Smart Lock Installation - Locksmith Messed up

Curiouscat on 02/03/2018 - 19:49
Last edited 07/03/2018 - 20:36 by 1 other user

Hi guys,

So had a qualified lock smith to install a digital lock for us.

It was tricky Aqara one which we had bought recently…used airtasker to get a qualified lock smith to come in and install the lock. Had 5 star ratings for 150 jobs done.

It took him about 7 hours and as he did not refer to any youtube videos or manuals he had put holes in the door which are far bigger, the lock was really tricky and those big holes in the door did make the task difficult.

The locksmith was great but we are left with a heart burn of $1250 door which is not looking any good.

The side where latches go into also are looking bad as he had put in big holes and then struggled to get latches in.

If the latches break or detiorate in a week or two or may be in 6 months, what do you guys recommend should we call him back fix it or getting a chippy to do it will be a good idea.

Seek guidance from the ozbargain community please.

Image of door

Update : The locksmith wants me to set up the digital lock functionality even though I have told him that the lock doesn't open from outside even with keys.

He insists that if digital functions are set up lock might open from outside.

Will keep you guys posted, thanks everyone who has provided their valuable feedback, guidance and shared experience on this issue to help me.

Update : Thanks everyone for their comments I had Brad BCM LOCKSMITHS coming out for me to check the lock with no strings attached visit

Totally stoked with the way Brad dealt with the things, he was prompt articulate, genuine and most importantly knew his trade, highly recommended for this lock installation if anyone in Melbourne happy to pass on details.

Now I have been advised the airtasker.com should spring into action, will get a written report from Brad and send to airtasker.com letting them know how the airtasker screwed up.

Will keep you guys updated, thanks everyone again and specially to @pegaxs, and @bdl who got me in touch with Brad.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • Toons on 02/03/2018 - 19:58
    +11

    Get him back if it's crap it's crap and let him explain himself

    Getting another chippy - possible they will say who the hell did this it needs replacing.

    I'm not sure how you can say the locksmith was great when you are clearly not happy with result.

    • Curiouscat on 02/03/2018 - 20:19

      Was good in responses can't say about the quality of work done

      • pegaxs on 03/03/2018 - 00:09
        +18

        I am a locksmith, and this job is a travesty from the photo. That is garbage. And who charges 7 hours to fit a door lock and striker. That’s nearly a whole shift. I didn’t see the whole job, so there may have been more to it, something just doesn’t sit right with it though…

        But @Toons is right. Call the guy back, get him to finish the job off. Hell, I could have hand chiseled the striker into the frame in less than 7hours. AND it would have looked neater. Guy needs to buy a router and stop being a lazy f…

        And WTF did he do to the door? Is it a fire rated door? Did the knuckle head drill holes into a fire door? Why is the door $1250?

        I have so many unanswered questions about this install, it just sounds like a complete balls up.

        And Airtasker? For a “qualified” locksmith. Get what you paid for.

        • JIMB0 on 03/03/2018 - 08:59
          +2

          I thought you were a mechanic.

        • magic8ballgag on 03/03/2018 - 09:13

          What makes a non-Airtasker locksmith any more qualified?

        • pegaxs on 03/03/2018 - 09:21
          +23

          @JIMB0:

          I’ve been a mechanic for 25+ years. I’ve been a locksmith for about 4. I also drive trucks, work in logistics, warehousing. I do fitting/machining, metal fabrication and have spent 10 years working hospitality.

          Life is about experience and diversity. Having a trade background is great. Having multiple trades and experience in a wide variety of fiends makes it easier to do what I want in life instead of relying on a single line of work my whole life. :)

          @Lorindor:

          I'm not saying that this particular locksmith wasn't one, but that any locksmith worth his salt does not need to find work on Airtasker. I don’t know if OP checked out his credentials. Are they licensed, do they have a business, are they a member of any locksmith association? Typically, the type of people who advertise on Airtasker are "handymen". Good at regular odd jobs, not much chop when it comes to complexed, industry specific stuff. While I wont doubt that there are some genuine trades people on Airtasker, most of them would be of the "how hard can this be?" types.

