Locksmiths know how to operate on the different types of door locks

The locksmiths are trained on a number of different locking systems. These could range from the traditional lock and key systems to the most modern keyless systems.

Locks are the mechanical, electronic or biometric devices which are used to fasten a door or other similar objects. These require some kind of keying for them to open up. The traditional keys are mechanical whereas the modern ones could also be electronic ones. A locksmith gets to know about these different locks and key systems from the training institute which he joins. He can also learn the same from his senior or mentor or from his practical work experience.

Some of the main types of locks which are known to locksmiths are:

1. Privacy lockset: This type of lock has a locking button on the inside knob and there is no device to put in
the key on the outside. These are more appropriately used for maintaining the privacy, rather than being used for the security purpose.
2. Passage lockset: These are used inside the building, especially when there is a need to connect two rooms or passage to some hallway. These feature the non-locking knobs on each side of the door.
3. Dummy knob: These are just for decorative purposes and do not turn because these do not have any latching mechanism.
4. Entry lockset: This is the one which makes use of the locking knobs on both sides of the door, from the inside and from the outside. The locksmiths are familiar with the two variants of these locks. In one, the door might be latched from inside and it requires a key to open it from outside. In the second variant, both the locking and unlocking can happen from both the sides. These provide medium level security for the homes or offices
5. Deadbolt locks: Expert locksmiths generally considered these ones to be the safest bet for the security of the doors and hence, of the facilities. These do not have a spring to operate and these can be operated only manually. These also come in two different models. In single-cylinder ones, there is a turn button in the inside and is operated with a key from the outside. In the two cylinder ones, the turn buttons and the keying options exists each side of the lock.
6. Surface mounted locks: The locks which have been discussed above are fitted into the door frame. There might be some others which can be mounted on to the surface of the door and the bolt slides into a surface mounted strike. These are usually placed on the inside of the door.
7. Night Latch: This makes use of the large, spring loaded latch which automatically locks the doors when the door is closed. This is usually placed on the inside surface of the door.
8. Keyless entry systems: A locksmith is also provided training on the most modern key less entry systems. These are opened by entering the codes, or by bar code reading.
Professional training on all these and many more types of the locks and locking systems is what makes the difference to the practice of this profession by different locksmiths.

Importance of regularly updating of the locksmith

Continuous enhancement of skills and knowledge of a locksmith is essential for him to help people, who use advanced locking systems, when they need them.

You might be wondering as to what is the need for a locksmith to keep updating himself or herself on a regular basis. You might be wondering about this because of the ignorance of the role and importance of this occupation. If you have an electronic locking system and it gets dysfunctional, then you will have to call for a locksmith to get it done right. What would be your reaction if the locksmith is not able to open your door, or worse still, he damages some other articles in the process? You will require some other person for this work who is more conversant with the latest electronic security systems and knows how to open the same without any ancillary damage.

Skill upgrading is, therefore, very important for locksmiths. There has been continuous development of the new types of locking systems, including the electronic and biometric ones. There has been requirement of more and more robust access control and security systems for various purposes. This demand has also been for the locking systems. The companies in the forefront of making these locking devices are continually researching and coming out with newer more complicated systems to meet the increasing requirements of advanced security systems.

Now, if you have these installed at your place and for some reason these begin to create problems, then you will have to call a locksmith, who knows precisely how to mend it, for solving the problem. If the locksmiths do not keep pace with the latest developments in the security systems, and particularly in the advanced locking devices, then the unbridgeable gap will come up in this crucial service segment.

The regular updating is also helpful for the locksmith to earn more income. Since he ha invested time and money into the improvements in his skills, he is rightfully entitled to have a bit higher prices for his services. Even the customers will not hesitate to pay him higher sums since very few people would have kept themselves abreast with the latest developments. So, this enhancement of skills will create the crucial difference between him and his competitors. He will be far ahead of the others in this field and in his ability to do more specialized works.

