The Role of a Locksmith: How We Do What We Do
- Angela Sands
- Sep 9
- 5 min read
At H Harrold & Sons we blend expert locksmith skills with precision engineering to protect homes, businesses and vehicles. From emergency call-outs to high-security equipment installations, here’s a more detailed look at what we do and how we do it.
Firstly, let’s go over our foundations and talk about the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA).
H Harrold and Sons is the only MLA approved locksmiths in Sheffield – we have been for over 25 years. Being MLA approved is a mark of professionalism, trust and technical excellence in an industry that currently lacks official government regulation.
To be an approved locksmith company, you must have at least one active, ‘Qualified Master Locksmith’. The MLA is the leading trade association for locksmiths in the UK and its accreditation process includes rigorous history checks and regular site inspections. Choosing an MLA approved company means customers can be confident their work will be carried our properly and appropriately, by trusted, inspected locksmiths.
Endorsement by the MLA is more than an accreditation – it reinforces the professionalism of the locksmithing trade and ensures that customers receive reliable, secure, and expertly delivered services.
These services span key cutting, safes and CCTV and are expanded upon below.
1. Emergency Response & Damage Repair
We’re on call throughout the week for lock-outs, break-ins, snapped keys and lock changes. We’re just a quick call away from having our MLA approved engineers on the road. They’ll arrive equipped for whatever the job requires, from new anti-snap cylinders to full replacement UPVC mechanisms.
We assess damage on the spot and use non-destructive methods first (like picks or tension wrenches). If a lock must be drilled, we will replace it immediately, restoring security before we leave.
Key cutting is more than popping a key into a machine; it involves either carefully copying an existing key or creating one using a unique code. In some cases, any wear on the key can be corrected on the newly cut key.
For standard house keys and mortice keys, we use high-precision machines to copy the original and cut a new one with exact accuracy. For specialist security keys, we have invested heavily in the best possible key cutting hardware to guarantee the best possible service outcome. As such, we are an Ultion Key Centre, an ABS Key Centre and a Mul-T-Lock authorised dealer, meaning customers know they’re getting properly cut keys that work smoothly, not a copy of a copy.
Master key systems are a vital part of modern security setups, allowing multiple levels of access across a building or site.
At H Harrold and Sons, we design and install bespoke master key suites tailored to each customer’s needs – whether for residential blocks, offices, or commercial premises.
Our systems are built using high-quality components and precision key cutting, ensuring long-term reliability and security by using patented key profiles. Depending on requirements, we can design both open and restricted master key systems. With restricted systems, keys can only be duplicated with the system holders’ authorisation, giving full control over who holds access.
4. Mechanical Lock Installation & Upgrades
Installing or upgrading a lock isn’t just a case of turning up and swapping locks – it’s a careful process that starts with understanding the customer’s needs. We look at everything and advise on the best solution, balancing cost and security.
For euro cylinders, we always recommend models with anti-snap, anti-drill and anti-bump protection to keep your home secure. Our preferred 3 Star diamond-rated cylinders meet the highest insurance standards and even come with a £5,000 security guarantee.
When it comes to mortice locks, it’s all about precision. Fitting mortice locks properly takes care and sometimes a touch of carpentry – removing wood neatly so the lock and door line up perfectly. That’s what makes the difference between a poor installation and a job that lasts for years. Our engineers use specialist tools to make sure everything lines up perfectly, leaving you with a lock that works smoothly and stands the test of time.
We fit and upgrade locks across all door types, from wooden and uPVC to aluminium shopfronts and office doors. We also install new door closers, adjust existing ones, and service panic hardware on emergency exits. We’ll work on any job, no matter the size, including those that are often overlooked but are key to keeping buildings safe, secure and compliant.
5. Workshop Services
Not every lock needs replacing. In our workshop we often repair locks that others would write off – using years of knowledge and hands-on skill to restore them. Where replacement parts aren’t available, we can repair or manufacture new components to suit. We’ve repaired many Victorian and Edwardian locks that are almost impossible to replace, and we often share these unique jobs on our social channels. This approach lets us preserve the heritage of a property while making sure the lock is reliable and secure.
Safes offer great protection for homes and businesses, whether it’s documents, cash or jewellery.
We supply, install, service and even move safes, as well as ensuring they’re tested to comply with recognised fire and burglary standards. We don’t stop there either, we can show customers all the tips and tricks for their safes, including programming codes and how to use them most efficiently.
High-security floor and wall safes come with dual-control digital locks or combination dials. We programme user codes and train customers on code-change procedures before bolting the safe in place, ensuring its fire and burglary ratings hold true.
7. Key Safes
‘Police Preferred’ key safes anchor directly to brick or concrete and feature drill-resistant cams – making them extra-secure. We always recommend ‘Police Preferred’ key safes – such as Supra C500 and Ark Tamo – to ensure extra-security. Even then, our locksmiths rigorously test all key safes, so we know they are the most secure and reliable options. We recommend the best, not just whatever’s on the shelf.
Ensuring key safes are installed in the correct position is vital. Our engineers will ensure each installation offers the best protection.
Car key technology has developed significantly over the past decade, meaning we are constantly learning and improving our automotive service.
Modern cars often use transponder chips and rolling-code remotes rather than old-fashioned keys – but our customers don’t need to worry about that.
We can clone keys with our machines or use diagnostic kits through customers’ vehicle’s on-board computer or OBD-II port.
In addition to cutting and programming car keys, our workshop team can repair or reconfigure vehicle locks. For example, we can rebuild ignition locks or reconfigure replacement locks to match a customers’ existing keys.
Whatever car key our customers bring to us; we have all the required machinery in our workshop. This means they can save the time and hassle of having to wait at a car dealer.
The work of our Sheffield locksmiths also extends into digital security.
We design and install proximity-card readers, keypad entry panels and wireless smart-lock systems, as well as CCTV setups combining IP cameras, network video recorders and remote-viewing apps.
We are a Paxton Platinum Partner which means we specialise in their Net2 platforms, covering everything from standalone keypads to fully networked access control systems with fobs, key cards and central management.
Net2 allows businesses to control who has access to different areas, monitor usage and integrate multiple doors across a site from their existing PC setup.
With regards to CCTV, we focus on installing commercial systems using Hikvision professional kits – a range of all-in-one video surveillance packages. We supply tradespeople with the required technology to keep their premises and equipment safe too.
Every task we undertake is underpinned by over a century of family-run expertise, recognised and accredited by the MLA. From keys to cameras, our mission remains the same: providing exceptional locksmith, access control and safe engineer services to Sheffield and beyond.
For more information, explore the services here on our website or give us a ring on 0114 272 4742.
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