          You only have to look at OP's photo to see that this guy either isn't a locksmith, or is a bottom of the ladder type. And while capable of installing simple locks, or doing simple fixes, isn’t up to installing much more complicated lock assemblies. Airtasker is a kind of dutch auction type of way to get work. I would hate to run a business on a site where i had to burn down to my lowest price every time I went looking for work.

          ie: If you are always paying/being paid bottom dollar, then you…

          Get what you paid for.

        • Curiouscat on 03/03/2018 - 10:21

          Hi Mate,

          The reason for hiring Airtasker in today's terms was like I didn't want to hire a taxi hence hired uber, didn't want to pay less but wanted to make life easier for us.

          The task as we thought will be 2 hours and for a smart lock and 2 deadlocks I don't think we tried to get it cheap as after agreeing to $275 for the same.

          Since you know the work inside out
          Uploading image for the airtasker listing for better understanding

          https://imgur.com/a/cCt58

          There 2 issues now one the latch which is ugly as and second, the lock doesn't open from outside it does open from inside

          If you have got any insights, suggestions which may help, will seek your opinion on the same.

          Cheers,

        • Curiouscat on 03/03/2018 - 10:24

          @pegaxs:

          The reason we accepted offer was this guy had 5 years of experience we did take his word for being a qualified locksmith and had more than 100 jobs done with 5 stars as rating.

          The situation is that we need to make sure we are not able to open door from outside have to use garage door for entering hous, from inside the lock does open.

        • pegaxs on 03/03/2018 - 10:57
          +33

          @Curiouscat:

          I don’t really know that much about how Airtasker works. I looked into it once and found it to be predominantly filled with people looking to make a few bucks on the side, not as a legitimate way to find tradesmen. I'm also not a big fan of selling myself via the lowest bid. I tend to find that anyone who is prepared to fight with others over work and undercut each other is neither good for them or good for consumers. As for his 100 upvotes, were they all for locksmith work, or from doing all sorts of other things?

          Good tradesmen aren’t cheap. Cheap tradesmen aren’t good… Or, "cheap, fast, good. Pick two…".

          But I'm not here to debate the semantics of paying lowest dollar or how you find your locksmith. The problem is now that you will most likely have to use a "taxi" service to find another locksmith to come and have a look at it for you. Without being there to physically pull it apart and see what it wrong with it, I cant diagnose anything apart from what I have seen already. If the way the striker is fitted is any indication of his work quality, I have my suspicion that the mortice lock he fitted into the door is just as bad. You wont know this until it is removed and inspected. There could be something he removed or damaged when installing the lock that has caused the outside of the door to stop working. Blaming it on "Chinese garbage" is a cop out to his shit workmanship. He should have tested everything before installing it. If it was "shit Chinese garbage" he should have stopped right then and gone no further with the install.

          My suggestions are, fight with Airtasker. Deny the payment until work is of a suitable quality. Claim that the install was sub par AND that your lock was working pre-install and now it doesn’t.

          I would start reading up about small claim court and taking notes and photos now. Hire another locksmith to come out and at least look at the job and give you a quote to fix and what he may think is wrong with it. Get it in writing and send that to Airtasker. Go to court and tell them that you are not paying for the work done and that the guy did more damage during the install and that you need to hire another locksmith to repair the work the original guy did and that you are seeking damages to cover the cost of the second locksmith having to be called out to do the job correctly.

          And for the record, Airtasker and Uber are nothing alike. One is a ride share with fixed pricing, one is a reverse auction site for labour hire. Uber have checks in place for vetting drivers. Airtasker seems to have none. You wanted a cheap surgeon and what you got was a butcher. Similar tools, different work ethic.

        • realfancyman on 04/03/2018 - 12:15
          +8

          @pegaxs: You are the commenter Ozbargain needed.

        • thom on 04/03/2018 - 14:08
          +6

          @Curiouscat:

          You can't compare Airtasker to Uber. Companies like Uber actual have processes to ensure a certain level of quality with their drivers.

