Fortify Locksmiths

07/10/2026

☕ New coffee stop found!

Sorry if you think my first use of ai artwork a bit tacky but...

I came across the Bays Leap Farm self-service van at Swalwell Cricket Club while I was out working and thought it was well worth sharing.

It’s open 24/7 and serves the best bean-to-cup coffee I've tasted in a long time, also fresh organic milk and milkshakes — perfect for grabbing something while you’re on the go.

It’s definitely become one of my new coffee stops when I’m out in the Fortify van. 👍
If you’re driving along the A694 between Swalwell and Winlaton Mill then look for the cricket club and you'll find the coffee van in the carpark, give it a try — highly recommended!
Leap Farm
Swalwell Cricket Club

28/06/2026

🔑 Key Safe or Key Box – Do You Know the Difference?

At first glance they all look pretty similar, but when it comes to protecting access to your home, appearances can be deceiving.

Many of the cheaper products available online are simply key boxes. They're designed to store a key conveniently, but not necessarily to withstand a determined attack.

A quality key safe is different. Look for products that have been independently security tested and accredited, rather than relying solely on marketing claims.

A few things to keep in mind:

✅ Choose a key safe that's been independently tested for security.

✅ Install it on solid brick or masonry using the correct security fixings.

❌ Avoid fitting key safes to timber fences, cladding, plasterboard or directly onto a front door, as this can significantly reduce their security.

Whether it's for carers, family members, holiday lets or simply as an emergency spare key, choosing the right product—and having it installed properly—can make all the difference.

If you're unsure which key safe is best for your property, feel free to get in touch. I'm always happy to offer honest advice, whether you use my services or not.

Andy Fortify Locksmiths 🔐

26/03/2026

Locked out by your own door? It happens to the best of us!

​I attended a property this morning where a customer found themselves in a bit of a "sticky" situation. They stepped outside for a moment, the door shut behind them, and the snib on the nightlatch accidentally dropped.

​Even with the right key, that door wasn’t budging! 🔑❌

​The Solution:
Rather than taking a drill to the lock, I used specialized locksmith tools to work through the letterbox. In just a few minutes, I had the door open—zero damage, zero stress. 🛠️✅
​Locked out or need a lock upgrade? Save my number just in case!
​📞 Call/Text: 07595953838
​

01/03/2026

No keys for this garage door lock.

15/10/2025

No keys? No problem...

Locks picked open and new lock with 5 keys fitted.

02/10/2025

Whether it's staying compliant with the insurance company, or keeping the family safe, upgrading from this basic nightlatch and cylinder with the type of security that only keeps your friends and family out, to a British Standard high security type, with a
6 pin cylinder & security escutcheon and a 'Secured by Design' nighlatch with automatic deadlocking, it makes sense to upgrade.

22/09/2025

Is your door stiff to lock or unlock? It makes sense to have it serviced/realigned before it fails completly like this one, which results in a door you can't unlock or lock, usually at the most inconvenient time and you'll need new parts too.

12/09/2025

I still remember the feeling after the first lock I picked open on a live job 9 years ago, I still get that buzz when I open something new without keys or bypass its security, but today I was confronted by a Supra keysafe which is regarded as one of the most secure and is one of a few that are 'Police approved'

Boom!
Decoded, opened and a new code set for the customer and that warm, fuzzy feeling for me again.

12/06/2025

Hi everyone,
So today I had a phone call from Checked and Vetted who help people in the North East of England find reliable, local tradespeople and businesses. They check that the companies listed on their site are insured and accredited, and they also collect customer reviews. So, it's a way to find someone you can trust for home repairs or other services.

I've been with them for over 8 years now but the reason for the call was that I've not been submitting reviews for some time, which is down to me directing them to other places if I'm being honest, but the effect of this is that my own visibility on their platform is suffering.

Can I ask those of you who have used my services in the past to follow the link here

checkedandvetted.com/post-review/FortifyLocksmiths

Which will take you directly to my review page and it'll only take a minute to do...I really do appreciate it.

If I've not done work for you then please don't feel the need to fake a review for me, they do verify a percentage of them and I'd like to know in my own heart that all my reviews are honest & genuine.

Thank you

Andy

All this means that you get the choice of the best local tradesmen, you know exactly who you will be dealing with and you know they all have great track records – minimising the risk of being ripped off.

10/03/2025

Non-Destructive opening of a euro cylinder.