From where does this skill enhancement be done? The training institutes, which train the prospective locksmiths in this work, are also the ones which organize the regular training programs for them. These Continuing Professional Development programmes (CPDs) are organized from time to time for their registered members. There might be some membership fees for becoming their members and also some qualifying criteria which must be met. After the successful training, the participants are usually given some certificate to establish the same. These certifications are very helpful for them to convince the customers for their appropriateness for the work.

Besides the skill enhancement through technical training in different aspects of this trade, it is also important to keep updated on the legislative aspects. The changes in the laws and its import on this occupation need to be conveyed to the practitioners so that they know what requires them to do and what not.

Evolution of Locksmiths

The occupation of locksmiths has evolved considerably over the years. This occupation is a perfect combination of art and science. 

In the centuries gone by, the art of designing locks and keys was a mysterious business and the trade passed within the families of locksmiths from generation to generation. People having keen interest in history point out that the first lock was designed over 4,000 years ago in Egypt. Security requirements made the business come under the influence of science and technology and we have very sophisticated gadgets today that go up for sale as locks. All places, residential, commercial, industrial or any other make use of the latest security systems to keep their belongings under secure locking conditions that do not allow a single compromise on standards.

Locksmiths of the yore actually made the lock mechanism, toiling for hours, doing much filing work to saw the levers that ensure security when the lock is operated. Today, due to mass production of locks only a few expert locksmiths work as engineers and take up lock-making work. Most locks are repaired by replacing the parts or are upgraded. Safes and strong-rooms of institutions like banks need impregnable containers and to this day large safety vaults are custom made and built at a huge cost. That which keeps these things more unique is the security concern and the most important need to prevent the manufacture of duplicate keys that can open them easily.

After mass production methods came into vogue, the craft broke into two distinct groups, lock makers and lock repairers. The term "locksmith" has come to refer to the service man rather than the manufacturer of locks. Anybody who has good experience in security and ample knowledge on locks and keys can start his own business.

We find quite a number of retail stores offering to fit keys to automobiles to help owners who have lost them. Houses and offices are also sometimes in need of locksmith help to develop higher quality locks and management of access. Most locksmiths have taken up electronic lock servicing, such as making keys for transponder equipped vehicles and access control systems protecting individuals and assets of many large institutions.

A locksmith is duty bound to develop appropriate combinations of equipment and practices to create "security layers" which totally keep off an intruder or attacker. Additional skills and tools come at an expense to the customer who is ready to accept the price because it is a “now or never” opportunity to safeguard his property using the locks.

Locksmiths may have their own workshops, or be mobile (using a vehicle), or be employed by an institution, or even by an investigating agency (forensic locksmiths). He or she may specialize in one aspect of the skill, such as an automotive lock specialist, a master key system specialist or a safe technician.

Locksmiths have different levels and areas of specialization. Some locksmiths are adept to operate in emergency situations while others might be performing ordinary tasks, which are important nevertheless. Whatever be the level of specialization, they are required to have licenses for either taking employment or starting their own business.

The marketing methods of a locksmith

Like any other business person, a locksmith has to promote or advertise about the business. For this purpose, he might make use of different methods of marketing. Some of the most common ones among these and their respective benefits are mentioned in this article.

Taking up the business of doing the locksmith operations is no mean task. The same basic rules are applicable to this business as well, as are the ones to other businesses. Marketing of their business is a crucial part of getting maximum market share, thereby increasing the revenues. In order to achieve their business goals, some of the most common marketing methods employed by the locksmiths are:

1. Door-to door advertising: Since the initial service calls are expected to be received from the local areas only, the locksmith would be well advised to carry out the door-to-door advertisement of its services. He or she can employ a few people on hourly rate basis to distribute the pamphlets or the business cards to each and every household, office, industry or any other establishment.
This method offers him or her total control over the selection of the right target areas for advertising. The only extra effort needed would be to supervise the same.