          I don't understand why anyone would take such a large risk on an item that protects your safety. e.g. I wouldn't trust a stranger from the internet to change the brakes on my car. Nor would I let a 'handyman' fix tiles/waterproofing in a bathroom of my house.

          You've stated in your post that the tradesmen messed up. It sounds like you messed up allowing a stranger from the internet to hack up your door.

  • kahn on 02/03/2018 - 20:06
    +9

    Don't do anything until you get a response from tuzii.

    • JIMB0 on 03/03/2018 - 08:58
      +8

      I don't think a troll who lives under a bridge would know much about locks.

  • holdenmg on 02/03/2018 - 20:06
    +3

    What happens when something goes wrong when a task is being completed?

    https://support.airtasker.com/hc/en-us/articles/216689887-Wh…

  • mskeggs on 02/03/2018 - 20:09
    +2

    Post a picture.

    • Curiouscat on 02/03/2018 - 20:27
      +1

      Just did, thanks

      • mskeggs on 02/03/2018 - 20:37
        +3

        Very untidy, and looks like the rebates aren't of an even depth.
        Obviously, somebody else can only cut away more material to neaten it up.
        If the lock isn't opening and closing as it should, you need to work out why.
        Is it that it isn't engaging deep enough to lock properly, or what?
        I can't imagine what took more than an hour to do on this job, unless the main lock on the door requires strange shaped holes be made into the door to mount it.

        I wouldn't pay until you are happy with the work.

        • Curiouscat on 02/03/2018 - 21:25

          Yep, will do the same, wouldnt make a payment.

          Have asked airtasker.com to jump in and they said they are asking their insurance advisor to look into it.

          Strangely though, in their insurance coverage page locksmiths are neither listed in covered nor in not covered.

          https://www.airtasker.com/insurance/

  • Godric on 02/03/2018 - 20:12

    Can you make use of the holes?

  • Curiouscat on 02/03/2018 - 20:21
    +1

    So he has fixed the lock now but the work is messy to say the least and door closes from. Inside but won't open from outside, locksmith blames it to the Chinese stuff but there was no issue when it was tested.

    Handles were working from both ends.

    • kahn on 02/03/2018 - 20:31
      +2

      locksmith blames it to the Chinese

      Donald Trump is a locksmith now?

      • cashie on 04/03/2018 - 20:24

        Classic.

  • whooah1979 on 02/03/2018 - 20:28

    Locks normally comes with drill templates. How can someone muck-up a lock installation with a template?

    • Curiouscat on 02/03/2018 - 20:31

      Yeah, and that too being a qualified locksmith.

      Mate, did you see the pic do you recon chippy can fix it!?

      • whooah1979 on 02/03/2018 - 20:40

        I would clean the holes with a chisel. Square them If possible. Then saw two pine blocks and glue them in place. Then sand it back for a flush finish.

        Edit does the lock need three holes, or was the upper and lower holes a mistake?

        • Curiouscat on 03/03/2018 - 10:25

          Lock does need 3 holes,

    • Toons on 02/03/2018 - 21:25

      Should answer that question from Op's statement

      It took him about 7 hours and as he did not refer to any youtube videos or manuals he had put holes in the door which are far bigger, the lock was really tricky and those big holes in the >door did make the task difficult.

      • whooah1979 on 02/03/2018 - 21:40

        The two extra holes seems to align with the strike plate.
        https://imgur.com/a/wTp27

        • Toons on 02/03/2018 - 21:54

          Any hole that big would align, went too far simple enough

          Talking about strike plate he took too much out so the fixings on the strike plate itself couldn't be used that isn't fixed with a chisel.

          Most locks have fixings either side of main lock to prevent it warping or being pulled up with the lock which either breaks plate strike plate or causes issue with locking because of the movement of the strike plate. making door harder to open or lock.

        • cashie on 04/03/2018 - 20:26

          It looks like a rat gnawed that hole in the centre, that is totally crap workmanship.

