Locksmith Knowledge Checklist
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From Lock Noob to Lock Star: Your Ultimate Locksmith Knowledge Checklist That Opens Doors!
Becoming a locksmith involves more than just learning how to install a new lock or pick one. Locksmithing is a rewarding and exciting profession that demands an exceptional mix of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and customer service savviness.
Whether you’re new to the craft or merely exploring the idea, we’ve put together a locksmith knowledge checklist that covers everything you need to know to get started. Let’s dive in!
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1. Legal Framework for Locksmithing in the UK
While you don’t need a license to become a locksmith (it would be great to have one, though, such as a City & Guilds certification), you must still act responsibly (read, legally!).
- Verification of client ownership and access rights
- Misuse of locksmithing tools falling under the Criminal Justice Act of 1988
- Compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation when handling customer data
- Understanding the Consumer Rights Act of 2015
- Understanding the importance for putting in place adequate public liability insurance
- Knowledge of professional indemnity insurance
- Understanding of the Regulatory Reform Order of 2005
- Familiarising with Small Claims Court processes for resolving payment disputes
- Knowledge of local council regulations
2. Lock Mechanisms
Becoming a trustworthy locksmith in your community, means being able to understand, tinker, repair, install, and maintain ANY type of lock. That can only happen if you appreciate and master lock mechanisms.
- Traditional lock types, including:
- 3- and 5-lever, BS3621-compliant mortice locks
- Surface-mounted rim locks, including night latches
- Single-cylinder, double-cylinder, and thumb-turn deadbolts and their residential and commercial applications, including forced-entry resistance-requiring properties
- Keyed, combination, and high-security, hardened steel padlocks
- Cylinder locks, including:
- TS007 star-rated Euro cylinder locks and their anatomy (plug, cam, and keyway), with anti-snap, anti-drill, and anti-pick features
- Oval cylinders and how they differ from Euro locks
- Manipulation-resistant Kaba and dimple cylinder locks
- Anti-pick, anti-drill, burglar-proof high-security locks, including their installation and troubleshooting
- Smart and electronic locks, including:
- Electronic and mechanical keypads, including installation and troubleshooting
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-enabled smart locks
- Facial recognition and fingerprint biometric smart locks
- App-based control and integration
- Electromagnetic locks
- Automotive locks, including:
- Wafer locks, pin tumbler locks, and smart key systems
- Remote fob programming
- Keyless entry mechanisms
- Ignition lock cylinders and components
- Specialised lock mechanisms, including:
- Cam locks for filing cabinets, furniture, and mailboxes, including installation and replacement
- Disc detainer locks
- Tubular locks for bicycles, safes, and vending machines
- Window and sliding door locks, including keyed and latch locks
- Lock anatomy and functions, including understanding the role of springs, pins, wards, and rotors, and how to disassemble and reassemble them
- Advanced locking systems, including
- Multi-point locking systems for uPVC and composite doors
- Time-delay locks for safes and vaults
- Escape locks for emergency exits
3. British Standards for Locks
Your customers deserve only high-quality locks and related products. Otherwise, dreaming of a thriving locksmithing business will be just that – a dream. Hence, your locks MUST meet strict British Standards, and that begins with knowing these standards.
- BS 3621 – Insurance-approved locks that are resistant to forced entry, secure against duplicate keys, weather-proof, and durable
- BS 8621 – Multi-point locking systems that must be secure against forced entry, easy to operate, functional, and comply with safety standards for escape routes
- BS 3166 – Latches and cylindrical locks that are durable, corrosion resistant, with good fire safety features, and with excellent key retention properties
- BS EN 1125 and BS EN 179 – Emergency escape locks, including single-action door locks and panic bars
- BS EN 14450 – Security safes and cabinets for theft and fire protection
- BS EN 13637 – Key management, including key cutting, storage, and distribution to prevent unauthorised key duplication and improve security
- BS EN 50133-1 – Digital locks and access control, including electric strikes, electronic access systems, and magnetic locks
- BS 16439 – Wireless and networked smart locks, including data protection, remote access requirements, and encryption
4. Key Cutting and Duplication
Have you ever met a locksmith who doesn’t know how to cut and duplicate a key? That would be laughable because this skill is a locksmith’s bread-and-butter. So, here’s a list of the things you should know about key cutting and duplication.
- How to cut and duplicate standard residential and commercial keys (i.e., Yale, Union, and Chubb)
- Master the structure and function of cylinder keys (i.e., oval and Euro cylinders)
- How to duplicate mortice lock keys
- How to cut and duplicate restricted and patented key systems like Kaba, Mul-T-Lock, and Abloy
- Key-cutting techniques, including manual, laser, and machine key cutting
- Duplicating keys with unique codes and restricted profiles
- Key blank selection
- Interpreting key bitings and codes
- Key cutting equipment and tools, including machines (manual, electric, and laser), profiling tools, and measuring devices (micrometres and depth gauges)
- Security considerations, including duplicate security keys, key tracing and duplication history, and master key systems
- Key cutting for automotive locks, including VATS< RFID key systems, and vehicle keys
5. Locksmithing Tools
No locksmith can perform their duties effectively and responsibly without tools. Sure, you can use your hands, but can you cut metal keys with your teeth? So, knowing the following tools is vital to ensuring a successful locksmithing business.
