Now you’ve decided that a career as a locksmith is for you, it’s important that you undertake the appropriate training, gain some experience, and learn everything there is to know about being a locksmith in the UK. But that’s not to say that your training ends after your first course – far from it. Almost every locksmith in the country can benefit from additional training. New training courses help locksmiths add to their skillset and open up a new business opportunity in the process.

In today’s article, we’re going to take a closer look at our MPL Locksmith Training Courses. We offer 9 different locksmith courses, and it’s important that you select the one that’s right for you.

Locksmith Training Courses for New Locksmiths

Fresh-eyed and fearless, new locksmiths walking through our doors have an awful lot to learn. But rest assured that our 3-day and 5-day training courses for new locksmiths make learning easy. All you need to do is choose where to start.

3 Day Locksmith Training Course

This is where it all begins for many newbies. Our 3-day all-practical course covers the very basics of locksmithing and helps to build confidence, explain basic principles, and demonstrate how to use locksmith equipment correctly.

This course has been accredited by NCFE, and you’ll leave with a Level-3 certificate. You’ll have a strong understanding and skill set from which you can start your own self-employed business.

For: new locksmiths looking to cover the basics and start their business

5 Day NCFE Locksmith Training Course

We call this one our ‘Ultimate’ Locksmith Training Course. This 5-day training course is also an all-practical course for anyone who wants to be a locksmith. If you’re starting your journey with little experience or qualification as a locksmith, then you’ll finish the course with everything you need to know to start your own successful enterprise.

This comprehensive training course covers every aspect of locksmithing, and is more budget-friendly than our 5-Day Specialist Training Course. You’ll of course cover the same content, but you won’t receive the additional City & Guilds Accreditation.

For: new locksmiths looking to cover every aspect of locksmithing, but on a budget

5 Day Specialist Locksmith Training Course (City & Guilds Accredited/NCFE Level 3)

For something more official, you’ll be looking for our 5 Day Specialist Locksmith Training Course instead. As well as being NCFE-accredited, it’s also accredited by City & Guilds. This makes it the UK’s most highly-accredited locksmith training course. No other locksmith training course will offer the same level of accreditation.

This locksmith training course is perfect for anybody new to locksmithing, but it’s also a great match for re-training locksmiths. You’ll develop a firm understanding of locksmithing and establish a great base to build your career on.

Unlike our Ultimate 5-Day All-Practical Course, you’ll need to pass the City & Guilds exit exam to get your certificate.

For: new locksmiths looking to cover every aspect of locksmithing with official City & Guilds accreditation

Locksmith Training Courses for Existing Locksmiths

But our training courses aren’t just for newbies. No matter what stage of your locksmithing career you find yourself in, there’s always time to add another skill. These are the training courses we offer to existing locksmiths looking to add to their expertise.

1 Day Lock Installation Course

Both beginner locksmiths and those with more experience will benefit from our 1-Day Lock Installation Course. Even if you’re only brushing up on your abilities, knowing how to install a lock in wood is a vital skill. Surprisingly, it’s one that many locksmiths struggle with.

Every locksmith can replace like-for-like locks. But can you install one from scratch into wood? After this one-day course, you’ll never hesitate again.

For: experienced and beginner locksmiths looking to learn how to install locks from scratch into wood

1 Day uPVC Repair Course

Our uPVC Repair Course does exactly what it says on the tin. Many experienced locksmiths find themselves having to turn down uPVC work because they don’t have the knowledge to work on them.

In just one day, you’ll learn the specialist skills needed to access and repair locks on uPVC doors. This training course is undertaken by our specialist uPVC trainer, and can be combined with our 1-Day Tilt & Turn Course to create a 2-Day Specialist Course.

For: experienced locksmiths looking to take on more uPVC work

1 Day Tilt & Turn Course

This is another specialist course for experienced locksmiths, undertaken by our specialist tilt & turn trainer. You’ll receive specific training in tilt & turn access and repair techniques.

For: experienced locksmiths looking to take on more tilt & turn work

2 Day Access Control Course

Locksmiths that have already completed the entry-level course will already know that access control is another skill altogether. Locksmiths can learn everything they need to know, all the way from standalone applications to Net2 High Security solutions on our 2-Day Access Control Course.

For: experienced locksmiths looking to add access control to their skillset

2 Day Advanced Pick Training Course

If you’re an able locksmith with trading experience and you still shudder every time you’re asked to pick security euro locks and mortice locks, then isn’t it time you added the skill to your repertoire?

This 2-day course is for locksmiths with an advanced level of knowledge. There will barely be a lock you won’t be able to pick after training with us.

