UK's Largest Trade Association For Locksmiths

Beginners Locksmith Courses (1, 2 & 5 days) – Book Now

Beginners Locksmith Training Courses - Perfect for Beginners

These 1-day, 2-day & 5-day locksmith courses run by the Master Locksmiths Association are for beginners new to the industry; our training courses will teach you everything needed to become a locksmith from how to cut keys by hand to opening, picking and fitting locks.

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    We run 4 different courses during a 5 day week; the first is a 2-day Foundation Course perfect for someone with no experience or new to locksmithing and 3 follow-on courses.

    Looking to be a car locksmith? See our beginners auto locksmith course which teaches you how to unlock and open cars.

    5 Day Locksmith Course – Perfect for Beginners

    Locksmith training graffiti at MLA HQLocksmith Training Course Centre Entrance

    Our 5-day beginners course has 4 modules during the week, select which course you want to take or attend every course during the week.

    1. 5 Day Beginners Course
    2. 2 Day Foundation Course
    3. Fitting Course (1 Day)
    4. UPVC Course (1 Day)
    5. Level 1 Basic Opening Course (1 Day)

    5 Day Beginners Course

    Our 5 day beginner course is made up of a 2 day foundation course and 3 more specialist modules. You will learn everything needed to become a locksmith from how to cut keys by hand to opening, picking and fitting locks

    You can choose to take the full 5 days or you can take the modules individually.

    What You Will Learn

    • 2 Day Foundation Course – teaches you how to cut keys, basics of safes, how locks work- a perfect introduction to locksmithing
    • 1 Day Fitting Course – learn to fit and upgrade mortice locks & night latches
    • 1 Day UPVC Course – learn the important aspects of UPVC doors & Multipoint Locks, from identify multipoint locks to opening jammed mechanisms
    • 1 Day Basic Opening Course – learn the basics of opening different types of locks

    Experience Required

    • Perfect for total beginners this course is ideal for anyone wishing to begin a career in locksmithing or for those who require a basic knowledge of locksmithing for their job.

    Career Progression

    After our beginners course, our 5 day advanced locksmith course will help improve your skills and expand the services you offer.

    Further career development can be achieved by working towards and taking the MLA Exam.

    Passing the MLA Exam gives you an Official OFQUAL Level 4 qualification certificate in locksmithing and the recognition of being able to become a Qualified Master Locksmith member of the association.

    OFQUAL Regulated Locksmith Qualification

    Pass the MLA Exam for a OFQUAL Level 4 Certificate Qualification in Locksmithing – ABBE Accredited

    Requirements

    Price & Location

    Member Rate £1605 inc VAT
    Non Member Rate £1760 inc VAT
    Payment Plans Available
    Reduced Price Become an MLA Member
    Location Unit 1, Prospect Park, Valley Dr, Rugby, CV21 1TF
    Date latest course dates

    Foundation Course (2 days) – Beginners Course

    Foundation Beginners Locksmith CourseFoundation Beginners Locksmith Course

    The foundation course gives you the perfect introduction to mechanical locksmithing. You’ll learn the types of locks currently in use and terminology

    What You Will Learn

    • Types of locks currently in use & terminology
    • Cylinder Key Identification
    • Pin Tumbler Mechanisms
    • Cylinder Key Machine Set-up. Maintenance & Safety
    • Cylinder Key cutting by machine
    • Stripping rim cylinder
    • Mortice key blank identification
    • Lever mechanisms
    • Mortice Key cutting by machine
    • Mortice locks
    • Lever lock key cutting by hand
    • Safes (brief overview)
    • Lock Opening Basics (intro to picking, wafer lock and picking open disc tumbler lock)
    • Code Key cutting

    Experience Required

    • For those with no experience and entirely new for locksmithing the 2-day foundation course is a perfect taster.

    Requirements

    Price & Location

    Member Rate £620 inc VAT
    Non Member Rate £685 inc VAT
    Payment Plans Available
    Reduced Price Become an MLA Member
    Location Unit 1, Prospect Park, Valley Dr, Rugby, CV21 1TF
    Date latest course dates

    Undertaking this course has given me the confidence I need to trade as a locksmith and start my own business. It is now my aim to return to the MLA and complete further training, in addition to sitting my MLA master locksmiths exam in the near future
    – Jordan Morrison

    Fitting Course (1 day) – Beginners Course

    Beginners Locksmith Training Course - Fitting 2 Beginners Locksmith Training Course - Fitting

    Get hands on experience installing a selection of the most common locks and security devices.

    What You Will Learn

    • Tools for fitting
    • Fitting rim night latch
    • Fitting lever mortice lock
    • Upgrading lever mortice to euro cylinder operated mortice
    • Fitting secondary security devices

    Experience Required

    • Perfect for total beginners.

