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A Shift in the Locksmithing Industry
The locksmith industry became very competitive when warrant work fell off a cliffedge , figuratively speaking , operating costs of being a locksmith quickly increased with less work to go around . About 25 % of locksmith work was lost , as locksmiths scrambled around to find more domestic and commercial work . However , everyone had the same idea , which meant there unfortunately wasn ’ t enough work for everybody . Locksmiths looked for other avenues of work such as safe work , however , this is specialist and takes a long time to learn and training can be costly . This applies even more to those looking at going into auto locksmithing where setup costs can be eyewatering . I noticed an influx of locksmiths booking on to my courses at The Window & Door Repair Academy , all wanting to learn a new trade to supplement their income . The decision to choose this trade was indeed strategic , as most locksmiths already possess a variety of tools essential for their work , and only need to acquire a few additional ones to carry out double glazing repair work . Furthermore , locksmiths possess numerous
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transferable skills , such as replacing door handles , changing multi-points and drive-gears which allows them to quickly and efficiently adapt to various repair tasks . This versatility not only broadens their service offerings but also enhances their ability to meet diverse customer needs .
Learning about Window & Door Repair
The five-day course that I offer gives everyone the basics as well as lots more . I make sure everyone is trained in all aspects of double glazing repair , ensuring you don ’ t make any costly mistakes . Short online courses do not go into enough detail to cover everything you need to know , but by booking with The Window and Door Repair Academy , you can be sure that no key is left unturned .
I teach them how to correctly measure glass and determine whether the glass needs to be toughened or safety glass , as opposed to float glass ( normal glass ). Additionally , any glass that ’ s replaced and is less than 800mm from the ground needs to be safety glass , as does all glass within a door . Windows adjacent to a door also need to be safety glass . It ’ s crucial to use the correct type of glass in
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the appropriate circumstances to ensure safety and compliance with regulations . We also demonstrate the correct methods and tools for removing sealed units , both internally and externally beaded , to ensure no one ends up with nasty dents and splits in the window beads .
I teach my students how to measure Georgian Bar and leaded lights correctly , so that when they order the glass it matches what is already there . How to open windows that are jammed shut , using the smart new Souber tool .
My students learn how to completely strip down and rebuild UPVC sliding box sash windows , including changing the spiral balances and shoe mechanisms . They also gain knowledge in working with bifold doors and tilt & turn windows . While many locksmiths and double glazing repairers tend to avoid tilt & turn windows due to their complexity , my course ensures that by the end , students are
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fully confident and proficient in handling these as well . Gaining the skills beforehand is much safer than learning on the job and making mistakes on customers ’ properties .
How it Started
I ’ ve carried out double glazing repairs and locksmithing for the last 25 years , my son and godson run this business now . I still get involved from time-to-time to help with them quotes and when they need an extra pair of hands .
I started the academy in February 2020 a month before lockdown , so during the quiet time I had lots of time to work on the training manual ( course material ) that we supply and get the training facility setup . There are over 60 windows , five doors , two sliding box sash , sliding bifold , French doors , four UPVC tilt & turns , one aluminium tilt & turn , one set of UPVC sliding patio doors and an aluminium patio door .
The training I offer is very hands on and only a maximum of four people always fourto-one maximum , that way everybody gets to do every part of the training .
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