For: advanced locksmiths learning to pick security euro locks and mortice locks

3 Day Auto Locksmith Training Course

This one’s a little bit different. And after completing our Auto Locksmith Training, your new expertise will help you stand out from others on the standard locksmithing career path.

As door locking and vehicle security becomes more advanced, more advanced skills are needed to understand and manipulate digital locks. On this course, you’ll develop the skills and knowledge needed to access over 95% of vehicles in the United Kingdom.

For: advanced locksmiths looking to branch out into specialist auto locksmithing

Why Choose MPL for Your Locksmith Training Course?

Our professional, patient, and experienced MPL team have a 99% pass rate on all of our locksmith training courses. There’s nobody better to get you started in the industry, or help you add to your skillset and expand your business.

If you’d like more information about the different locksmith courses that we offer, then please contact us today on 01924 693 293.

When many people think of locksmiths, they immediately think of key-cutting, and replacement keys for the ones they’ve been unfortunate enough to lose or damage. It goes without saying that our MPL Locksmith Training Courses cover key-cutting machines and how to use them.

Key-cutting machines may only be one small part of the many things you’ll learn on our courses, but they’re an important part. So, let’s start learning about them. How does a key-cutting machine work? Is it dangerous? And how accurate is the key it produces?

What is Key-Cutting?

Don’t worry if you don’t know what key-cutting is – many people don’t. Key-cutting is undoubtedly the most popular way to produce keys in the United Kingdom. It can be done in one of two different ways: you can either make a duplicate of an existing key, or you can produce a new key altogether.

When used correctly, key-cutting machines are safe, accurate, and effective devices. They produce replacement keys in a matter of minutes – but only if you know how to use them efficiently.

Even as technology continues to develop and locksmiths use more and more electronic tools, the key-cutting machine remains ever-present. Quite simply, there will always be a demand for security keys, and for their spares as well.

Are There Different Types of Key-Cutting Machines?

Like every technology, there are several different types of key-cutting machines. Thankfully, on the whole, they tend to use the same mechanisms. Although there may be one or two parts that differ from one machine to the next, key-cutting machines are normally very similar.

On our Locksmith Training Courses, you’ll learn how to use the most popular key-cutting machines in the industry. And if you should ever come across a different type of machine, you’ll have the skills and knowledge needed to pick up its subtleties quickly.

One of the most important things we teach on our courses is to always use the instructions manual when negotiating unfamiliar key-cutting machines for the first time.

How Do Key-Cutting Machines Work?

The truth is that as locksmith technology has advanced, key-cutting machines have become faster and easier to use. This is great news for trainee locksmiths!

Key-cutting machines work on the ‘copy’ principle. As you trace the teeth of one key with the key-cutting machine, a separate part of the machine simultaneously grinds the replica teeth into the blank key that is being cut.

First of all, try and select a blank key which is similar in appearance to the original key. Insert the original key into the first vice – make sure that the teeth are visible and facing upward. You should then insert the blank key into the second vice. This is where the cutting blade is located. Ensure that both keys are tightly secured and won’t move during the cutting process.

Before switching the machine on, be sure to close the protective cover.

Once it has been switched on, your machine will automatically detect the speed and angle at which the cutting wheel should be spinning. Simply trace the teeth and grooves of the original key and, once you’re finished, switch off the machine. Use a wire brush to remove any debris and polish off any rough edges.

Make sure that there are no sharp edges to the key. The last thing you want to do now is insert a sharp key into the lock and damage the lock irreparably. Especially now that you have two keys!

Compare the two keys side-by-side. Are they an identical match? If they are, then your key is good to go. However, if you have any doubts about the outline of the new key, then re-insert the original key, grab another blank, and try to create a more accurate key using the same method.

Key-Cutting and Locksmith Training with MPL

You’ll learn everything you need to know about key-cutting and key-cutting machines on our City & Guilds Accredited 5 Day Specialist Locksmith Training Course. The fundamentals are also covered on our 3 Day Training Course. Key-cutting is not compulsory for locksmiths to offer as part of their services, but is a very useful skill to learn.

Anybody can train to become a locksmith with our friendly and professional team – our testimonials speak for themselves, and there’s nobody better to get you started on the right course for you.

Find out about the availability for our next training courses, and how you can begin your journey to becoming a fully qualified locksmith today.

On our locksmith training courses, we cover a lot of material. Depending on the type of course you select, you’ll cover different levels of training. However, every course involves using specialist lock-picking tools and developing the skills you need to work, change, and manipulate locks.