    Requirements

    Price & Location

    Member Rate £310 inc VAT
    Non Member Rate £340 inc VAT
    Payment Plans Available
    Reduced Price Become an MLA Member
    Location Unit 1, Prospect Park, Valley Dr, Rugby, CV21 1TF
    Date latest course dates

    UPVC Course (1 day) – Beginners Course

    Beginners Locksmith Training Course - uPVC Module 2 Beginners Locksmith Training Course - uPVC Module 1

    Thinking about fitting/repairing UPVC door locks? This course you teach you all about uPVC locks.

    What You Will Learn

    • Multi-Point Lock ID (various locking types/mechanisms, backsets, strike plates, profiles and packing etc.)
    • Toe & Heeling
    • Opening Jammed Mechanisms
    • Gearbox Replacement
    • Hinges & Handles
    • Security upgrades
    • Additional security

    Experience Required

    • Perfect for total beginners, this module will help broaden your skills and give you experience of working with UPVC door locks.

    Requirements

    • Security Clearance Required Basic Disclosure
      Apply via Gov.uk
    • Non Members – must have taken foundation module first or be sponsored by 2 QML members or directors of MLA Approved Companies

    Membership Options

    Price & Location

    Member Rate £365 inc VAT
    Non Member Rate £395 inc VAT
    Payment Plans Available
    Reduced Price Become an MLA Member
    Location Unit 1, Prospect Park, Valley Dr, Rugby, CV21 1TF
    Date latest course dates

    Level 1 Basic Opening Course (1 day) – Beginners Course

    Beginners Locksmith Training Course - Opening Module 2 Beginners Locksmith Training Course - Opening Module

    Get hands on experience practicing the basic non-destructive entry techniques on a selection of the most common locks

    What You Will Learn

    • Tools for opening
    • Methods of entry
    • Opening authority procedure
    • Theory of mortice lock picking
    • Picking 2 & 3 lever mortice locks
    • Other opening methods for 2/3 lever locks (jigglers, overlift)
    • Lock Identification (how to)
    • Theory of Mortice Lock Drilling
    • ERA 5 lever padlock opening
    • Theory and then practical of picking pin tumbler locks
    • Theory and then practical of drilling cylinder locks
    • Pick Guns
    • Other opening Techniques (bumping, snapping, slipping, letterbox tool)

    Experience Required

    • Perfect for total beginners, must have taken our 2-day foundation beforehand to attend

    Requirements

    • Security Clearance Required Basic Disclosure
      Apply via Gov.uk
    • MLA Members must be a member for 6+ months or taken 2-day foundation course
    • Non-MLA members must first take 2-day foundation course prior or be sponsored by 2 QML members or directors of MLA Approved Companies

    Membership Options

    Price & Location

    Member Rate £310 inc VAT
    Non Member Rate £340 inc VAT
    Payment Plans Available
    Reduced Price Become an MLA Member
    Location Unit 1, Prospect Park, Valley Dr, Rugby, CV21 1TF
    Date latest course dates

    All Beginners Course Requirements

    Location

    Our training courses take place at our dedicated purpose built training centre in Rugby, Warwickshire.

    • 2 minutes from the M6
    • Sat Nav Postcode: CV21 1TF

    By Train

    • Rugby has direct train services from major routes including London & Birmingham.
    • 8 minutes in a Taxi from Rugby Train Station

    Visit Western Railway to book Cheaper Train Tickets in Advance.

    • London to Rugby on train from Euston Station in under 1 hour
    • Advanced fairs from as little as £25 return

    >> Click here for London Train Timetables

    By Air

    The nearest Airport to Rugby is Birmingham (BHX) which is 20 miles away.

    Accommodation

    We are happy to provide a list of hotels nearby contact us for this list.

    Discounted Pricing

    We currently have training discounts available or you can become an MLA member for discounted members rates:

    Those new to the industry should look to join as a Personal Member under the ‘student’ category.

    Questions About Beginners Locksmith Courses

    Who Should Attend This Course?

    An absolute beginner or someone with relatively limited experience within the industry

    Can I Trade as a Locksmith after the Beginners Course?

    This course will equip you to either seek employment as a trainee locksmith or even set up your own business.

    Do I become qualified after attending your Beginners Course?

    All attendees of each beginner’s course receive a certificate of attendance from the UK’s largest locksmith association, the Master Locksmiths Association.

    Become a Qualified Master Locksmith with OFQUAL Level 4 Certificate in Locksmithing Qualification

    If you are looking for a nationally recognised qualification, the MLA Exam allows locksmiths to become a fully Qualified Master Locksmith with a Official OFQUAL Level 4 qualification in locksmithing.
    OFQUAL Regulated Locksmith Qualification

    The MLA Exam is the highest locksmith qualification in the UK, recognised by Ofsted and certified by ABBE (Awarding Body of the Built Environment).