      • pegaxs on 03/03/2018 - 00:15
        +2

        It took him about 7 hours

        Forget the manuals or the YouTube shit… 7 hours to fit a door lock and a striker! WT Absolute F! Guy was obviously on by the hour… No wonder he has to advertise on Airtasker…

        • Curiouscat on 03/03/2018 - 01:26
          -1

          And as per his airtasker.com messages it's the lock which is fkd up, and he demands payments as he deserves it

        • pegaxs on 03/03/2018 - 09:47

          @Curiouscat:

          Don’t release payment and take it up with Airtasker. Take plenty of photos and videos of the install. If it is a garbage job that isn’t working, then he has to fix it. Not that I would want him back to finish it, if that is the quality of his work. Let them know that it was working before he installed it and now it isn't working.

          As I said in my post at the top, he might be ok at simple retro fits or swap outs, but no good at these types of locks.

        • Curiouscat on 03/03/2018 - 10:26

          @pegaxs:

          Bang on won't be happy to release payment also will have to find someone reliable who values his and our time and does the job.

          Thanks for insights and comments

        • pegaxs on 03/03/2018 - 11:00

          @Curiouscat:

          If you were closer to me, I would come over and have a look at it for nothing for you, at least to get some more evidence of his workmanship and to satisfy my own curiosity.

          You're in for an uphill, shit fight.

        • Curiouscat on 03/03/2018 - 12:02

          @pegaxs:

          Thanks for saying that, whenever around in South East please feel free to drop in for a beer.

        • TALLBALLER on 04/03/2018 - 14:27

          @pegaxs:
          hey I've got a 300+ job profile on airtasker
          yes dont release,
          the work has been botchedup to to standard, admin may consider a urging a partial payment as they

          not only the worker dodging up airtasker. a lot of cheap a$$ posters as well.

          I had where the bloke had a dummy account and wanted 3 cocos palms @ 8m tall & 80cm from carport removed and ground out for $150?????!!!!!
          poor english communication because i did not do exactly that (3x8m@$50 each) he refused payment even though i had in formal offer and every communication told no "tree lopping" included in your "garden" task

        • pegaxs on 04/03/2018 - 14:41

          @TALLBALLER:

          The only thing I have to say about Airtasker is this…

          "If you pay peanuts, you will get monkeys…"

          I got on Airtasker yesterday to check it out again and it was just loads of desperate people cutting each others throats to get a job. There is no way, as a locksmith/mechanic that I could compete with backyard operators at this level.

          At the end of the day, you get what you pay for. If you want to pay the lowest dollar to get something done, expect it to be of equivalent quality to the price paid.

        • TALLBALLER on 04/03/2018 - 14:53

          @pegaxs:
          yes your right BUT!!!!
          A lot of Airtasker POSTERS kinda WANT said monkey to do their work. given prices listed/willing to pay aka $25x3hr=$75 come out saturday afternoon and do garden work,
          Saying on a long weekend i only value short notice (4-5 hours) work at $25hr

          official response is airtasker is a Free marketplace and workers can agree to work for any price. (or such affect)
          I don't charge the lowest but still get work garden cleanups.
          It is possible to pay out $20/hr to new workers$17 after fees and have then use equipment of their own

          But that is a insulting rate as im sure you understand when travel and disposal is counted.

          had a task yesterday where the bloke had been quoted $450 and asked to be airtasked at $300
          It was Totaly not as described
          He stated dimension of tree as distance from trunk not total canopy and as I wouldn't do the whole lot for the amount agreed he cancelled

        • TALLBALLER on 04/03/2018 - 15:00

          @pegaxs:

          Maria (Airtasker)

          Mar 3, AEDT

          Hi xxxxx

          Thanks for reaching out to us and letting us know about this. I understand you're concern about the task pricing for the task Garden clean up Saturday afternoon.

          We appreciate that you've shared your opinion with us in regards to this matter.

          Airtasker is an open marketplace wherein any member of the platform may place an offer to complete the job. Posters and Taskers are free to offer whatever amount they want on a task, as long as they are willing to complete the task fully for that amount.

          Please be aware that members have full control over the final amount they wish to offer to complete a task (i.e. they may offer higher or lower than the listed price).