But hang on – doesn’t that work bear an uncanny resemblance to ‘the bad guy’ in every film? Isn’t that how cartoon characters break into banks, vaults, and homes? There are some sensitive legal regulations when it comes to lock-picking tools. In today’s article, we’ll explain what those mean for you.

Will Lock-Picking Tools Make You a Criminal?

So are you a criminal for ordering your first set of lock-picking tools? Does lock-picking put you on a wanted list? And have MPL been breaking the law all this time, training up a gang of expert lock-pickers and locksmiths?

Of course we haven’t – and you’re not a criminal for purchasing lock-picking tools. But you still need to be careful.

To make extra sure that we’ve got this one correct, let’s look at the official wording from The Theft Act 1968. Section 25 states the following:

“A person shall be guilty of an offence if, when not at his place of abode, he has with him any article for use in the course of or in connection with any burglary or theft.”

So before you pack your lock-picking tools on holiday or stick them in your pocket and head to the pub, bear in mind that if you’re stopped in a public place and found to have lock-picking tools, then you’ll have some very difficult questions to answer.

While you’re technically breaking the law, non-suspicious activity is unlikely to get you in trouble. If you have the tools for your profession, then it shouldn’t be an issue. But other factors such as previous convictions and the time of day will all be considered.

For those interested in lock-picking but not necessarily a locksmith career, experimenting with lock-picking tools within your own home is technically legal. But is it a risk worth taking? If you’re found with these tools at the wrong time in the wrong place, the consequences could be severe. Nobody should be able to buy locksmith tools until they’re a fully accredited locksmith. These are the regulations that we work by at MPL Locksmith Training.

MPL Locksmith Training Courses

Why not enrol for a locksmith training course with MPL to make sure that you understand the legalities of locksmiths’ work? That way, you’ll have the suitable accreditations to show why you’re carrying lock-picking tools.

We still wouldn’t recommend carrying lock-picking tools in public, off-shift, but at the very least, your circumstances will not be suspicious.

We offer a range of locksmith training courses. Each of them is suited to trainees of every ability, ambition, and budget. You don’t need any accreditations to begin your training courses with us – just commitment and a desire to learn.

Even if you’re just looking to eliminate some bad habits and brush up on your skills, we have the training course for you. Choose from the following:

• 1 Day uPVC Training Course
• 2 Day Advanced Pick Training Course
• 2 Day Access Control Course
• 3 Day Auto Locksmith Training Course
• 3 Day Locksmith Training Course
• 5 Day Specialist Locksmith Training Course (City & Guilds Accredited/NCFE Level 3)
• 5 Day NCFE Locksmith Training Course

Our Specialist Locksmith Training Course in particular is fully accredited and is the most comprehensive course, giving you all the training and experience you need to begin a locksmith career.

You’ll use a wide range of different pick and entry tools. By the time you’ve completed any of our locksmith training courses, nobody will be doubting your professionalism.

Become a Professional Locksmith with MPL

We have more than two decades of experience with locks and lock-picking. In that time, we’ve developed a wealth of knowledge and experience. Those qualities are reflected in our training courses where you’re guaranteed a high standard of integrity, professionalism, and care.

In fact, we know locks so well that we manufacture and supply our own locksmith tooling.

Speak to our team today on 01924 693 293, and find out which course is the one for you.

Whether you’ve been a professional locksmith for a week or for a decade, you need to know about lock snapping and the different ways you can prevent it from happening to homes you’ve worked on. That way you can give your clients the peace of mind they need, installing the locks that you know will provide adequate security for their home.

On our MPL Locksmith Training Courses, you’ll learn everything there is to know about lock snapping, uPVC doors, and the design flaws of certain locks. In today’s article, we’re going to briefly discuss what lock snapping is, the steps you can take to prevent it from happening to your clients, and how our training courses can help.

What is Lock Snapping?

It’s highly likely that you have a family member, friend, or even a colleague that has fallen victim to this surprisingly easy hack. Lock snapping is one of many different techniques that a criminal will use to gain access to your property. Unfortunately, it’s one of the most common techniques.

This is mainly because, with certain locks on UK doors, it’s relatively easy to do. Snapping a lock involves snapping the cylinder lock in half – it’s in the name. Brute strength and force snap the cylinder lock in two, allowing the intruder to remove the outer cover and expose the locking mechanism.

From there, they can tamper with the rest of the lock and bypass its security completely. No particular skill is required, and no specialist tools are needed either: a screwdriver or a hammer will do the job just fine.

