Question about charging money to drill a lock

[pauly003]

My question is this. If i went on a call to open a house, apartment, whatever and i couldent pick, rake, bump or otherwise get the lock open i would have to drill open the lock. Is it ethical to charge the full cost of a whole new plug as apposed to what it would have cost for me to just pick it open. Drilling would cost the customer more money. should i split the cost with them or charge them the full amount for a new plug/cylinder + labour

[Romstar]

High security locks, no. Its pretty much a given that any high security lock is going to take longer to pick than to drill or bypass.

So, if you absolutely have to go through the lock, as opposed to bypass or picking another door I and they are high security cylinders I would advise the customer of such, and give them the option.

If on the other hand they are a cheap lock that you feel you should have been able to pick or bypass, you may want to discount the replacement. Its entirely dependant on what your skill level is, what you think you should have been able to do, and what you can manage.

Never drill a lock unless you discuss it with the customer first, and explore all of their options and how they feel about paying for it.

Romstar

[NickBristol]

I've not had to drill a cylinder out yet but all my advertising promises a free replacement of the cylinder if it's not faulty to start with. This applies to any of the usual / standard brands of cylinder, eg Yale, ERA, Asec etc.

If it was a high-security cylinder, I'd replace it at the true cost price with no additional labour charges. I'd already have explained before starting that this was a good quality lock and that it might end up being drilled out but I wouldn't be hurrying to drill it.

I think most customers who see you putting the effort into opening their door will appreciate it and understand what's been going on because you ran through it all before you start and you've been discussing each option you run through as you do them.