Six months into the trade, Dean McLaughlin is bringing a unique mix of emotional intelligence, risk assessment and relentless determination to locksmithing in Carlisle.
At just six months into his locksmithing journey, Dean McLaughlin of McLocklin Locksmiths is already carving out a reputation for professionalism, honesty and calmness under pressure. Based in Carlisle, Dean entered the trade from a completely different world, mental health and residential childcare, but the skills he developed there are proving invaluable in locksmithing.
Fascinated by Security from the Start
I’ve always had an interest in safety and security. Even growing up, I was fascinated by heist films where someone could crack the impossible lock or bypass high-end security systems. I grew up in a rough area, so being vigilant and security conscious was just part of life. You learn quickly about protecting yourself, protecting your home and reading situations properly, and that awareness never really left me.
Before locksmithing, I worked as a personal trainer and then spent around ten years working in mental health and residential care homes with children who had experienced trauma and complex needs. It was intense work emotionally. You’re constantly risk assessing, dealing with regulations, managing crises and trying to keep people safe.
I reached a point where I wanted to step back from working directly with emotional trauma every day and focus more on working with things instead of people, but I still wanted that safety aspect to remain. Locksmithing gave me exactly that.
A Different Kind of Pressure
I was apprehensive about self-employment at first because it’s a huge leap. But once I commit to something, I go all in. I set targets, break things down step-by-step and work towards them methodically.
Honestly, after working with children with complex trauma, there’s very little that phases me stress-wise. In residential care, things can change instantly. You’re constantly assessing risk and managing unpredictable situations. Locksmithing still has pressure, but I feel equipped to deal with it calmly.
People probably don’t realise how much problem solving is involved in this trade, it’s none-stop puzzles every day. You assess the situation, look for risks, work out what’s failed and figure out the safest, cleanest way to solve it. That’s what I enjoy most.
Learning the Trade the Hard Way
When I decided to become a locksmith, I wanted to get started straight away. I looked at training providers and found Gateshead Locksmithing Training who offered courses in Gateshead and Newquay. In the end I chose to train in Cornwall because I didn’t want to wait.
The course was intense and pretty full-on. I can absolutely understand why some people try locksmithing and realise it’s not for them. It’s very mechanical and hands-on. I learn by doing things and physically feeling how things work rather than sitting reading theory all day.
Steve Taylor, my trainer, has been fundamental to everything I’ve achieved so far. He’s got around 25 years of industry experience and still helps me regularly with decision making and technical advice. He even helped me set up my website! Having someone experienced in your corner when you’re new makes a massive difference.
I’ve also had support locally from Steve Goodwin at Locksmiths Carlisle, who’s in the finals for the top 10 locksmiths in the UK. He’s shared knowledge, jobs and old-school advice with me. Sometimes it’s just breaking a task down over the phone or asking the right questions. He definitely keeps me on my toes.
Understanding the Criminal Mindset
One thing I became aware of very quickly in locksmithing is that you occasionally come into contact with situations that don’t feel right.
I had one call where someone claimed to be locked out and said his pregnant partner was inside the property. Then suddenly I was dealing with his friend instead. The story kept changing, and there was no clear proof of authority for the property anymore. He also started haggling heavily on price before I’d even arrived and, at that point, I declined the job.
You have to maintain professional boundaries in this trade because there are people who will try to manipulate situations or ask questions about bypassing security systems for the wrong reasons. That side of locksmithing surprised me a bit, there is an awareness of criminality you need to have all the time. You cannot compromise your professionalism.
Every Job Teaches You Something
I’m only six months in, so every single day is still a learning process for me. Some jobs go smoothly and others completely humble you. I can pick one lock in seconds, and another might take 40 minutes. It all depends on the mechanism, wear, damage and situation.
One thing I’ve definitely learned is not to assume the customer’s diagnosis is accurate. Someone might ring and say their door handle has slipped, and you arrive expecting a quick job. Then suddenly you discover a complete multipoint mechanism failure, the lock’s failed internally, the gearbox is damaged and now you’re removing windows and spending five hours on a job you expected to take one.
You only know what you can actually see. Sometimes there’s a knock-on failure where one part damages another. A handle issue becomes a lock issue, which becomes a mechanism issue. That’s why experience matters so much in this trade.
The Satisfaction of Solving a Crisis
The biggest reward for me is helping people feel safe again. Your home is your sanctuary. When someone is locked out, dealing with a failed lock or worried about security, they’re stressed before you even arrive. Being able to solve that crisis and improve their safety gives me a real sense of achievement.
I enjoy the puzzle side of locksmithing massively, but it’s also about helping people through stressful moments calmly and professionally.
I still get frustrated sometimes when I don’t know something immediately, but I’ve realised that frustration is part of growth. When you eventually solve the issue and understand the mechanism properly, you appreciate the learning process much more.
www.mclocklinlocksmiths.co.uk
07462649550
Mclocklinlocksmiths@gmail.com
More information
Dean is focused on building McLocklin Locksmiths steadily and professionally across Carlisle and surrounding areas. A member of the Guild of Master Locksmiths and trained to Level 3 standard, he specialises in UPVC and composite door systems, multipoint locking mechanisms and emergency locksmith services. His business combines technical locksmithing skill with the calm communication and risk awareness developed during a decade working in high-pressure care environments.