Sounds pretty scary, doesn’t it? Well, to make things worse, the lock which is most vulnerable to lock snapping is the Euro cylinder (including both single and double cylinders), found on many uPVC front doors throughout the United Kingdom, and even on van doors as well.

By design, the Euro lock cylinder is very weak. We’ve previously explained how you can promote the benefits of snap-safe cylinder locks over standard locks. But today, we’re going to explain a few different ways that you can ensure your clients are safe from lock snapping.

How Can I Prevent It from Happening to My Clients?

These are the different steps you should take to ensure that the lock you’re fitting is fit for purpose.

Check the Existing Lock

Before you begin to order any snap safe accessories, take a look at the lock that has already been installed. You’re looking for a couple of things here.

First of all, has the lock been correctly installed? There shouldn’t be any more than 3mm of the lock protruding from the door. If there’s more than 3mm exposed and the cylinder is sticking out from the door, that makes it easy for the burglar to snap and manipulate.

If the lock however is installed correctly, then try to find out the rating of the lock. Cylinder locks standards are recognised on the TS007 and the Sold Secure Diamond Standard (SS312). Euro cylinder locks are rated on a 3-star basis, depending on the security they provide in accordance with these standards.

Does the existing cylinder lock have a 3-star rating under either of these standards? You should be able to see 3 stars and a kite mark on the lock. If its rating is less than 3-star, it needs to be removed and replaced.

Fit Diamond Standard Locks the Correct Way

So if the existing lock has to be removed, make sure that you install one that is effective against lock snapping.

You can do this by installing a lock which has a 3-star rating on either TS007 or SS312. These locks are often labelled ‘snap-safe’ locks, and have been proven to stop burglars attempting lock snapping in their tracks.

You’ll need to make sure that you install a lock which is the correct size, since there are several different sizes of doors and locks.

Finally, install the lock so that only the appropriate amount of cylinder is protruding from the door. This should be as little as possible, while still allowing the locking mechanism to be operated with a key.

Locksmith Training with MPL

As you can see, there are different ways to protect a home from lock snapping. And since there are hundreds of thousands of uPVC doors in the United Kingdom with insufficient snap-safe locks, the threat of lock snapping remains very real.

When you enrol on our MPL Locksmith Training courses, you’ll learn even more about lock snapping and how you can prevent it from happening to your clients. You’ll have the knowledge to explain the advantages of pricey snap-safe locks over standard locks, as well as the skill to correctly install a safe, secure lock.

Contact our friendly team today and find out how you’ll benefit from training with the best in the business.

In many of our locksmith training blog posts, we talk about the different types of locks and the different ways that our training courses will help you become a fully trained locksmith. But we’ve generally stuck to talking about the most common types of locks found in British homes – what about the locks that are an important part of everyday automation?

The locking mechanism on your car, for instance, is vastly different to the lock on your front door. And it’s no less important. Every single day, British drivers make calls to auto locksmiths in desperate need of car lock access and repair. Today, we’re going to take a look at the unique equipment that auto locksmiths need to use, why that equipment requires specialist training, and how our Specialist Auto Locksmith Training Course can help you beat the competition.

What is an Auto Locksmith?

Automotive locksmiths are fully trained and certified locksmiths that work with the locks and keys specifically related to vehicles. Although the most common auto locksmith service is to assist with emergency access to a car due to a broken key or lock, they’re trained in many other services as well.

Modern car keys use ignition chips that communicate with internal car computers. If those keys are lost or damaged, then a new chip needs to be programmed to communicate with the computer. As part of our auto locksmith training, you’ll learn how to “cut” a new car key, assist with access to locked cars, reprogramme remote fobs, and open damaged car doors.

Locksmiths that haven’t undertaken additional training in a specific auto locksmith course usually aren’t able to assist with automotive locks. As you’re probably already aware, the technology used in automotive locks and keys is different to the locks around your home. One of the biggest differences is that auto locksmiths need to be fully trained in using specific automotive equipment.

What Equipment Does an Auto Locksmith Need?

Auto locksmiths are still required to carry much of the usual locksmith equipment, just as they would with normal locks.

However, the biggest difference for an automotive locksmith is the need to use a computer. Since you may need to reprogramme keys and ignition chips, you’ll need to use an intelligent device that is capable of programming and transmitting encrypted data.

Much of the digital work is usually carried out with specific software. So, once you’ve acquired a suitable computer, you’ll learn how to use the programming software as well.

But as an auto locksmith, you will also need to rekey laser locks and replace broken locks.