2. Direct mailing: This a very good way of advertising in a little far off areas but which can be covered in your advertising campaign. By taking the addresses and names of the people from the community associations of those areas, you can send off the mails to these areas by regular posts. This not going to be a one-time affair. Rather, the same needs to be followed consistently over a period of time.
Some would even recommend the email method to be used for this purpose. But, developing an emailing list is not going to be easy and it will take a lot of time. Further, the approach of marketing is on regional basis and it will be difficult to know the email Ids of all the people in all the houses in a particular area.

3. Newspapers: There are two ways of using the newspapers for advertising your locksmith operations. One could be by way of putting the inserts in the newspapers and getting these distributed. Another could be by way of giving the ads in the newspapers. Those newspapers shall be chosen which have good readership in the target segment. If it is the high-income people, then the national newspapers shall be selected. If the target market is of low income groups, then local newspapers might be a better bet.

4. Seminar Sales: You can make a beginning from the local community groups and associations. You can even go to a church, schools, colleges and other such places where there is aggregation of people to tell the people about locksmith operations in general and about your services in particular. You might have to advertise your seminar in the newspapers and make arrangements for holding the same with the venue owners.

5. Tele-calling: This is another effective way of marketing your services. You can call the people to inform them about the services. Even sending the SMS messages can be helpful since these can be retained in the mail box of the phones of the people.

Getting mobile with a van is good option for the locksmiths

By providing services with the help of a mobile van, the locksmith improves its quality of service. It also helps him to make his business grow many folds.
The locksmiths of the yesteryears remained confined to their stores, most often small workplaces. They would come in the morning and be there all through their work hours. The attempt to reach out to the customers was non-existent, as a matter of practice. This was a very dull and boring way of functioning for the locksmiths. With increasing competition, the need to provide good service to the customers has made the locksmith to use a more proactive approach and reach out to customer. An important part of this strategy is to make use of some automotive, a car, a van or a two-wheeler, for this work.
Here are some of the main advantages offered by being mobile:
• Save the money that might have gone into the rentals of having a shop or having to buy a retail store. What is more important is to reach the place in time. The chances of receiving the call are more than the customer coming to the store. So, getting mobile shall be ahead in the order of priority for a locksmith.
• Carrying the tools and equipment is easier. Having a van is beneficial since you can keep all your tools and equipments in it. Other automotives might not be able to accommodate so many tools
• Reduce the response time. By being mobile, locksmiths are able to go on the call in the least possible time. The customers are likely to be very happy for the service provided.
• This can give your business a very speedy start. Along with other modes of marketing like door-to door selling, direct mail advertising, newspaper ads, etc, this facilitates to speed up your business prospects.
• Demonstration effect: There is always a chance to take higher charge when a locksmith comes in a van. Coming in a van could demonstrate that he takes his business and work quite seriously.
• Increase agility: There are greater chances of your developing a laid-back attitude if you are a shop-sitter. Being mobile means that you are more likely to explore more chances of business, may be even reaching out to newer areas, increasing your network of contacts and increasing your chances of finding new clients.
• Makes it possible to provide the services even in times of rough weather conditions. There might be some situations when other automotives may not be ridden for providing services to the customers. In such situations, the van is very advantageous.
So, there are obvious benefits of getting a van and using it for the locksmith operations. This is a good way of delivering the prompt, round-the-clock and at-the-spot services, carrying all your paraphernalia. The better quality of customer service will reward your efforts to increase the business. And, the van is going to help you in that endeavour. Far more than those competitors who have preferred investment in having a shop a first.

Nature of employment for the locksmiths

Seeking to make a career in locksmith occupation is not easy, just like any other career. It is your interest in the work which will hold the ground for you. After being trained in the work in some institute, you come to know about the various tools and equipments to be used in this profession. But, this is the same for each of the candidates learning this art in those institutes. The difference between them lies in their ability to pick up the skills of the work within a reasonable time frame. After completing their training and honing their skills in the labs of the institute, the time for the real world practical action arrives. The locksmiths have the following options of employment available to them. Which one of these they select will depend on their career planning.