- Basic hand tools – tension wrenches, screwdrivers, pick sets, and pliers
- Cylinder lock tools – plug spinners and cylinder removal tools (extraction keys and removal kits)
- Key cutting equipment – manual, laser, and depth gauges
- Lock installation tools – mortice lock installation kit, door hardware kit, and jamb set tools
- Vault and safe tools – safe drill bits. Bolt cutters, and dial and combination tool
- Advanced lock manipulation tools – electro-mechanical tools (impressioning kits and electric picks), lock decoders, and tapping kits
- Key management tools – key cabinets, electronic key-cutting devices, and key programming tools
- Lock testing and inspection tools – lock pick guns, lock bump keys, and security testing kits
- Locksmith technology and software – access control systems (card readers and biometric devices), security auditing software, and mobile locksmithing apps
- Safety and security tools – lockout tools, safety glasses, and safety gloves
- Maintenance and repair tools – lubricators, cleaners, and replacement parts and kits
- Custom speciality tools – for non-standard applications, emergency situations, and specialised lock systems
- Continuing education and training tools (yes, you will need these!) – certification tools and training simulators
6. Customer Service and Communication
You want to become a successful locksmith, don’t you? Besides knowing the juicy, technical stuff about this work, there’s another essential knowledge bit ALL locksmiths must master – communication and customer service.
Remember, you might know everything about locksmithing, but if you cannot wow your customers, you won’t have repeat business. So, try to learn the following.
- Building a positive client relationship, including understanding customer needs, maintaining a professional appearance, and demonstrating patience and empathy
- Communicating effectively, including active listening, providing clear explanations (no technical jargon, please!), encouraging clients to ask questions, and providing them with detailed explanations
- Managing expectations, including ensuring transparent pricing and setting realistic objectives
- Handling complaints and feedback in a calm and professional manner, using problem-solving skills, and following up with clients after work completion
- Managing and resolving conflicts
- Managing time, ensuring prompt service delivery, prioritising appointments, and guaranteeing service efficiency
- Adhering to industry standards, best practices and seeking continuing education
- Performing locksmithing services with honesty, integrity and complete transparency
- Encouraging satisfied clients to leave positive testimonials and reviews
- Utilising digital and mobile tools for efficient communication, like appointment scheduling, job updates, and customer relationship management systems
- Maintaining client confidentiality
- Observing post-service communication through follow-up emails or calls and continuing client education
- Customising lock solutions for clients
7. Final Thoughts
We could write a whole book about the things aspiring locksmiths (and lock-and-key veterans) must know and be proficient with (how about networking and ensuring locksmithing business growth?), but that would be jumping the gun on this blog post.
Suffice it to say that becoming a professional locksmith involves more than merely knowing locks and similar systems. You must learn its legal, ethical, and social aspects, too. Hopefully, the above read gave you a clear idea of the things you must learn to become a successful locksmith.
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01924 693 293
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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.
Whether you’re a complete beginner searching for a new trade, or you just want to familiarise yourself with the latest locksmith technology, we have the ideal training course for you.
Our courses are a great way to start working for yourself or for an established locksmith – the choice is yours!
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Over 190+ 5 Star Google Reviews
We’ve trained a huge number of students over the past 20 years; many of which are kind enough to send us some great testimonials.
Below are some examples of the feedback we receive from our training courses from both individual students and the many organisations we work with.
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.
Bill
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
Dortech Maintenance
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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MPL helping develop careers and businesses across the UK
We have trained individuals from across the country to become skilled locksmiths and build successful businesses, including:
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a trained locksmith?
After your initial 3 or 5-Day training, it can usually take a further 12 months to become an experienced locksmith. You will always be learning on the job, and have to keep up to date with the latest products and industry related regulations such as lock standards.
The easiest way to begin your new locksmithing career is by attending our comprehensive 3 or 5-Day Locksmith Course which is perfect for beginners who are looking to learn how to become a locksmith within one week. Many of our students have gone on to set up their own locksmithing businesses immediately after completing the course.
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.
Why not take advantage of our Competitive Finance Packages?
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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The UK’s Emergency Services, Councils, Housing Associations and Leading Utility Companies
Location and Transport Links
Our purpose built training centre is located in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, with easy access from major transport links across the UK.
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MPL Locksmith & Security Training
1 Thornes Office Park
Monckton Road
Wakefield
WF 7AN
By Train
From Major Cities
- London: Catch a direct train from London’s King’s Cross Station to Wakefield Westgate in under 2 hours.
- Birmingham: Enjoy quick connections from Birmingham New Street to Wakefield Westgate in approximately 90 minutes.
- Other Routes: Wakefield is well-served by major rail routes, ensuring a stress-free journey.
From the Train Station
Wakefield Westgate Train Station is the closest major station, located approximately 8 minutes by taxi from MPL Locksmith & Security Training. Alternatively, local buses and rideshare options are available on a regular basis for added convenience.
Save on Tickets
Plan ahead and save money by booking tickets in advance via Western Railway or other ticketing platforms. Advanced fares from London start as low as £25 return.
Embark on a comfortable and hassle-free train journey to attend your training at MPL Locksmith & Security Training!
By Air
Nearest Airport
The closest airport to MPL Locksmith & Security Training is Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA), located approximately 21 miles away.
Alternative Airports
- Manchester Airport (MAN): Just 50 miles from Wakefield, offering a wide range of domestic and international flights.
- Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA): Around 27 miles away, providing additional travel options.
Getting from the Airport
- Taxi: Approximately 40 minutes drive to Wakefield center.
- Public Transport: Regular bus services and train connections from Leeds city center make the journey easy.
Curated by
Elizabeth Whincup | Business Development Mananger
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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