Skills You Need to be a Successful Locksmith – 13 Top Tips from our Team of Industry Experts!
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What Separates a Good Locksmith from the Very Best? Our Master Locksmiths Explain ....
The locksmith industry continues to grow across the UK and it’s a great time to get involved. But what does it take to stand out as an expert locksmith?
The best locksmiths rely on practical, everyday skills that help them solve problems, think on their feet, and deliver results. In this guide, our team of master locksmiths have broken down the key skills that the professionals rely on to make their mark in this rewarding industry. With their many years of experience in the trade, this guide will explain how you too get become one of the very best locksmiths. So, Let’s get started!
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1. Patience - Every Lock Is Different
Patience is more than a virtue when it comes to working on locks. Each lock is different and tricky to master. Keeping your cool allows you to have a clear head work when repairing or unlocking, trying over and over till you pick it open.
A worried customer may approach you in an emergency to unlock their home so they can get it. Your patience will become tested If the lock does not open on the first try. This is why a locksmith needs to have a cool head. This helps in finding a solution in a timely manner for customer satisfaction.
Veteran locksmiths agree that patience is one of the most important skills for the job. This quality will help you to get over the challenges involved in locksmithing and establish a reputation for being reliable and professional.
2. Plan Ahead to Prevent Errors
A locksmith must always be prepared for what’s to come their way. Always determine the type of lock or security system they are dealing with before starting work, as understanding its mechanisms is key to the progress.
Double-check measurements, such as the lock backset, for proper fit and optimal security. The standard backset sizes are usually 2⅜ or 2¾ inches. Forward planning prevents errors, saves time, and boosts customer satisfaction. This proactive approach makes the process simple, allowing locksmiths to build a reputation for being dependable and professional in the trade.
3. Boost a Professional Reputation by Expanding Your Skills
Expanding your locksmithing skills beyond the basics will greatly set you apart in the industry. You can master specialised services, including safe-cracking, uPVC window and door repairs, automotive locksmith, and the art of boarding up.
You can also take time out from your daily routine to learn key cutting and familiarise yourself with different key blanks, which will give you a better understanding of the various locks that you will encounter in your career.
This sets you apart from your competitors and makes you confident in handling tougher tasks in the future. This way, you can satisfy a wide range of customers, making you more marketable and boosting your professional reputation.
Learning diverse locksmithing skills will increase your chances of growth and success in this competitive industry.
4. Think Outside the Box
The locksmith profession is one that requires out-of-the-box thinking. Unusual problems call for unusual solutions and a mechanical mindset. For instance, if the front door gearbox fails, instead of leaving clients out in the cold, access the property through another entry point, say, a back door.
This will not only give the customer relief but also give you the added advantage of working on the lock from both sides for a more efficient repair.
Similarly, don’t panic when a key breaks inside a lock. Instead of trying to extract it immediately (which may not always be possible), look for alternative ways of opening the door. You can then dismantle the lock to get the broken piece of the key without damaging it.
Embracing such creative problem-solving techniques not only enhances your efficiency but also distinguishes you in the competitive locksmith industry. You can adopt unconventional strategies to build trust with your customers.
This proactive approach ensures that you can handle unforeseen challenges effectively, reinforcing your reputation as a resourceful and skilled locksmith.
5. Creating Your Own Tools
A good locksmith is versatile; this includes making custom tools to tackle particular problems. There are commercially available tools for every application, but sometimes, being able to make them yourself is necessary.
The ability to fabricate your own tools can be both cost-effective and necessary when you’re caught up in unique situations. For example, a custom 10-lock holder for SFIC cylinders can make the re-pinning process much easier.
Besides saving you money, handcrafting your own tools when required, gives you the satisfaction of surmounting obstacles with personalised solutions. Thus, this resourcefulness ensures you’re able to handle diverse tasks without relying on expensive, store-bought tools.
6. Giving Sound Advice to Customers
The major responsibility of a locksmith is to give the proper advice necessary regarding security to a business or home. For your customers’ safety and satisfaction, you are supposed to stay updated on all current standards and regulations.