1.       A Job at a locksmith company or under some individual: Many of the freshly trained locksmiths prefer to take up some job to work as apprentices under some experienced people of this trade. There are companies devoted to this work only that dispatches the lock-workers working under them to the clients.

2.      A job at a security company: A company which deals in security appliances and their installation might require the services of the installation experts. These security companies require their services to install the CCTVs, the electronic access control devices and many other similar services.

3.      A job at the real estate development company: A company which is engaged in the development projects of residences and offices can also take the services of the locksmiths for the installation works of locks and other security apparatus.

4.      Self-employment: The more confident beginners might take a direct hit at the business. After getting the license to operate as the locksmith, they might decide to go for their own business after making due assessments of their resources, market requirements and being confident about their skills.

The work of locksmiths, whether job or business, requires hard work and patience. They need to have very good customer service attitude and be ready to help the people even at odd hours. Patience is also very important especially if you have decided to do the business. It may not be as rewarding in the beginning but, as your popularity increases, so will the work.

The requirements of a job might be very different from a business. There would be some restrictions on the work methodologies as per the principles of the company for which you are working. There can also be limitations on exercising a personal choice of operating in a particular area. The payments, while at job, are usually hourly with a minimum number of hours being out in per week. There are no such restrictions if you opt for the business, but it can be extremely arduous and will require initial investments of thousands of dollars.  The risks are higher in business and, therefore, most of them do not try it out as their first option.

The Don’ts of calling a locksmith

When you have to call a locksmith, there are some precautions which you must follow and certain things or actions which you shall not do. Here is what all shall be done to get the locksmith to work efficiently
You have got your keys locked inside the car and you have to call locksmiths to open the same. There can be many similar situations when the lock-operator is to be called. The profession is very sensitive and the therefore, you have to extra cautious while calling him. There are some dos which you must do and some don’ts which you best avoid. Here are some don’ts which you shall take note of:

1. Do not ignore the importance of calling the right locksmith: IF you do not want you pricey car or the recreation vehicle or even the beautifully carved out imported door of your home to get damaged, then you must sure that you have the right person who is an expert in opening the locks of that particular object.
Some of the locks might require real expert people to get opened. Therefore, looking of ‘any’ locksmith can be quite dangerous.

2. Do not forget to make identity checks: Do not believe that the locksmith is an angel, full of virtues. There have been many cases when the locksmiths have belied the ethos of their profession and used their skills in a negative way. So, you do require some caution on your own part. You just cannot afford to be complacent in this regard and reduce the vigil.

Even if the situation is emergent and you are anxious or are in a state of panic, you must calm down and reduce the panic levels so that you can perform the identity and the professional expertise checks on the person who is visiting you.

3. Do not leave the place when he is working: Keeping vigil on the top of your mind, you must never turn your back on the locksmith while he is working on the locks.

4. Do not leave the remade keys with him: If he is rekeying the locks and making new ones, then you must not leave the keys with him. All the keys he has worked on shall be taken back from him. There might be one final key which he would give you and there might be some other keys which he would have used which did not get the lock imprint correct. Even these keys shall be taken from him.

5. Do not be emotional or helpless: Although the locksmiths are duty bound to help you out emotionally even while they work, they might not be very much kind in this respect. Therefore, you do not look emotional. Otherwise, the chances that he can take advantage of your situation and try to make more money.

6. Do not disturb him while he is absorbed in his work.
Therefore, it is always suggested that you shall not panic even in the most emergency situations and be good at observation of the actions of the locksmith, keep your mind focussed on his works and always be calm and composed. By doing so, you can prevent the unnecessary damage that he can do to your assets intentionally or unintentionally.

Watch your behaviour with the locksmith

There are times when you need to have the services of a locksmith. You might have forgotten your keys in the cars or the home and the door get locked accidentally. There might be a malfunctioning locking system which is preventing you to have access. You might have lost the keys or got these damaged or broken. In all these situations, the common thread is of the lock not opening or closing.

