Denis Duncombe Locksmiths
Customers cite sub-20-minute arrivals at midnight — Geoff handles the toughest callouts without fuss.
From the 42 reviews we analysed, Geoff is the standout name, handling everything from car lockouts to post-break-in security upgrades with the kind of calm that customers specifically mention when they're already stressed. Pricing gets noted positively often enough that it's worth asking for a quote upfront — several reviewers flagged the bill came in under what they'd been quoted elsewhere or expected to pay.
Their work
What it's like working with them
Based on a sample of Google reviews (54 total)
What they help with
Based on what their customers hired them for
How they stack up
Context from 271 locksmiths in Cairns
Credentials & background
Sourced from 5 public records so you don't have to look them up yourself
About Denis Duncombe Locksmiths
Geoff is the name customers mention most — praised across multiple reviews for emergency lockouts, post-break-in security work, and going out of his way for vulnerable clients, including a solo drive across town and an after-hours callout to a woman in Kewarra Beach following a burglary. Denis also appears by name, credited with meticulous, flexible work and excellent value on lock installations. The business covers a broad range of locksmith needs: residential lockouts (house and apartment), car lockouts, lock replacements after break-ins, key cutting on-site, and advice on home safes — making it genuinely useful beyond emergencies. Response times are a consistent standout: multiple reviewers independently cite arrivals within 10–20 minutes, including late-night callouts past midnight and weekend jobs on Sunday afternoons and evenings. Pricing lands as a recurring positive note — several customers mention the final bill came in lower than expected or cheaper than competitors quoted. With roughly 24 years operating out of Portsmith, this is a sole trader setup where you're dealing with the same small team every time, not a rotating roster of contractors.
Best for: late-night or weekend emergency lockouts, residential lock replacement after a break-in, and homeowners who want on-site key cutting without a separate trip to a shop.
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Claim This Profile — Free →Common questions about Denis Duncombe Locksmiths
Does Denis Duncombe Locksmiths offer emergency callouts outside business hours?+
Yes — multiple customers describe callouts well outside standard hours, including a midnight arrival after a delayed flight and an 8pm Sunday evening job up three flights of stairs. Weekend availability also comes up repeatedly in reviews. Response times cited by customers are consistently in the 10–20 minute range, though this will depend on your location relative to Portsmith. It's worth calling directly to confirm availability for your specific situation.
What do customers say about pricing?+
Pricing is one of the more frequently mentioned positives in reviews — several customers specifically note the final bill was lower than expected, and at least one reviewer found them cheaper than other locksmiths listed in the phone book. One customer also mentions an unlocking job was done for free, though that appears to be an exception rather than standard practice. As with any locksmith, ask for a quote before work begins so there are no surprises.
Who will actually show up to my job?+
This is a sole trader business, so you're dealing with a small, consistent team rather than a pool of subcontractors. Geoff is the name that appears most frequently in reviews, praised across car lockouts, residential emergencies, and post-break-in security jobs. Denis is also mentioned by name in at least one review, credited with meticulous and flexible work. You're unlikely to get a stranger each time you call.
Can they cut spare keys on the spot during a callout?+
At least one customer specifically mentions that spare key sets were cut on-site during a callout without even being asked, which suggests the technician carries cutting equipment in the field. Reviews also mention key cutting as a standard service. If you need spare sets made during an emergency visit, it's worth mentioning this when you call so they can confirm they have the right blanks for your lock type.
Are they suitable for post-break-in security work, not just lockouts?+
Yes — several reviews describe callouts specifically after a break-in, with customers mentioning they went from feeling unsafe to reassured after the work was done. One reviewer notes Geoff attended a client in Kewarra Beach after a burglary and went above and beyond to ensure she felt safe, suggesting they handle the security assessment side as well as just replacing hardware. If you've had a break-in, this appears to be a job type they're comfortable with and experienced in.