          This means that the amount the Tasker completes the task for, is completely in their hands, and they are not obliged in any way to stick to the Job Poster's initial budget. It's up to our users to decide the rate they're happy to work for.

          If you're unhappy with the initial pricing on a task, we suggest that you make a counter offer.

          If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know.

          Thanks,
          Maria

          Airtasker Support Team
          support.airtasker.com

          Learn more about verifications and badging on Airtasker.

        • pegaxs on 04/03/2018 - 15:11
          +2

          @TALLBALLER:

          Like I said, as a qualified tradesman, I cannot compete with this. I have overheads, GST and Airtasker to pay for. I’m just blown away by the prices people ask for. It's mind blowing that people have the hide to ask what they ask. But then, these same people will get on forums and complain when their cheap job is only half done because they bullshitted to get the work and/or added to is when the Airtasker got there.

          It's a false economy. Lieing dumbarses employing unqualified weekend tradies at the lowest possible rate. Corners are going to be cut, people are going to take on jobs they cant do, not to mention possible safety and/or insurance/workcover issues. If you want help with a school/work assignment, cool, have at it, you want your engine rebuilt, forget it.

  • whooah1979 on 02/03/2018 - 20:32
    +2

    https://imgur.com/a/wTp27

    How is this person a qualified locksmith when the he can’t use a drill?

    • Curiouscat on 02/03/2018 - 20:33

      True that, but now I need to find a freaking solution for the same.

      Can't afford a door change for a locksmith mess up

  • [Deactivated] on 03/03/2018 - 00:39

    and you paid him.

    • Curiouscat on 03/03/2018 - 01:24
      +1

      Nah, he is asking to release the payment via airtasker.com, I have not agree to release the payment.

      • TALLBALLER on 04/03/2018 - 14:28
        +1

        might be asked to release some by admin
        wait until they tell you how they will fix your $1250 door though

  • Stegasaurusnext on 03/03/2018 - 08:02
    +2

    Hey, looks messy. If the lock and door are working, it just needs a clean up with a good sharp chisel as others have suggested. If you're not handy with tools, and you're in Melbourne (South East) let me know and I'll clean it up, will take 20 mins and a beer. Doesn't remove from the fact that the locksmith should fix it but I wouldn't let him near the door again.

    • Curiouscat on 03/03/2018 - 09:07

      Thanks mate, what's your favorite brand of beer.

      The lock doesn't open from outside with any of the 4 methods from which it should open, presently using garage door to enter the house.

  • JIMB0 on 03/03/2018 - 09:01
    +1

    How do you know that he was qualified?

    • Curiouscat on 03/03/2018 - 09:09

      Has got an ABN number and the offer I had specifically asked for a qualified tradesman, in the offer he did confirm that he is qualified and has experience of 6 year

      • pegaxs on 03/03/2018 - 09:53
        +6

        Did you check out if he was licensed/qualified? Did he have a security license? Was he a member of the MLAA or any other locksmith association? Or did you just take his word for it?

        And an ABN means he pays GST, not that he is running a locksmith business.

        • Deridas on 03/03/2018 - 11:14
          +1

          Anyone can get an ABN. Anyone can say they have years of experience.

          Pegaxs, how do you differentiate between a qualified locksmith and a random dude pretending to know about locks? Do you actually need qualifications/examinations to be a member of MLAA/other locksmith associations?

        • pegaxs on 03/03/2018 - 11:40
          +5

          @Deridas:

          Locksmithing is a trade course. You need to go through the relevant training and get onsite/job experience. In NSW (at least) you need to have a Class 2C security license. Your employer or business will also need to hold a "Master" security license and WILL need to be a member of an approved industry organisation.

          As for MLAA members, this is the quote from their website;

          To make sure you get the best possible service and the highest quality work, all MLAA Master Locksmiths need to be:
          - Trade Qualified
          - MLAA Tested & Endorsed
          - A Registered Business
          - Security Licensed (in States where licensing is mandatory)
          - Fully Insured

          While, it is not mandatory to join a locksmith association, it is to the benefit of Locksmiths to do so, as it gives them access to a host of resources that are not available to non-member locksmiths. If they are running as a business, they will NEED to be a member to get their business license.

