Hickleys has been involved in the motor industry since their humble beginnings nearly 100 years ago. Like any long-standing business, Hickleys has moved with the motor industry as it has evolved and modernised. When remote locking systems became more prominent in vehicles in the early 2000s, the only people that were able to provide additional or replacement remote keys were the main dealers who sold the vehicles, often at great cost to the vehicle owners.
The ever-entrepreneurial Robin Huish, MD at Hickleys, saw an opportunity to develop a whole new market by creating tools for auto locksmiths to be able to not only gain entry to locked vehicles, but also program additional or replacement remotes and keys to supply to end users. Hickleys provided funding to Advanced Diagnostics to develop one of the original key programming devices.
Between that time and now, vehicles use ever more complex locking systems for entry and ignition and the sector has grown to be one of the major areas of business for Hickleys. They can support locksmiths with all the tools, training and technical support needed to provide keys and remotes to consumers and businesses, the key areas of which are detailed below.
Vehicle Entry
We don’t need to tell you that the first part of many bread and butter jobs for auto locksmiths is to gain non-destructive entry to a vehicle where keys have been lost or locked in. Hickleys supply a full range of wedges, reach tools, decoders and top quality, vehicle specific picks, all of which allow a locksmith to gain entry to a vehicle with little to no damage being caused. The art of lock picking is a degradable skill that you need to learn constantly practice, therefore our high-quality training in this area is a vital service.
Key Programming
Vehicle security systems have become immeasurably more complex in the 20 years since remote locking became the default system used on new vehicles and so the tools also become ever more complicated too.
Smart Pro from Advanced Diagnostics
One of the most comprehensive programming tools on the market today is the Smart Pro, which is still produced by Hickleys’ original partner, Advanced Diagnostics. The Smart Pro communicates directly with vehicles via the now standard OBD port, allowing secure access to the vehicle electronics. Due to the huge variation and constant expansion in vehicle security systems there is specific software for most vehicle models. Access to this software can be gained through various purchase models. Access is gained via purchasable tokens for individual jobs, an ideal and financially viable option for low volume users. Subscription plans are also available providing unlimited software tokens for a set monthly or annual fee. Individual vehicle software can also be purchased for use without tokens, which is ideal for garages or locksmiths that only deal with specific vehicle manufacturers. The Smart Pro also has a range of optional extra cables and adaptors for nonstandard key programming requirements such as notoriously difficult Mercedes keys. The tool features a modern style touch screen interface for ease of use.
The latest accessory for the Smart Pro is the Smart Aerial Plus. This allows transponder reading and pre-coding like the previously available Smart Aerial. However, the plus now connects directly to Silca’s servers to enable the same levels of key cloning as the new Silca RW5. This can be achieved by Wifi or Bluetooth via a mobile phone. This means you will always be operating with the latest software available and also negotiates previous software limits caused by limited memory capacity.
The range of Smart tools that Advanced Diagnostics supply is now supported by a versatile smart phone app called My Keys Pro. This app provides users with a full database of vehicle and residential key catalogues, a library of tutorial videos and step by step instructions for processes such as key cutting and programming.
Zed-Full plus
The Zed-Bull and now Zed-Full range of tools from Turkish manufacturer IEA are marketed as the “All-In-One” auto locksmith tool. This tool combines functionality of several other tools in one device. Like the Smart Pro, the Zed-Full plus features a modern style touch screen for ease of use. Our technical support staff have constant communication with the engineers at IEA which allows them to pass feedback gathered directly from locksmiths directly to the software developers. This constant feedback loop allows the software to continually evolve and improve. The Latest ZedFULL Plus has transponder reading, precoding and cloning, remote virginising, pincode reading and Eeprom programming software built in making it the strongest “all in one” tool. These are in addition to the wide and varied key and remote programming features including Mercedes built into the tool. The cutting-edge software is often “first to market” with the latest releases of software.
Key, Remote & Transponder supply
As well as supplying all the necessary tools that auto locksmiths require, Hickleys also stock a comprehensive range of keys, remotes and transponders as well as spares for repairing remotes. They pride themselves on the range and depth stock held along with the speed of service in getting the key to the customer. They offer both OE keys and remotes or lower cost third party alternatives, giving choices for a range of budgets.
Technical Support
Due to the complicated nature of key and remote programming, it would be impossible for all locksmiths to be familiar with all programming techniques for all makes and models. Again, Hickleys is on hand to help, with their technical support team. Numerous packages are available to locksmiths including technical support staff on the end of the phone during office hours. This team will provide whatever level of support is required to complete a job, right up to step-by-step instructions. Extended warranty packages are also available, which allow tools to be repaired or replaced in a swift manner and loan units are often available to allow locksmiths to continue to operate without disruption. These services can also come free of charge to our locksmith partners by joining our latest loyalty scheme “locked in”.
Domestic & Auto key cutting
Another important component in the locksmith trade is key cutting machines. Hickleys use a selection of top suppliers to be able to supply a range of key cutting machines including Silca, An-San and REDT (miracle). This allows locksmiths to be able to reproduce any type of key by either cut to copy, decoding or cut to code. Modern cutting machines are often fitted with in depth software and touchscreens for easy, automatic operation. The latest machines even come with built in AI to assist the user in creating a perfect copy.
Domestic Opening Tools
Many auto locksmiths also like to be able to offer domestic services. Hickleys are keen to be the one-stop shop for all locksmithing needs so they also sell a range of domestic opening tools, picks and accessories.
Training Academy
Rounding out the full suite of locksmith services is Hickleys Training Academy. The academy offers a range of locksmithing, and key programming courses taught by experienced locksmiths in a dedicated training facility. For new starters or low experienced locksmiths, five and 10 day intensive courses are available covering everything you need to know to become a successful locksmith or auto locksmith. There are also a wide range of shorter courses available for more specific elements of the job such as picking, eeprom programming or courses for specific key programming equipment. In addition to locksmith courses the academy also provides courses for other motor industry elements such as MOT testing, EV (Electric vehicle) diagnostics and aircon qualifications.
As you can see, whether you are an established auto locksmith, a domestic locksmith or just looking to start out in the industry, Hickleys have the products, services and training to provide you what you need.
www.hickleys.com