock changes across East Kent. It is intended for cases where a key has snapped in the lock, a mechanism has failed or a door will not open, with the aim of restoring access quickly and with minimal damage wherever possible.

The team behind the service

Ross Hames is the locksmith, with experience in the industry since 1997. Ghislane Hames is the office administrator and handles enquiries, quotes and job scheduling. The team also includes trainee locksmiths described as the next generation of Hames Locksmiths.

Areas covered

The company lists local locksmith pages for Canterbury, Faversham, Herne Bay, Whitstable, Sittingbourne, Margate, Ramsgate, Dover, Deal, Ashford and Folkestone, and describes its coverage as East Kent and surrounding areas.