          The other side of this is, that being a fully qualified locksmith and/or member does not make you a good locksmith. There are plenty of qualified people who have all this and are still shit at their job.

          NB: My experience is from NSW, NOT from Vic. where OP resides. Vic law may be different, so you may have to do your own research on what is required for your state.

        • Deridas on 03/03/2018 - 12:10
          +2

          @pegaxs:
          Thanks for your reply.

        • [Deactivated] on 04/03/2018 - 16:55

          ABN does not mean he pays GST.

        • pegaxs on 04/03/2018 - 18:38

          @Michegianni:

          This is also valid.

          He may not even make enough to pay GST. I have seen plenty of proof that the guy isn’t what he says he is and if he is shifty enough that he would not be declaring any income he makes.

    • XVX on 05/03/2018 - 09:32

      I just recently worked a few months for a qualified Locksmith who apparently had 30 years of experience and all his work looked exactly like that photo of the door. I was supposed to start an apprenticeship with him but he screwed me over, but I am kind of glad I never started because every site we left I felt embarrassed with the work he had done.

  • HeWhoKnows on 03/03/2018 - 17:50
    -1

    You wanted a cheap locksmith and you got one OP.

  • [Deactivated] on 04/03/2018 - 10:18
    +1

    I'm not a qualified locksmith. I've never installed a lock of any description prior to this

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BCRNRCS/ref=psd_mlt_nbc_B0…

    It took me an hour (with a helper, so two hours labour technically) retro fitted into an old architrave but new door (also installed within the hour). Also programmed the damn thing. Instructions are in Korean which is completely foreign to me.

    Works perfectly 12 months on, chiselled holes friction fit the strike plate and hole covers, etc.

    I don't see why you need a locksmith for the job, neither has he earned $1250. That's laughable if taken to VCAT.

    • 2real4u on 04/03/2018 - 10:31

      Coincidentally going to install this same lock soon myself, any tips mate? Did you use YouTube videos or just the manual?

      • [Deactivated] on 04/03/2018 - 10:50
        +3

        Just the manual and Google translate app.

        Oh a Panadol after you've deciphered the translated bits.

        • 2real4u on 04/03/2018 - 10:53

          Thanks mate, hopefully I don't stuff it up

        • [Deactivated] on 04/03/2018 - 11:28
          +1

          @2real4u:
          You won't. Also, record the index finger of the hand you intend to grab the latch with.

          Good luck but you won't need it.

    • Curiouscat on 04/03/2018 - 10:41

      Happy to hear everything went fine for you there, not trying to take him anywhere, just wanted him to install the lock, didn't want myself to get involved to avoid any kind of complications.

      But this unfortunately went other way round, he has messed up and doesn't want to accept.

      With last 3 messages he has tried to explain how deserving he is for the payment.

      Getting help and guidance from fellow ozbargain members, hopefully will fund someone who can fix this for us.

      Thanks for replying to this thread.

    • HeWhoKnows on 10/03/2018 - 22:07

      OP didnt do the job himself and you dont know what went on between OP and the locksmith. Somehow I dont think we have the entire story - as always. Just a biased view from OP.

      • [Deactivated] on 10/03/2018 - 22:30
        +1

        Pictures.

        Of course OP could have drugged the locksmith.

  • FittyFitty on 04/03/2018 - 11:12
    +3

    What the hell did he make those holes with man, a meat cleaver?

    Get a lawyer on AirTasker, or move house, in which case you could also get removalists on AirTasker; can't live with that shit…

    Alternatively, you could just fill it up with chewing gum and live with it; out of sight, out of mind.

    • [Deactivated] on 04/03/2018 - 12:12
      +1

      Definitely done with a hole drill. Wrong tool for the job (although used by some successfully).

      A meat cleaver will also do the job.

      At the end of the day, I won't care how he made the hole as long as it is within specifications.

      In this case, it's a dog's breakfast.

