Institute of Certified Locksmiths

There are two major organisations representing locksmiths in the UK: the younger of the two is the Institute of Certified Locksmiths (ICL). The older organisation, currently (2008) with more members is the Master Locksmiths Association.

The principal difference between the two organisations is in lock openings (lockouts). The ICL promotes Non-Destructive Entry (NDE). Locksmiths belonging to the ICL are expected to pick or decode a lock if at all possible, rather than drilling or otherwise destroying all or part of a lock, or door.

The UK locksmithing trade is essentially unregulated, and as such, the ICL is currently the only locksmithing organisation to demand that members use non-destructive techniques, and to use lock destruction as a last resort. To enforce this,

if an ICL member drills or destroys your lock whilst gaining entry, your lock will be replaced like for like, free of any further charge (excludes safes and faulty or damaged locks) [ [http://theinstituteofcertifiedlocksmiths.org/guidelinesfull.htm Free Lock Replacement Policy] ]

It is interesting to note that the biggest effort in promoting the ICL is to get over the "drill and replace" culture of many locksmiths, who see this as more profitable.

References

External links

* [http://theinstituteofcertifiedlocksmiths.org/ Official website]