Standards and regulations keep changing in light of social trends and technological advancements. For example, smart locks and advanced security systems have become quite common so locksmiths have to be familiar with these trends to stay on top of their game.
A professional locksmith should be able to understand and follow all the relevant health and safety requirements and regulations. Most of these regulations include background checks, training, and passing certain examinations to prove their competency and ethical standards.
Locksmiths can provide sound and timely advice on security needs through continuous education and keeping themselves abreast of changes.
7. Starting and Running a Successful Business
Locksmithing is a skill that can be used for a successful self-employed business. In setting up a locksmith business, you will need to have technical expertise with entrepreneurial skills. Here’s how to set up your business:
- Register with HMRC
Inform His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs that you’re self-employed.
- Insure your business
Get public liability insurance to secure your business.
- Brand your business
Create a name and design a logo which will distinguish your business from your competitors.
- Establish your online presence
Create a website, optimise it with SEO, and link your social media accounts.
- Open a business bank account
Keep your personal and business finances separate.
- Comply with all regulations
These include health and safety regulations, licensing, and data protection.
- Set up Bookkeeping
Set up an accounting system to track your income and expenses efficiently.
8. Adapt Your Lifestyle to Suit Business
Locksmithing is more than just a job; it’s a lifestyle filled with flexibility and excitement! With 24-hour emergency services, it allows locksmiths to be there for people whenever they need assistance, day or night and in any season.
Locksmiths often adjust their personal plans to meet the needs of their clients promptly. Embracing this flexible schedule with a passion and desire to is essential for thriving in this highly competitive field!
9. Spend Time in Learning New Operational Skills
It is also necessary for locksmiths to invest some of their time to learn new skills and how to handle business expenses such as training, inventory, advertisement, fuel, and insurance.
While some costs are unavoidable, there are plenty of opportunities to gain knowledge without breaking the bank. For example, many locksmith associations offer free training sessions, providing valuable hands-on learning and networking opportunities. Additionally, there are numerous online platforms that offer free courses covering a range of locksmithing topics, from basic techniques to advanced security systems.
10. Build Trust with Clear and Effective Communication Skills
Communication is the key to any business; locksmiths have to communicate clearly to win their customers’ trust and satisfaction. Explain the procedures and security solutions so that the clients can easily understand what’s happening. This, in turn, will instil their confidence in your expertise.
It also allows you to show empathy towards the client when they are going through a stressful situation. Locksmiths can adjust their services to customer needs by listening to their concerns and acting accordingly.
11. Problem Solving - Get Your Thinking Cap On!
Sometimes, you may not have the answer to problems or situations. Instead, you will rely on your skills to think on your feet, improvise, or change strategies to find a solution.
For example, an uPVC door lock breaks prematurely after the door was fitted two years ago. You can fix the mechanism as per the customer’s request. However, you may also need to adjust the door to fix the original problem that caused the locking mechanism to break.
12. Staying Respectful at all Times - Even When the Customer Isn’t
As a locksmith, you encounter a diverse range of customers. In fact, interacting with many friendly clients can be one of the most rewarding aspects of the job. Often, you’ll find that people genuinely appreciate a job well done.
Conversely, some customers will try to negotiate prices aggressively, and they often reside in larger properties! Certain clients can be quite challenging and may even be rude. It’s essential to maintain your composure in these situations.
Operating a locksmith business is definitely not for the overly sensitive or hot-tempered! Instead, it requires a patient and respectful approach in explaining your perspective.
You will be required to have a thick skin and a very calm, respectful temperament at all times.
13. Finally - Learn To Drive for Ease of Travel To Job Site(s)
It may sound like an obvious answer, but if you are a self-employed locksmith, you will have to drive to and from customers’ homes or businesses. You rarely see a locksmith arriving with his bicycle!
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Start Your Career with MPL Locksmith Training
As you can see, you may need a wide variety of skills as a locksmith, both technical and soft. Be it that you’re new to the industry, want to venture into this career, or if you simply want to pick up some new skills, we have courses for you. Check out our Locksmith courses page here!
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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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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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
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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.
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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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