      Don't touch up the job. Take lots of pictures of the current state. Propose a remedy, ie. Complete the job to specifications - use the template and measurements, ask for the measurements at the final outcome to be no more than 10% outside specified range at any point. Pay him 2 hours labour and you will arrange for the lock to be programmed (locksmith wasn't the supplier so keep it simple).

      If he refuses and better still, flat out refuses to provide a resolution, have no further contact with the locksmith. Hire a new tradesperson (a chippy will do), dismantle the lock and strike plate and video record the process and condition the locksmith left it in.

      If possible, get the new tradesperson to comment (in writing) along with any remedial cost of the previous job and reassure the tradie you will not use the comment to harass the locksmith. It will only be used in court if required.

      • bcmlocksmiths on 04/03/2018 - 22:32
        +3

        I have been in contact with CuriousCat regarding this, and seen further video of the problems. I am appalled at the quality of the work this guy has done.

        From the video I have seen, the guy even messed up a simple chiselling job on the door itself as well.

        As it currently stands I am heading this week there to inspect the job, and provide a written statement attesting to the quality of the installation.

        With the strike, I probably would've have done the same to start the holes to about 1/2 the depth required, using a spade bit, and then chiselled out the rest. That method requires the least amount of time while still leaving a reasonable finish.

        Hopefully, I can help CuriousCat get this sorted out.

        • [Deactivated] on 04/03/2018 - 22:56

          Good on you.

          I'm quite adept in (or at? One of those, I've never been able to ascertain the grammatically correct.. I digress) a chisel so I've never considered the spade bit though I've seen it used.

          Post some before and afters. Show OzBargainers what a good job is meant to look like. It will help the lay person know how to appreciate good work and recommend tradies based on educated merit.

  • Ragnarok1983 on 04/03/2018 - 12:13
    +3

    This is why the gig economy is bullshit. What sort of tradie with any self worth would spend 7 hours and leave it in such a state.

    • [Deactivated] on 04/03/2018 - 12:23
      +1

      A rich one who is always looking over his shoulder.

    • OzzyOzbourne on 04/03/2018 - 17:47

      Seems normal for a tradie

  • djmm on 04/03/2018 - 13:14

    OP, I'm Batman and I think the workmanship here is atrocious.

    • Curiouscat on 04/03/2018 - 13:19

      Yeah mate, this bloke doesnt value his time and ours, and his workmanship isnt upto the mark.

  • jaedee on 04/03/2018 - 14:06

    hey there

    thought i would just chime in… i have done a bit of work on airtasker and have to agree… did this guy use a rat or bever to chew in the door striker??
    if it was yagil (saw a task to install a Aqara lock).. i would possibly try and look into airtasker insurance

    https://www.airtasker.com/insurance/

    'If an Airtasker Worker is liable for injury to, or damage to property of, a Job Poster or someone else as a result of performing covered activities,'

    not sure if this will help. but the job done has caused property damage (on your end)… so maybe try and approach airtasker or the tasker about the questionable quality of that install?

    and airtasker has taken 15% of your task price.. so they should try and do something about this to sort it out?

    cheers

    • Curiouscat on 04/03/2018 - 14:16

      Hi Mate,

      Didn't want to take any names here but I won't say you are wrong on your research on airtasker.

      Have sent them images and videos and requested intervention, what really baffles me about this airtasker insurance coverage is that the works involving locksmiths is neither included or excluded, let's see how we roll.

      Will keep you guys updated.

      • jaedee on 04/03/2018 - 14:26

        yep understand about not naming/shaming.. so thought id check to see if that was your task (cause he has good feedback and thats a bit of a tricky thing on airtasker.. lots of feedback vs quality of their actual work)??

        airtasker can be tricky.. but they do have your money sitting in a trust account atm

        so its either 2 options cancel the task for damage that you are going to have to deal with (not pay tasker and wait for airtasker to refund you).. or pay him and give a crappy feedback?

        i know i have been bent over backwards (im my early days on airtasker) to satisfy customers or face the wraith of a neg feedback.

        i have learnt and careful with tasks i bid on now….

        justin d

        • Curiouscat on 04/03/2018 - 15:04

          Thanks mate.. I am in touch with that guy to just get the job done properly, if he can come in and fix it and make the lock work as it should normally with a good finish that should be it.

