After being unable to find a locksmith, South Hams Lock and Key has filled a gap in the market

South Hams Lock and Key is the go-to place when you need a locksmith, whether you’ve locked yourself out, or you’ve just moved house - and lots in between. 

Dave Ayre founded South Hams Lock and Key in 2023 when he struggled to find a locksmith to change the locks in his new house. 

He said: “I really struggled with getting someone to come and change the locks when we moved house, so it got me thinking that I couldn’t be the only one struggling to find these services locally. 

“So, I decided to get myself qualified and took a City and Guilds intensive course and got myself fully qualified, and then I started South Hams Lock and Key in April of 2024.”

South Hams Lock and Key offers key cutting, lock changes, emergency break ins, safe breaking and fitting new window locks and hinges. 

Recently, his emergency break-ins helped a woman who was in trouble. Dave explained: “I got a call at 8am from a client in West Alvington. Their mum had fallen and couldn’t get up and the family couldn’t get in to help her. 

“We got the door open, they helped her up and whisked her off to hospital to be checked over and I replaced the locks. I was really happy to be able to help them.”

Dave explained that one of the main things that people often overlook is changing the locks when they buy or move into a new house. “You don’t know if the previous owners still have a key, if they gave any to their neighbours or family, so one of the first things I do when I move house is change the locks, just for my own peace of mind.”

Key cutting is another main staple of South Hams Lock and Key’s work. “I can cut keys on site in my van. Cutting keys on site reduces the chance of the key not working when you get it home. 

“Every time you copy a key, it gets a tiny bit less accurate. So if you’re copying a copied key, it might not be perfect. If we’re on site, you can check it works there and then and if it needs some tweaking, it's a five minute job, rather than having to bring it back to a shop.”

Another thing that pops up often, being in a coastal area, is window locks jamming because of exposure to the salty air, especially UPVC windows. 

“I often get calls from holiday homes, especially near the sea”, Dave explained. “They’re not lived in all year round, so the windows aren’t regularly opened and closed, the salt corrodes the locks and they seize shut. We can come and get the windows open and change the locks and hinges to get them working like new again."

South Hams Lock and Key does have a base in Reveton Farm, Loddiswell, but to avoid disappointment, always call to make an appointment.  

To find out more about South Hams Lock and Key, check out their SouthHams.com listing here, or contact Dave on 07590 619827 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..