Locksmiths

Locksmith is the term used to refer to a person or business that are practitioners in the lock trade. The term comes from times when they were blacksmiths who made locks. These days, there are a plethora of lock systems available, ranging from simple padlocks to high specification security systems that employ a range of electronic and computerised locking methods.

A wide range of locksmiths exist with some working from commercial premises while others are mobile locksmiths and some may specialise in one aspect of the trade such as automotive lock specialists, forensic locksmiths or safe technicians.

Many locksmiths will be members of the Master Locksmiths Association, a body that sets and promotes standards within locksmithing and encourages training and development of its members to keep them abreast of new developments within the field. The MLA is recognised as the authoritative body for locksmithing by The Police, Home Office, British Standards Institute, Sold Secure (an attack test house owned by the MLA), Association Of British Insurers and Building Research Establishment.

Many locksmiths will offer advice on home or business security and will use their findings to fit the premises with a lock system that offers the best security solution in that instance.


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