Firstly, check out whether a locksmith is licensed by the Master Locksmiths' Association (MLA). This body is recognised as the authoritative body for locksmithing by the Home Office, setting and promoting standards of conduct, practice and materials within the trade.
Gaining a licence from the MLA is very difficult, prospective locksmith companies undergo comprehensive inspection procedures. Look out for the logo indicating that the company advertising it is approved by the MLA, which features two crossed keys on a yellow background and bears the name of the MLA
Locksmiths are often based in a shop, but many are mobile, working out of a vehicle, with a workshop. Many are employed by large locksmithing companies, while others are "one man bands".
Stockport Locksmiths will cover a whole range of services:
General domestic locksmith, such as wooden door and window locks & keys
UPVC door and window locks and locking mechanisms
Access control, such as maglocks, code locks and proximity systems
Commercial locksmith, such as shutter locks, master key systems, door closers, padlocks etc.
Safes supplied, repair and service
Auto locksmith
As described above, the services offered by different companies can vary. Many locksmiths specialise in one aspect of the trade. Check your locksmith is knowledgable in the areas you require, you might be able to find a locksmith who is an expert in that field, and locksmiths are frequently certified in specific skill areas or to a certain level of skill within the trade. Always consider a locksmith's level of skills and whether or not he or she has the expertise to do the best possible job.
Look at the reviews of the locksmith company online, some are obviously not genuine! Yell and Thomson seen to be worse for this, with very similar reviews posted by allegedly different customers.
Always check your locksmith's credentials. In the UK check to make sure the company is Licensed by the Master Locksmiths Association
