If you have been locked out of your home or office, you understand why a locksmith is important. A professional locksmith works on the locks of doors, windows, vehicles, and safes.
They have the expertise and tools to install, repair, maintain, and adjust different types of locks. If you have not done so, it is time to find a trustworthy locksmith and add the service provider to your list of emergency contacts.
What Do Locksmiths Do?
Modern-day locksmiths now provide additional services besides fixing keys and locks. They can install new security systems and help you prepare a security protocol to keep your home or business secure.
A professional locksmith company can provide security-related solutions, including the installation of high-security locks. Many professional locksmiths act as security consultants for many establishments.
Look for experts like those from locksmith San Diego companies that not only handle locks and keys on doors, windows, safes, and vehicles, but also specialize in specific types of locks. For your security, it is essential that you have a trusted locksmith in your emergency contact list.
Locksmith Qualifications
In the U.S., an aspiring locksmith can attend certificate and graduate courses from community colleges, locksmith trade schools such as the Associated Locksmiths of America, Inc. (ALOA), and vocational schools. After passing the training course, they are required to undergo apprenticeship. In some states, they need to complete the state-mandated apprenticeship before they can get a license.
They can continue their education and learn specialized locksmithing, such as modern keyless locks, automotive locksmithing, safety equipment installation for business areas, and security camera installation.
Areas of Expertise
You might think that professional locksmiths provide the same services. But the truth is, most of them have their specialization.
- Residential locksmiths. They are professionals whose expertise is in security and home locks. They are trained to provide locksmithing services on residential properties. Aside from installing locks on doors and windows, they can also assess the homeowners’ security needs and give appropriate recommendations.
- Commercial locksmiths. They specialize in larger commercial properties like factories, warehouses, hotels, schools, offices, and buildings. But they can also provide services for residential clients. Aside from opening and changing locks, they likewise provide other services, such as master keying and installing and servicing digital and electronic clocks.
- Automotive locksmiths. Automotive locksmiths specialize in providing services to vehicle owners. You call an automotive locksmith when you are locked out of your car. They also update car keys, and replace and repair them. Since they update their skills, automotive locksmiths can work with remote controls and smart keys. These are two jobs requiring expertise and special skills.
Advantages of Using the Services of A Professional Locksmith
For residential and commercial property owners, it is vital to understand that they need to hire professional locksmiths, whether they prefer an individual service provider or a locksmith company.
While a person who is into DIY and has the right tools can install or replace a standard window and door lock, you should keep in mind that the job of repairing or maintaining the locking mechanisms on your residential or commercial property should be handled by professionals.
They have the skills and expertise to handle different types of locks. Likewise, you should consider that you are putting your property at risk by doing the job on your own or hiring an untrained or unqualified handyman.
Qualities of A Professional Locksmith
- Has the required skills, experience, and expertise to work with different types of locking mechanisms
- Runs a risk assessment on your property’s security protocols and existing locks
- Enough knowledge to recommend specific solutions based on the client’s needs
- Updated on the latest lock technologies; knows products of high quality
- Provides service packages that include installation and other services
- Has the skill and experience to finish a project quickly
- Available for emergency callout services
- Brings all the required tools to finish a job immediately
- All services come with insurance
- Offers services with clear quotes and prices; gives invoices with cost breakdown
- Provides high-standard services to maintain their professional reputation
Some people think that the job of a professional locksmith is similar to the job performed by a handyman. Further, they consider professional locksmiths as expensive. But they overlook the fact that they are paying for the professional’s skills and expertise. Professional locksmiths work with high-security locks that require a higher level of specialization.
Hiring a person without experience and training can damage your special and high-security locks instead of repairing them, which would mean spending more because you have to purchase new locks. You can prevent hiring people who offer fraudulent services by checking their certificates and licenses.
Services of Professional Locksmiths
As mentioned, professional locksmiths offer a range of services. Here are some of them.
- Installation of locks on windows and doors. You can reinforce your security measures with the installation of secure locks on your windows and doors to safeguard your property from thieves and vandals. A professional assesses your property and understands the level of risk, so they can advise you on the best locks suitable for the different doors and windows on your property.
- Repairing and fixing locks. Different reasons cause damage to the locks on your windows and doors, such as jamming, malfunctioning locks, keys breaking and getting stuck inside the lock, or general wear and tear. Professional locksmiths can quickly respond to your emergency because you cannot afford to postpone the repairs and fixes on your locking mechanism because it makes your property vulnerable.
- Rekeying or replacing locks. Depending on the damage, your locking mechanisms may need rekeying or replacement. These situations need an in-depth understanding of different locking mechanisms and the right tools. If the lock is damaged beyond repair, it needs replacement. But if the lock’s key control is compromised (lost or stolen), the professional will rekey them. Rekeying means taking the lock apart and replacing some of the key pins or “tumblers” so that the old keys will no longer work. The locksmith will then create a new set of keys.
Professional locksmiths offer more services than what is listed here. Ensure that you only hire a certified and licensed professional. Moreover, look for a provider that is knowledgeable in all the locks on your property.
