Locks and Security News: your weekly locks and security industry newsletter
24th April 2024 Issue no. 702

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Tradelocks - The story so far

Two years ago UAP launched its Tradelocks division with the intention of supplying high quality locksmith tools and accessories at prices the locksmiths could afford, especially the new locksmiths.

"We wanted to be able to offer all locksmiths the chance to buy tools that will be repaid within 1 or 2 jobs, rather than what we saw as over-priced tools affordable by only the top sector of the market that already have well established businesses," says Helen Foote, Marketing Manager.

In order to develop the right tools, UAP Tradelocks teamed up with award winning industry experts, such as Martin Pink, Chris Belcher and Nigel Tolley. "Then we used our contacts around the globe, built up from the past 15 years within the door hardware industry to produce these products in volume," continues Helen.  "All of this has been done to reduce the prices making everything we do affordable. At Tradelocks we don't wait for an order and then produce to that order. That approach in today's immediate supply market is utter madness. 

"At UAP Tradelocks we do not produce less than 250 of any single item, and many items we produce in multiples of 500. We then put these items into stock. These volumes are the most economical for tool production meaning we get the lowest prices which we pass on to customers.

"We also spend a lot of time developing products to make sure they are right for the market. From the inventors ideas we produce 3D drawings which once approved, we then get sampled. We test the samples again and again before actual production.

"It is true to say that we have made mistakes along the way. The Pick Gun is one example, but we have learnt a lot from this product. The original testing was done by very experienced locksmiths like Martin Pink. To this day Martin is still using the original sampled Pick Gun, which goes to show that it is a quality product! What we did not appreciate at the time is that Pick Guns are not easy tools to use. To become an expert takes a lot of practice and all the trainers we have spoken to say it needs 'one on one' training. What we should have done is got a few of our less experienced customers who have not used an electric pick gun previously and see how they put the gun to use. What we found was that many operate the gun in a completely different way to the more experienced user, and this put pressure on components, such as the switch, which we never fully envisaged. 

"In response we developed the Generation II Pick Gun using a new switch which would allow for various pressure used by novices and experienced users alike. We took the opportunity to upgrade a few other elements at the same time. In order to ensure all our customers had the chance to get the Generation II model we offered a very low cost upgrade with an additional 12 month warranty which a lot of customers chose to do. We now have what we consider to be the best electric Pick Gun on the market at a price that anyone can afford.

"We have also taken the opportunity over the last two years to use recent advances in technology to develop other tools further. For example, we now use only silver solder for most of the joints on our picks. The use of silver solder gives a far stronger joint allowing the user to apply extra pressure before the tool will give way.

"So in two years we have come a long, long way. We want to thank all of our customers, and we want to thank everyone who has made a comment about Tradelocks - whether it was good or bad. We now have an enviable range of products, at exceptional prices - and we make no apology for that.

"But what are we currently up to? Well, despite having such an excellent range, we believe there is still so much more we can do. Within the next 12 months we aim to launch at least 20 significant new tools, all at Tradelocks prices. 

"At the 2011 MLA Exhibition we thought it appropriate to celebrate our original launch at the 2009 MLA Exhibition by becoming the Platinum Sponsors of the event. It is our way of helping to give back to the industry and say a big 'thank you' to the MLA and to Dr. Steffan George for their hard work and support over the last 2 years.

"So what is in store for you from UAP Tradelocks at the 2011 MLA Exhibition? Well as you would expect from us, we have a few surprises for our visitors. 

"Firstly, Queenie will be flying over from China to meet you all again as she really enjoyed chatting with everyone about Lishi at The Locksmiths' Exhibition in March - this time she will be accompanied by her colleague Hattie. Queenie and Hattie will also be demonstrating how to use the Lishi Tool Selector app (available to download for FREE on the iPhone and coming soon to the Android market) as well as helping us to reveal something incredibly special that we can guarantee you will love... and it's free! 

"We will also have with us on our stands free tool demonstrations and technical advice from Martin Pink, Chris Belcher and Nigel Tolley - covering everything from picks, snapper bars and mortice tools to the full Genuine Lishi range. So not only can you walk away from the exhibition with great deals, but you will also gain invaluable hints and tips. The three experts along with the rest of our UAP Tradelocks team will also be launching the following three major new products:

The Pink's Letterbox Tool:

We have looked at all the current letterbox tools available on the market and discussed with users what they wanted. After much research, we then designed one a year ago and have since refined and refined the original concept. The Pink's Letterbox Tool is made from a combination of aluminium and carbon fibre which utilises snap-on technology. This gives the user the lightest tool on the market which can be adjusted with fingertip control to the millimetre if required. The Pink's Letterbox Tool is designed to work in harmony with the Pink's Camera attachment that we also supply. Over the next 12 months we aim to launch a whole range of accessories using our 'Snap, Lock and Play' feature. We have confidence that this is the best Letterbox Tool in the market, and really takes these products into the 21st Century. 

The Tolley Plug Puller:

For times when you need to use destructive entry, it doesn't come any easier or cheaper than with the Tolley Plug Puller kit. The main tool has been designed by former aerospace engineer Nigel Tolley to work smoothly, and with massive force. We then added to the kit socket wrench bits and a torx driver bit so all you need to add is your preferred pull screw size. This is a phenomenal tool kit and the launch price makes this the best value for money puller available.

The Belcher Taper Pin Set:

When it comes to safe engineers, there are few better than Chris Belcher - and so it was to the man himself that we went to discuss developing our first set of tools aimed at the safe market. We found that there is a real need for high quality Taper Pins which are hardened sufficiently to repair safes and that's what we have created, hardened steel taper pins. The very affordable Belcher Taper Pin Set comes in a wooden box with 160 Taper Pins covering 8 sizes and 4 widths. 

Get down to the MLA Exhibition 2011 on the 9th - 11th September at The International Centre, Telford and visit UAP Tradelocks at stands 195/200 where we can give you the high quality tools and advice you need at affordable prices, if not free! And we make no apology for that either!

17th August 2011