NElockouts - Your Local Non Destructive Locksmith

State of the Locksmith Industry

Locksmithing as a trade is in a sorry state. Unlike the Security industry, Corgi gas fitters, mechanics and the like, there is no regulation within the Locksmith trade. This means that ANYONE can be trained, or decide to train anyone else, or just call themselves, a locksmith. No background checks, no insurance, support or complaints procedure. You would not know who is opening your front door.

There is no obligation for the “locksmith” to be insured should they damage you property. No mitigation procedure, should you feel the work on your property is not good enough.
The “locksmith” (often know as Driller-Killers) may well drill out your lock, leaving you with no choice but to buy the expensive replacement lock from them, and also pay the extortionate fitting fees.

This has all changed with the Institute of Certified Locksmiths (ICL).

An ICL member will not drill out your lock (subject to conditions) and leave you with a damaged door. All work is carried out using Non-Destructive means.

Also, an ICL member will not drill out your lock, spend an hour or so sourcing a new lock, all the while charging you, and then charge you even more for the fitting of the new lock.

Next time you have to call out a locksmith, ask them whether they will pick your locks or drill them.
Do not allow anyone to damage your door, without some form of guarantee and insurance.

Although British Standard locks are very secure, non-destructive entry methods and specialist tools are available to locksmiths, and these should be used to gain entry to your property. Not a drill !


State of the Locksmith Industry Locksmithing as a trade is in a sorry state. Unlike the Security industry, Corgi gas fitters, mechanics and the like, there is no regulation within the Locksmith trade. This means that ANYONE can be trained, or decide to train anyone else, or just call themselves, a locksmith. No background checks, no insurance, support or complaints procedure. You would not know who is opening your front door. There is no obligation for the “locksmith” to be insured should they damage you property. No mitigation procedure, should you feel the work on your property is not good enough. The “locksmith” (often know as Driller-Killers) may well drill out your lock, leaving you with no choice but to buy the expensive replacement lock from them, and also pay the extortionate fitting fees. This has all changed with the Institute of Certified Locksmiths (ICL). An ICL member will not drill out your lock (subject to conditions) and leave you with a damaged door. All work is carried out using Non-Destructive means. Also, an ICL member will not drill out your lock, spend an hour or so sourcing a new lock, all the while charging you, and then charge you even more for the fitting of the new lock. Next time you have to call out a locksmith, ask them whether they will pick your locks or drill them. Do not allow anyone to damage your door, without some form of guarantee and insurance. Although British Standard locks are very secure, non-destructive entry methods and specialist tools are available to locksmiths, and these should be used to gain entry to your property. Not a drill !