    ABBE OFQAL Approved Training Centre

    Do you offer any kind of payment plan?

    Yes! There are payment plan options for those attending any of our courses.

    Course attendees can set up a payment plan, where all we require is your course to be paid in full one month before the start date.

    Payment MethodsWe offer the following payment methods:

    • Bank transfer (BACS)
    • Debit/Credit Cards
    • Direct Debits

    Training fees are non-refundable & non-transferable (except in extenuating circumstances), see our terms & conditions here

    Contact Us About Payment Plans
    Course Dates & Prices

    Locksmith training workshop with benches and key cutting machines

    Learn how to cut keys in our training workshop

    After Attending Beginners Course

    Expand your skill set & offer more services as a locksmith, see our advanced locksmith courses

    To start your career as an auto/car locksmith service and open locked cars, we run a 1 day auto locksmith course, and van lock fitting course

    Those looking to get into safes & vaults, our safes & safe servicing course is the perfect starting point.

    Click to view our Course Costs and Dates for the next available dates when courses start.

    Further Reading

    Training Course Dates

    Member Price: £310
     | Non-Member Price: £340

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £365
     | Non-Member Price: £395

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £310
     | Non-Member Price: £340

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    Member Price: £620
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    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    22-26 Apr 2024

    5 Day Beginners Course

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    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

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    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £365
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    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £310
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    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

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    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £365
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    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £310
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    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    15-19 Jul 2024

    5 Day Beginners Course

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    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

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     | Non-Member Price: £685

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

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    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

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    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

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    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £305
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    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

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     | Non-Member Price: £685

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £310
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    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £365
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    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

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    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

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     | Non-Member Price: £685

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    22-26 Apr 2024

    5 Day Beginners Course

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    Member Price: £1605
     | Non-Member Price: £1760

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £310
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    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £365
     | Non-Member Price: £395

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £310
     | Non-Member Price: £340

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

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    Member Price: £1605
     | Non-Member Price: £1760

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

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    Member Price: £620
     | Non-Member Price: £685

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £310
     | Non-Member Price: £340

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £365
     | Non-Member Price: £395

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £310
     | Non-Member Price: £340

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    15-19 Jul 2024

    5 Day Beginners Course

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    Member Price: £1605
     | Non-Member Price: £1760

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

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    Member Price: £620
     | Non-Member Price: £685

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £310
     | Non-Member Price: £340

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £365
     | Non-Member Price: £395

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £310
     | Non-Member Price: £340

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £305
     | Non-Member Price: £330

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

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    Member Price: £620
     | Non-Member Price: £685

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £299
     | Non-Member Price: £350

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £299
     | Non-Member Price: £399

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    10 May 2024

    Van Lock Fitting

    Member Price: £450
     | Non-Member Price: £520

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £260
     | Non-Member Price: £310

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    6 Jul 2024

    Van Lock Fitting

    Member Price: £450
     | Non-Member Price: £520

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    23 Jul 2024

    Level 2 Opening

    Member Price: £299
     | Non-Member Price: £399

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    23-27 Jul 2024

    5 Day Advanced Course

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    Member Price: £1326.85
     | Non-Member Price: £1760.40

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £299
     | Non-Member Price: £399

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £299
     | Non-Member Price: £399

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £265
     | Non-Member Price: £310

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £399
     | Non-Member Price: £449

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    14 Sep 2024

    Van Lock Fitting

    Member Price: £450
     | Non-Member Price: £520

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £299
     | Non-Member Price: £399

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £210
     | Non-Member Price: £240

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £299
     | Non-Member Price: £399

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £299
     | Non-Member Price: £350

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £299
     | Non-Member Price: £399

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £399
     | Non-Member Price: £449

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    23 Nov 2024

    Van Lock Fitting

    Member Price: £450
     | Non-Member Price: £520

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    10 May 2024

    Van Lock Fitting

    Member Price: £450
     | Non-Member Price: £520

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    6 Jul 2024

    Van Lock Fitting

    Member Price: £450
     | Non-Member Price: £520

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £305
     | Non-Member Price: £330

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    14 Sep 2024

    Van Lock Fitting

    Member Price: £450
     | Non-Member Price: £520

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £305
     | Non-Member Price: £330

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    23 Nov 2024

    Van Lock Fitting

    Member Price: £450
     | Non-Member Price: £520

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £265
     | Non-Member Price: £310

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £115 Per Module
     | Non-Member Price: £160 Per Module

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

     to 

    Member Price: £150 Per Module
     | Non-Member Price: £230 Per Module

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £245
     | Non-Member Price: £305

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

    Member Price: £115 Per Module
     | Non-Member Price: £160 Per Module

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

     to 

    Member Price: £150 Per Module
     | Non-Member Price: £230 Per Module

    Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF

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