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fix rather than just swapping parts. In terms of products, I stick to what I trust. Apex cylinders for 3-star, Doras D6 for 1-star are my go-to at the moment. Smooth, reliable and I’ ve never had issues. APS from Apex as well. Next-day delivery helps too.
I’ ve also been ridiculously lucky in competitions. Won £ 250 worth of Doras stock guessing how many keys were in a box at MLA Expo. I seem to have a knack for that.
things like mandatory DBS checks would put off a lot of rogue traders. Until then, it’ s down to us to raise standards ourselves.
Education Over Hard Selling Most people call a locksmith because something’ s gone wrong. A lock’ s failed, a door won’ t shut, or they’ re worried about security. My job is to take that stress away quickly and calmly.
I turn up when I say I will, explain things in plain English and get them secure without causing extra hassle. I don’ t believe in pressure selling. I believe in educating people so they can make the right decision.
That’ s why I blog on my website and post on social media explaining things like British Standard locks, insurance requirements and common security mistakes. I want customers to understand the difference between a professional service and a cowboy.
Social media has been massive for me. Facebook works best, especially local residents’ groups. I’ ll post a couple of times a week with useful information, not just“ I’ m a locksmith, phone me”. TikTok’ s been good for short educational videos too, showing upgrades or explaining why certain locks matter. Instagram, I’ m not on so much, but you don’ t need to be on all channels, you just need to be active and genuine where you are.
The Job, the People & the Banter
What I love most is the challenge. Figuring out what’ s wrong, how to fix it properly, and meeting people. I’ ll talk to anyone. Some locksmiths don’ t like working alone, but I enjoy it. The banter with customers makes the day go quicker.
After the army, the physical side is nothing. There’ s not much heavy lifting, and the work keeps your brain engaged.
My wife’ s a mental health nurse, but she can pick locks and sometimes comes out with me if she’ s got a day off. She finds it fascinating and acts as my little apprentice.
Then there’ s Cali, my black Labrador. She’ s seven, completely nuts and loves people. She comes out with me on simple jobs and customers love her, even when she’ s a bit hyper.
Quality, Craft and the Right Tools
My favourite jobs are repairs. Frame repairs, adjustments, anything where I can use the skills I’ ve invested time into learning. There’ s a bit of carpentry involved and it’ s satisfying doing a proper
Building Trust, One Review at a Time
Trust is everything. I want to be one of the most trusted locksmiths in Leeds. That only happens by showing people who you are, not just posting pictures of locks.
I made a mistake when my wife was pregnant and unwell with pre-eclampsia. I thought I’ d paused my Google profile but accidentally deleted it and lost all my reviews. That hurt. I’ m back up to 50 five-star reviews now and aiming for 150 this year.
If I get a fake review, even a five-star one, I report it. I want everything to be genuine. That’ s how you build a locally trusted business.
Looking Ahead
The plan is to grow steadily, build my online presence and keep educating customers. More blogs, more behind-thescenes content, more showing the person behind the business.
Being contacted by Locksmithing Journal meant a lot. Seeing mates like Andy featured and then being asked myself is proper recognition. I’ ll frame it and use it in the van. It shows customers I’ m serious about this trade.
More info Yorkshire Locks is a trusted, independent locksmith service based in Leeds, covering LS postcodes and wider West Yorkshire. Founded by ex-forces locksmith Stewart McCracken, the business specialises in uPVC door and window locks, home security upgrades and 24 / 7 emergency locksmith services. With over 10 years’ experience, no call-out fee and no VAT ever, Yorkshire Locks is known for honest advice, professional workmanship and a strong commitment to raising standards in the locksmithing industry.
07301 500825, info @ yorkshirelocks. com
FEBRUARY 2026
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