Lock Brands Every Locksmith Should Know
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The Ultimate Locksmiths Guide to Lock Brands
When you’re a newbie to the locksmith industry, one of the most basic things you need to know is the different brands of locks and which one is the best.
To help you get started, our team of expert locksmiths at MPL Training have put together the following guide which features everything you need to know about all the major locks brands.
Knowledge is power as they say, and you will be encountering these brands on a daily basis, so read on and empower yourself with all you need to know about the major lock brands …
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Yale
Almost everyone knows Yale. This brand is a classic when it comes to locks. Chances are you’ve not only heard of Yale but also seen their locks around your house while growing up. Yale is the oldest international lock brand. The company designed the first cylinder pin tumbler lock with a flat key, which was patented in 1861.
Throughout its more than one hundred and fifty years of existence, Yale has remained relevant by continuously developing its products and incorporating the latest technologies into its designs, such as its line of smart locks.
In addition, Yale has upheld its excellent reputation by producing well-made, top-grade products with outstanding functionality. A Yale lock is an investment – its ‘not-so-budget-friendly’ price tag translates to high quality and longevity. Why install a more affordably priced lock and risk being called back by the customer two months later because it broke or got damaged?
When it comes to lock brands, our master locksmith at MPL Training believe that Yale is one of the very best, which is why we keep their locks in stock and include them in our tool kits.
Abloy
Abloy has a comprehensive range of products, including electric locking, padlocks, door cylinders, and door openers. The company’s history began when a Finnish inventor named Emil Henricksson designed the first disc-detainer lock, which was patented in 1919. That same year, production of the locks also started. In addition to the products mentioned above, Abloy also manufactures products used to lock vending machines and high security installations.
Just like Yale, the company has been around for more than a century and is one of the most respected high security lock companies in the world.
Abloy offers a premium high security mechanical lock system called Abloy Protec, a master key system used by numerous private, commercial, and government institutions. It uses a unique rotating disc-based system that is 100% bump proof and almost virtually impossible to pick – a feature that makes it attractive to consumers. These locks are also self-cleaning with dirt and grime falling out when the key is inserted and removed.
When it comes to order fulfillment, Abloy is fast and efficient, with customers typically receiving their items in around one to two days after placing an order.
BiLock
BiLock is an Australian brand specialising in high security products. The BiLock high security master lock system is used widely in industrial and commercial premises.
Their unique system called Quick-Change Core (QCC) features dual-bladed keys that correspond to two rows of pins which activate two separate side bars. It is like having two locks in one.
This system makes BiLock locks highly pick resistant and bump proof. As its name suggests, the key’s core can be removed and easily replaced.
These locks are popularly used in businesses and casinos, making them a good choice for customers that require advanced high-security systems on their premises.
ERA
ERA is a British lock manufacturer that has been around since 1838. It has consistently kept up with the times, adapting to changing security needs and staying updated with the latest developments in the field. It has a wide range of offerings, from window and door security products, to the most cutting edge smart home solution.
If you’re looking for the most up-to-date locksmithing toolkit, ERA is definitely one to consider. Amongst the hundreds of lock manufacturers, ERA is the only one endorsed by the Neighbourhood Watch.
ERA locks include a Total Security Guarantee in which the company will not only replace the door or window damaged by a break in due to an ERA component that failed, but also give a £5,000 cheque as compensation.
As a locksmith, these terms are ideal because in the event of a break-in, the company takes full responsibility and you are spared accountability.
TSS
TSS locks are known for being affordable because the company believes that consumers don’t have to pay a lot for quality locks. In addition to locks, TSS also manufactures a wide range of ironmongery, from door stops to coat hooks, engraved signs to door knockers and many others. These products cater to the domestic, commercial and industrial markets.
If you’re just starting as a locksmith and want to begin building your stock but your budget is limited, TSS is worth considering as they offer especially good trade prices.
Insurance Compliant Door Locks
It is common knowledge amongst all trained locksmiths that the best type of locks to use in homes are British Standard locks, because they comply with insurance requirements.
Listed below, and according to our locksmiths at MPL, are the three main locks used on doors and their descriptions:
- 5Lever Mortice Lock
5 lever mortice locks require a key to operate and have the words ‘5 lever’ engraved on them. They are only used exclusively on wooden doors as they cannot be fitted into uPVC, aluminium, or composite doors.
To meet insurance requirements, 5 lever mortice locks installed in homes must be British standard approved. If the ones used don’t conform to the standard, installing an additional lock, such as a British Standard Nightlatch, is an effective solution to meet insurance requirements.
A British Standard mortice lock has been tested for resistance against common burglary techniques, such as lock picking and drilling, and can be easily identified by the British Standard Kitemark and the code BS3621 stamped on its faceplate. A 3 lever mortice lock is not British Standard and the level of protection it provides is significantly lower than that of the 5 lever version.
- Multi-Point Locking System
A multi-point lock features several bolts positioned along the edge of the door, providing 3, 4, or 5 locking points for a higher level of security. This locking system is usually used on entrance and back doors which are made of uPVC and composite materials.
In multi-point locking systems, only one cylinder is required which means they operate using only one key. For added protection against break-ins, the current cylinder can be replaced with one with an anti-snap lock. To ensure the lock is insurance approval compliant, the multi-point locking system must be SS312 Diamond Approved or conforms to the newer TS 007 3-star Kitemark standard.