          I have emailed airtasker and have requested them to intervene also have asked airtasker to speak to airtasker.com support as I am not going to yes for releasing the payment for the job.

  • TALLBALLER on 04/03/2018 - 15:04

    If you went to airtasker expecting to get a job significantly cheaper then a typically sourced company that is the monkey mentioned a few time above.
    a lot of airtaskers I suspect don't pay them selves properly.
    If you drill down each cost that a business has on employees. all insurances, vehicle costs, hand held equipment and superannuation.

    aka it is awsome for pocket money but with a 15% sucharge I need to charge a fair bit to even out things on my end

    • Curiouscat on 04/03/2018 - 15:08
      +1

      Wasn't looking to get a cheap job done, it was 1. For convenience 2. Being able to communicate clearly with the tradesman.

      If this were a job which I would have had someone listed in yellow pages to come to me for installing lock and it was the same person ,then I would have had to part away with money and only option I would have to got to Vcat.

      At present I have airtasker to look into it and I have made it clear to tradesman that he won't get the payment for this task.

  • OzzyOzbourne on 04/03/2018 - 17:36

    7 hours and $1250 to fit a lock,I'm in the wrong job.

    • TALLBALLER on 04/03/2018 - 17:52

      door cost 1250 i believe and think above it says 285 or 385 to fit

    • [Deactivated] on 04/03/2018 - 18:25

      Rats and beavers (see comment above by jaedee) can be expensive to train, let alone obtain.

      All those sweaty nights studying the art of making rectangular holes of more or less high precision estimate depth. Then there is the art of using a drill to cut a hole of pre-set custom dimensions. It's not easy for the rodent.

    • ozzpete on 05/03/2018 - 04:57

      So is the locksmith the OP hired on airtasker :/
      With digital lock installation anyway.

  • cashie on 04/03/2018 - 20:37

    Thats a complete disgrace, this guy should be ashamed of himself if he does work like that and expects payment, is there no pride in ones work any more?
    What about the two missing screws in the centre?
    This striker wouldn't be too strong missing the screws and the amount of wood that has been gnawed out by his pet rat behind it.

  • DiscoJango on 04/03/2018 - 21:26

    most of the good trades i know are experienced. experienced trades are usually older. older + trades = not the best at technology = not on airtasker

    in summary, none of the good trades i know would even know what air tasker is. looking for a good trade on it is not recommended. as someone mentioned, its more for home handymen cut your grass types then actual specific trade experience.

  • gimme on 04/03/2018 - 21:26

    I've had several jobs done through airtasker to build a fence, gate etc and it's been great at the fraction of what a typical tradie would charge. They're not all cowboys. Some are new and trying to build a client base, some are semi retired but highly skilled and looking to keep themselves busy etc. It's a matter of researching it properly. Very important to make sure the feedback is relevant to the job at hand. Just like anywhere else there are also a lot of under qualified pwople.

  • Chrisk12 on 04/03/2018 - 21:32
    +1

    Hi Mate,

    My 2c … as I know it Airtasker do have insurance over jobs done. So make a claim with Airtasker and fix the thing..

    Cheers

    • Curiouscat on 04/03/2018 - 21:46

      Thanks mate, that's what I am doing tommorow.

  • MagicOZ on 04/03/2018 - 22:11
    +1

    Not very professional work. He maybe didn't have the right tools or he was too lazy to use them.

    • Curiouscat on 04/03/2018 - 23:11

      The latter is correct for that lad, he did have his car boot full of tools but he didn't seem to be keen on using them or may be in our case he was lacking intent to complete the work professionally with finishing.

  • L4zz4 on 03/03/2020 - 12:29

    Are you sure the person that installed the lock is the same guy that advertised in Airtask?

    Sometimes lazy business owner send their apprentices instead of themselves or tradies. All in the name of saving cost and beers time.

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