These situations can make you feel very frustrated and helpless. In these situations, the locksmith needs to be called. You can find one through the references from the friends and relations. The other ways of finding the right locksmiths could be searching through the directories in the print and the online format, seeking help from the professional bodies of locksmiths or using the search engines of the internet to find the reliable person or company.

After finding the source, you need to find the person who specialises in your type of works, and has verifiable credentials and proofs of establishing his identity, place of residence, competence in this field and license of operation. These are important steps to be taken as this profession directly affects the safety and security of the people. So, the people taking their services must be doubly sure about the authenticity and professionalism of the person.

When the locksmith comes to your site, you might be extremely frustrated or, if the situation is one of emergency, then you might even be panicky. The condition of helplessness will also be telling from your body language. You need to calm down and regain your composure as the lock-operator begins his work. If you are in a highly perturbed state, then you might commit the following mistakes:

• There are good chances that you do not verify the identity and the credentials of the locksmith as diligently as these are needed.
• There are also the chances that your condition of helplessness is used by the locksmiths to hoodwink you into paying a much higher sum than was earlier perceived or agreed upon.
• If you get angry with him for one reason or the other, then you are giving him the handle to beat you with. He might intentionally do more ancillary damage. He might be entertaining grudges and will do more harm to the doors, safes, cabinets or even your pricey car.
• You may not be able to negotiate with him in a better way, if you are in a state of panic.
• You might also disturb him constantly in his work that requires concentration.
• Abusive or critical behaviour may make him refuse you the services. He might simply leave the place.

Therefore, for all these reasons, it is important that you retain your calm and let him do his work without any disturbance. You can make the most out of his services in this way. Locksmiths are important resources in critical times and they expect a non-interfering behaviour from the client, apart from their services charges.

A glimpse into the Locksmith Code of Ethics

A Locksmith is the person who is required to open up the locks in the absence of the keys and is also required to install the new ones. The profession directly concerns the safety and security of the people and therefore, a professional code of ethics is generally required to be adhered to. The knowledge about the same is imparted during the training or when he joins the some professional body of locksmiths. This adherence to the code is besides the license which a professional locksmith is required to have.
What are the essential provisions of the code of ethics that he is required to follow? Some of these are outlined below:
1 . Ethics to be followed while on training: When the locksmiths get enrolled for getting the training from an institute, they are given the instructions on the ethics to be followed by them while they are on training. Some of these are:
a. The locksmiths are required not to sell any of their tools, picks or special equipment to any person other than a bona fide supplier or a trading locksmith.
b. The information about the lock neutralising shall be kept a secret and confined only to closed forums. It shall not be discussed in public or in any public forum.
c. None of the members are allowed to impart training to the others independently. Only the authorised training centres are allowed to do so.
d. Members are required not to engage in acts of pilferage of any kind or of copying the data from the institute resources without the permission of the institute.
2. Ethics to be followed with respect to other members or professionals of the same trade
a. The locksmiths shall encourage loyalty in this profession by acting in a fair, business-like manner with all people including the fellow members.
b. Not to deride or undermine the methods of practising of other members. If there is a complaint or you believe that some member has acted in a way which is against the ethos of this profession, then the same shall be brought to the notice of the training institute or the licensing authority or other appropriate body.
3. Ethical conduct while dealing with the clients:
a. The locksmith is required to analyse the security problem impartially and offer the best possible advice to the client
b. The locksmiths shall offer non-destructive options of opening the entry and only in rarest of rare cases, where the best practice demands the use of the destructive option, shall it be employed. Prior consent of the client is mandatory in this respect.
c. They are required to maintain the dignity of their profession and they shall refrain from using improper or unprofessional methods.
d. If they feel that some of the entry methods can be copied, then the same shall not be carried out in public view. The locksmith shall ask for secrecy in this respect.
All these ethical codes are designed to keep a moral check on the locksmiths from engaging in distasteful activities.