As a Leeds-based locksmith company, we take pride in being genuinely local and independently operated, rather than part of a national chain. With over 15 years of hands-on experience, our family-run business is dedicated to delivering a dependable and professional service. Every enquiry is handled personally by Ben Gatenby, ensuring that customers receive knowledgeable advice and prompt assistance. We serve both residential and commercial clients across Leeds, maintaining a strong focus on reliability and customer satisfaction.
We are committed to offering excellent value without compromising quality. Our pricing structure excludes call-out fees, even during evenings and weekends, and we do not charge VAT, making our services more affordable. Our expertise covers a comprehensive range of locksmith solutions, including emergency access, lock repairs, replacements, and security enhancements. For ease of payment, we accept multiple methods such as card, digital wallets, and bank transfers. Our reputation is supported by consistently positive reviews, reflecting our dedication to delivering efficient and trustworthy locksmith services.
Served areas
- Leeds
Business details
- Year established: 2008
- Licensed
- Insured
Highlights and features
- Family-run locksmiths with over 15 years experience
- No call out fee or VAT charged ever
- Emergency locksmith service available 24/7 in Leeds
- Specialists in UPVC, composite and aluminium door repairs
- High security locks and burglar alarms supplied and fitted
- Keyed alike solutions for homes and businesses
Payment methods
- Cash
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Services
With over fifteen years of hands-on expertise, we at 1st Defence Locksmiths Leeds offer a reliable and locally focused locksmith service. Our family business is committed to transparency and customer care, ensuring no call-out charges or VAT are added. We fit quality locks for residential and commercial properties, usually completing jobs immediately, all supported by insurance, DBS certification, and a twelve-month guarantee. 
At 1st Defence Locksmiths, we deliver comprehensive UPVC door and window lock services, including supply and installation of multi-point mechanisms. Where systems are outdated, we adapt doors and frames to accommodate modern replacements. We also carry out precise adjustments to restore smooth locking. Addressing stiffness early helps prevent complete mechanism failure and avoids unnecessary expense. 
At 1st Defence Locksmiths, we provide comprehensive alarm supply and installation services for both residential and commercial clients. As a family-run business, we deliver a personalised approach tailored to individual budgets and requirements. We offer professional guidance without pressure, ensuring you select the most suitable system. Our solutions range from straightforward to highly advanced. 
We provide bespoke high security steel doors designed to safeguard commercial premises. Our doors are available in a range of thicknesses from 45mm to 70mm and are supplied and fitted to meet precise security requirements. Each door features fully welded construction, anti-crowbar protection, galvanised materials for durability, and advanced multipoint locking systems, ensuring robust and reliable protection. Suitable for personnel doors, fire exits, warehouses, and workshops, our installations combine modern aesthetics with uncompromising security. Our team conducts thorough site visits to tailor each doors specification and guarantee a seamless, professional fitting process with minimal disruption to your business operations. 
Our aluminium door repair service is tailored to resolve common operational problems, including alignment faults and lock failures. We restore doors to optimal condition, ensuring smooth use and secure locking. With experience across residential and commercial properties, we provide dependable solutions that extend the lifespan and functionality of aluminium door systems.
People
Ben Gatenby
Hi Im Ben Gatenby the owner and manager of 1st Defence Locksmiths Leeds. I founded my locksmith company in 2008. I already had quite a lot of locksmith experience by this point working in different disciplines of the locksmith industry. My dad was a locksmith and so I had been around the trade my whole life.
Reviews (15)
Steph Quinn
Sep 22, 2025
I was recommended to reach out to Ben by a friend who he had changed locks for previously, and I was really pleased with how responsive he was. He also took the time to explain the issue and what he was going to do to fix it, which I appreciated. I was happy with the work carried out and would definitely recommend Ben if you need a locksmith!
Vygantas Valys
Sep 10, 2025
Karlitomalik
Aug 31, 2025
Helena White
Aug 30, 2025
Ian Herbert Oxley
Aug 19, 2025
Wendy Tinson
Aug 09, 2025
Faye Eliz
Aug 01, 2025
Ben recently changed our locks for us after we got the keys to our new house, after relocating. We found Ben to be incredibly knowledgeable and he talked us through all of the different options for the locks. Ben also gave us his honest advice around the best lock type for our garage door, which we appreciated. Wed definitely recommend 1st Defence Locksmiths Leeds to our friends, family, and others who are looking for a professional, honest, and friendly locksmith
Charlotte Roberts
Jul 29, 2025
Alghali Family
Jul 20, 2025
David Lodge
Jul 06, 2025
Kate Mistry
Jun 19, 2025
Highly recommended! We called Ben for emergency assistance when we our door seized - he arrived within 30 minutes and very quickly reviewed the issue, taking the time to explain the works he was carrying out. He was able to sort the problem same day and was extremely professional throughout. We also felt Ben offered a very good value service (especially considering the emergency call out!). We would not hesitate to use Ben again. Thank you!
Angel A.
May 13, 2025
Gruffalo Cottage
May 11, 2025
Bev Lockwood
Mar 28, 2025
Louise Coates
May 02, 2023
Ben arrived spot on time, had a look at my lock and spoke me through what went wrong and what he was changing and how he was going to do it! He matched the locked to my door handle which was sliver so it all looked better together, he chizzled away to make sure the new lock was fitted perfect, he checked it several time inside and out to ensure the lock was working sufficiently, He was amazing from start to finish, 100% recommend him to anyone