When installing a multi-point locking system, inform your customer that the terms of the insurance policy can be rendered void if the multi-point locking system in their home doesn’t lock correctly. Therefore, teaching them the proper technique to make sure the lock works properly is crucial.
- Nightlatch and Rim Locks
Rim locks are commonly used on wooden doors and are often attached to the door’s surface instead of being embedded within it. There are a couple of variants which differ in how they can be deadlocked – either on both the inside and outside of the door or only internally.
These locks do not cost a lot to replace as it’s only the rim cylinder that needs to be changed and not the lock base. However, rim cylinders don’t provide enough security on their own. However, this can be improved by installing a mortice lock. An additional lock will decrease the risk of thieves successfully breaking in and at the same time, increase the chances of your home being approved for insurance.
British Standard Locks
When a standard lock meets the rigorous testing standard set by the BSI (British Standards Institution), it is designated as a ‘British Standard Lock’. This means it has been tested for resistance against burglary techniques, such as picking, lock snapping, and drilling and meets the required standard.
British Standard locks are engraved with the British Standard Kitemark, a symbol resembling a heart with the letter ‘S’ inside it, as well as the British Standard number BS3621. In addition to their superior quality, insurance companies only issue policies for homes equipped with these locks.
Whether you’re a beginner aiming to enter this field for the first time or an experienced locksmith who aspires to learn more about the latest technologies, at MPL Locksmith Training, we will teach you all you need to know about locks, and much more!
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With over two decades of experience in the locksmithing industry, at MPL we make it our mission to offer the highest-quality courses from our fully-equipped training centre, designed to cater for all levels of experience. Furthermore, we are industry specialists when it comes to uPVC lock and door repairs.
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Take a look at some of our Corporate Reviews
At MPL Training, we take pride in delivering industry-leading locksmith courses to a wide range of sectors across the UK. For over two decades, we have supported sectors that include the NHS, police forces, housing associations, councils, property companies, and banks.
Below are some of the corporate reviews we’ve received from our valued clients.
Dave
Connect Housing
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Nicky England and MPL for the fantastic service they provided for locksmith training. At each step of the process they were courteous and very well organised. I sent 5 of my technicians on the 3 day course and it has proven to be not only an enhancement of my teams skills but also a huge saving by being able to gain entry to our housing stock non destructively.
I would recommend MPL to any other customer and give their service delivery and training methods 10/10.
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Ashton Pioneer Homes
I sent two of my operatives to MPL for locksmith training. The training was excellent and they have been able to put this in to good use. It has shortened the time taken for evictions and helped us portray a more professional image in front of bailiffs and other staff.
I would highly recommend them for training and for purchasing the right tools.
Dave
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Dortech Maintenance are delighted to be working with the team at MPL Locksmiths in the up-skilling and development of our site engineers.
We look forward to continuing to develop this partnership and would highly recommend their training courses to others.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does it take train to be locksmith?
It can take around 3-4 years to become a fully competent locksmith even after taking a 5-day training course. As a locksmith, you are always learning and need to keep up to date with new products and industry related standards changes such as lock standards.
I am new to locksmithing, do I need any qualifications to train as a locksmith?
Whilst you don’t need any qualifications to train, you need a desire and a commitment to learn. It always helps if you come from a manual job or background and that you’re used to working with the tools you’ll need.
What course should I take if I'm a complete beginner to locksmithing?
If you are new to locksmithing and aren’t familiar with the tools and manual work, we suggest you undertake our comprehensive 5 day City & Guilds/NCFE Specialist Courses as this will provide you extra time and any additional help you may need.
How much does locksmith training cost?
Our courses vary in price subject to course detail and training days required. Please to call us on 01924 693293 with any questions on the latest prices and availability or fill in our enquiry form.
Are your Accreditations and Certificates recognised?
We are the UK’s ONLY provider of officially Accredited City & Guilds and NCFE Certified locksmith courses. Our accreditations recognise the high standards, process and delivery of bespoke training programmes which no other provider in the UK can offer.
In addition, we also run a range of courses which upon completion students receive our MPL certificate, which because we are the largest training provider in the UK is recognised throughout the industry as the gold standard.
Do I have to be a member of any trade organisations?
No, these organisations tend to be private Ltd companies who are attempting to charge for membership. It is not compulsory to be a member; at the time of writing there are no governing bodies in this industry in the UK.
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Looking to attend one of our courses? We can help to make it financially viable, with one of our highly competitive, tailored finance packages.
We work in partnership with Ideal4Finance and appreciate that when it comes to retraining, different finance options are often helpful. Ideal4Finance offer a range of competitive personal loans enabling you to purchase MPL Locksmith Training Courses and tools in excess of £1000.
*MPL Locksmith Training Ltd’ is an introducer appointed representative of Ideal Sales Solutions Ltd T/A Ideal4Finance. Ideal Sales Solutions is a credit broker and not a lender FRN 703401. Finance available subject to status. Loans of 25000 and above available on a secured basis. Think carefully before securing other debts against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or any other debt secured on it.
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With a keen eye for growth opportunities and a passion for professional skills development, Elizabeth plays a pivotal role in expanding our training programs, forging strategic partnerships, and ensuring aspiring locksmiths receive the very best training experience with MPL. Dedicated to empowering our students with the skills they need to enjoy a successful locksmithing career, Elizabeth is committed to driving excellence across the business.
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