Your Perfect Guide To Hiring A Locksmith

Whether you’re locked out of your home, have misplaced your car keys or need to arrange for a lock repair service – who do you call? A locksmith. Here’s how you can hire a reliable locksmith.

Who is a locksmith?

Locksmiths are professional tradespeople who make a living by working with locks. They can fit locks, open locks, carry out lock repairs, or do any other work related to locks.

A door locksmith works on the locks on the doors and windows of buildings. Most door locksmiths are trained to work with both domestic locks and commercial locks. This means that you can easily call the same locksmith if you need a lock repair on your home or office.

An auto locksmith works only on the locks on your car, van or motorbike. A locksmith can work from their shop or they may offer mobile locksmith services. Sometimes they do both!

What do they do?

The main job of a locksmith is to get people out of their locked homes. They are usually the first person you call when you lose your keys or lock them inside your house (unless your housemate has a spare key). But there are many other jobs that a locksmith can do. They include cutting locks, repairing locks, opening and repairing safes, providing emergency lock opening services etc.

What qualifications should a locksmith have?

No qualifications are required, and many locksmiths learn their trade in the field, but there are a range of qualifications and certifications that can be obtained by a locksmith. A locksmith who has completed an apprenticeship with the MASA will hold a MASA Level 2 Certificate. This is currently the sole nationally recognised qualifications for locksmithing. Some specialist training courses are available; however, these include specialist training courses for the following: car keys, access control systems, UPVC locks, restricted key systems. If you are looking for a locksmith to carry out specialist locksmith work, ask the locksmith if they have done similar work in the past. Ask them about their reviews and see what their previous clients have to say.

Who is an MLA locksmith and why should you choose one?

The MLA is the largest locksmiths association in the UK and was set up by honest locksmiths looking for an accreditation that would demonstrate to customers that they are getting a qualified locksmith at an affordable price. Qualifying as Master Locksmith is achieved by passing the MLA Exam. The MLA Exam is made up of 4 modules: 1 in the written exam module and 3 in the practical exam modules.

Basically, if you’re looking for a locksmith, choosing an MLA locksmith is the way to go. You know you’re getting a top-notch locksmith who’s been vetted and checked regularly, who’s kept up to date with the latest industry trends, and who will show you the right standards of behaviour, practice, and materials. Plus, with MLA’s licensing system, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing there’s someone you can turn to if something goes wrong. You must pass the MLA Exam in order to become a qualified Master Locksmith. You must also pass a background check to demonstrate that you have no criminal convictions and you must submit to regular audits of your company.