MAINTENANCE & REPAIR
The Future- Proof Locksmith:
MPL on Skills, Training & Trusted Tools
» IN AN INDUSTRY WHERE MARGINS are tight and competition is fierce, the ability to repair rather than replace has never been more valuable. At MultiPoint Locks( MPL), that philosophy sits at the heart of everything they do, from the specialist components on their trade counter shelves to the hands-on training delivered at their Wakefield centre. In an interview with CEO Nicky England and Business Development Director Ethan Walker, one message is clear: locksmiths who have the skills to repair, possess the right tools and component knowledge, will keep more work in-house and improve profitability in the process.
The Growth of the Repair Market
Over the past decade, the repair sector has expanded significantly. Across the UK, thousands of uPVC and composite doors are now reaching the age where mechanisms begin to fail. In many cases, full replacement simply isn’ t necessary.
“ The goal is always to restore a door to full working order quickly and reliably,” says Nicky.“ If you can identify the failed component and replace just that part, you save time and reduce costs for the customer.”
Modern locksmiths need access to multipoint gearboxes, keeps, handles, cylinders, alignment tools and specialist repair components. Crucially, repairs must be time-efficient, practical and dependable, especially when working under pressure on site, or while the customer is watching.
Multipoint Systems: The Identification Headache
Ask any experienced locksmith about multipoint systems and they’ ll say the same thing: externally similar doors can hide completely different internal mechanisms.
“ One of the biggest challenges is the sheer number of different systems on the market,” Nicky explains.“ Two doors can look identical but have totally different internals.”
Add discontinued parts into the mix and the difficulty increases. Locksmiths are frequently asked to repair
10 – 20-year-old doors where original components are no longer readily available. Door alignment further complicates diagnosis. Dropped out-of-line doors, frame movement and wear can all mimic gearbox failure.“ You have to establish whether the issue is the mechanism, the door, or the installation,” Nicky says.“ That’ s where experience and methodical fault-finding matter.”
Mechanical Meets Digital
While traditional mechanical systems still dominate domestic work, electronic hardware is steadily increasing. Smart locks, access control integration and advanced cylinder security mean repairs may now involve both mechanical adjustment and basic electronic diagnostics.
“ The future-proof locksmith needs both strong mechanical repair skills and an understanding of newer technologies,” says Nicky.
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MARCH 2026
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