The key to successful locksmithing is experience. The more you work with different locks and try different techniques, the more knowledge you will have to tackle any job. Locksmiths come across all kinds of situations in their line of work, and dealing with different people from all backgrounds is a big part of that.
So, locksmiths don’t just need slick locksmithing skills. They also need to be confident in dealing with people, sometimes people who are experiencing the worst days of their lives. Having up-to-date training and the latest knowledge is just part of the job.
A reputable locksmith will arrive on-site with the right tools and equipment to do the job there and then. They’re the person you call when someone breaks in, or when you’re locked out, you need a key duplicated, or you want a security inspection to ensure your home or office is up to scratch. But that isn’t all they can do. So, what skills do locksmiths rely on to get the job done?
Carpentry
A locksmith does more than just legally break and enter. They have to interact with the doors and windows as they safely gain entry or remove an old lock. So, a locksmith understands how every aspect of the parts function. They deeply understand how the locking mechanism works and how it impacts everything surrounding it.
So, they have carpentry and metalwork skills to safely change a lock without damaging windows and doors. They might not build a new window or forge a lock, but they are skilled enough to keep everything intact as they work with your locks.
Mechanical skills
A locksmith requires a diverse set of mechanical skills. While basic hand tools are crucial, their expertise extends beyond these essentials. In addition to operating key-cutting machines, locksmiths use grinders, sanders, power saws, and even hydraulic lock breakers. They also need the dexterity to change pins, tumblers, and springs.
Locks can be fiddly things, so the ability to disassemble locks of all types to repair or replace them is a big part of the job. There are additional skills involved when it comes to automotive locksmithing, from entering a locked vehicle to dealing with an ignition switch removal or installation.
Locksmiths are also skilled in dealing with control systems. In addition to special locks and digital access control systems, they are adept in installing and repairing CCTV systems. If it forms part of a security system, ask your locksmith whether they can handle it. You might be surprised to learn just how much your local locksmith has to offer. A highly skilled locksmith can also expand on existing electronic security systems and manage panic hardware.
Practical thinking, problem solvers
There is rarely just one option available to rectify any particular situation. An efficient locksmith thinks practically to devise big solutions to major problems. Any locksmith worth their salt is a quick thinker and takes time to analyse issues before offering a solution.
Not every locking mechanism is highly sophisticated, but many are, and the key to great locksmithing is finding the right remedy to any situation to ensure your security. They won’t just repair the issue. They can also provide advice on how to protect yourself moving forward.
Communication
It might not be the most obvious skill a locksmith needs, but it is one of the most important. If you need a locksmith, you may be in a heightened emotional state, which means a locksmith needs to be able to handle the situation delicately. It might be the worst moment of your life, but they are highly skilled people who always take care of jobs like this. You are in safe hands, and a great locksmith will make sure you feel that.
Look for a reputable locksmith, and when you find one you trust, keep them on speed dial and share their name and number widely. Everyone needs a skilled locksmith to call, whether it’s an emergency or not. If your security system fails, you can call a locksmith to carry out repairs, upgrade the system, or conduct a safety and security inspection to recommend updates to ensure your system is doing what it needs.