In other situations, you will need to help drivers with emergency access to a vehicle. Gaining access to locked cars is slightly different to gaining access to locked houses and windows, and specialised tools are required.

First of all, you’ll need to use unique picks for unique locks. LISHI picks, Mr Li picks, and inner groove picks are just three of the many picks that you’ll be fully trained on as part of our auto locksmith training course. Long reach tools, Edge locks, Tibbie locks, gold fingers, and button tools are other essential pieces of auto locksmith equipment that you will become familiar with.

You’ll cover locks specific to car manufacturers, and even airbags as well. Our 3-day auto locksmith training course covers the majority of what you need to know about auto locksmithing, and the equipment that is used on a day-to-day basis.

Who Can Become an Auto Locksmith?

The good news is that although it may sound complex, auto locksmithing is a great career choice for anybody interested in locksmithing.

The majority of people attending our training course are current locksmiths looking to expand their skillset. Taking the next step into auto locksmithing gives you an advantage over other businesses, and allows you to carry out more work. Where other locksmiths devote themselves purely to standard locksmith work, you’ll be one of few auto locksmiths able to cover both home and automotive work.

But that’s not to say that our course is only an option for certified locksmiths. In fact, students that are new to the industry will benefit from focusing on such a specific locksmith trade, and becoming an expert in that field.

Auto Locksmith Training with MPL

Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced locksmith running your own enterprise, you will benefit from our Specialist Auto Locksmith Training Course.

Speak to our team today if you have any questions about the equipment you’ll learn to use on our auto locksmith training course. Our friendly team of locksmith experts are also happy to explain how our course is City & Guilds accredited, and how you can enrol on the next training course near you.

The reason we train locksmiths is because locks are supposed to be complicated and secure. They’re specifically designed so that nobody except the key-holder can use them to gain access to wherever they’re installed. Learning how to install, operate, and replace house locks requires specific training because there are so many different types. And that’s where we come in.

Yes, like everything, there are several different types of house locks, each with their intricacies and unique mechanisms. Let’s take a look at some of the most common house locks and tell you a little more about how our MPL experts can get you trained up on every single one of them.

Padlocks

We can’t mention different types of locks without mentioning padlocks. Padlocks can be secure, safe, and reliable locks – but not for the front door of your home. That’s because padlocks are the only type of lock that is not permanently attached to whatever it’s protecting.

Mortice Locks

Mortice locks are one of the most common door locks found throughout the United Kingdom, particularly the Five-Lever Mortice lock (British Standard). In fact, mortice locks are so common, that many home insurance policies will refer to them as the house lock of choice. On our locksmith training courses, we’ll teach you all about the British Standard kitemark, and what BS3621 means.

These locks are robust and difficult to force open, since they’re protected by the strength of the door frame. A key is required to open and lock the door from both sides, and they’re easy on the eye since all of the mechanics are inside the door.

Cylinder Locks

Another common lock is the cylinder lock.

Different pins of varying lengths are combined in one assembly, and only the key which correctly fits the shape created by the assembly will open the lock. This is a common type of lock used in electronic locks, such as those with ‘fob’ permission locks.

Single-sided cylinder locks are operated by using a key on the outside of the door. Another locking device, such as a thumb-turn, is found on the inside of the door. This means that a quick exit is possible, and that becomes significant in the event of a fire or emergency. As you might imagine, a double cylinder lock requires a key for access on both sides and is more secure than a single-sided cylinder lock.

Cylinder locks can also be swapped out and changed without needing to remove the entirety of the internal hardware. On our locksmith training courses, we show you how to do that with minimal fuss.

Multi-Point Locking Systems

So, by this stage, you already know a thing or two about house locks and their locking mechanisms. If all of the different bolts, cylinders, keylocks and pins have been a little bit confusing, then you may find the popular multi-point locking system a little easier to comprehend.

It’s in the name, really. This is likely to be the type of lock you find on a uPVC door. As the key turns (on either side of the door), a minimum of three different locks move and secure themselves within the door frame. Sometimes, there can be up to five different points of contact, making it a very secure door lock. The majority of new homes will use a front door with a multi-point locking system.

Lock Types and MPL Locksmith Training

There are still many other types of lock used throughout the United Kingdom, including rim locks, and nightlatches. You can learn everything you need to know about all of these types of locks on one of our Locksmith Training Courses.

Our courses are extremely flexible, and you can learn the basics in our 1-day course, or complete the full training in an intense 5-day locksmith course. We have over two decades of experience in the industry, and our purpose-built locksmith training centre has all the resources you need to become a City & Guilds approved locksmith. Contact our team today on 01924 693 293.