Most people think as locksmith as the guys that pick locks. However, the reality is quite different. There are numerous services that a locksmith can provide. In fact in most local communities it would be difficult to survive in business as a locksmith if that was the only service offered.
As a professional locksmith there are a basic set of skills that are essential to be able to offer a high quality service.
Being able to let people into their homes and businesses when keys have been lost or stolen, locks have broken down or combinations have been lost or forgotten is only a part of the locksmith business.
Office furniture, cabinets and cupboards can all have locks fitted. These are normally quite different to domestic door locks and require a different set of skills and specialized tools.
Advising and fitting the appropriate security.
Fitting the appropriate locks. Knowing which locks to use where and how to fit them is an extremely profitable and valuable service to offer.
Insurance companies have specific requirement on types of locks to be fitted for their policy to be valid in case of a break in. Non compliance to these requirements can lead to an insurance companies refusal to pay out. Primary and secondary exiting doors, internal doors, garages, windows etc., all can have different requirements. You can put your clients mind at rest and fit the correct locks ensuring full policy cover.
Electronic and mechanical lock combinations often need changing. These are commonly found on education, care and business premises and a change in staff or clients may require the code to be changed. This is relatively easy for a locksmith but quite involved for some makes of locks and beyond the general public.
Fitting security bars and grills.
Upgrading existing locks.
Supplying and fitting registered key, master key and keyed alike suites.
Supplying and fitting of safes can be extremely lucrative. In some cases the manufactures / distributors do all the delivery and installation and the locksmith gets paid just for his recommendation.
Locks are relatively inexpensive so repairing them is not normally cost effective for the client. However there is always the exception to the rule and again can be not only profitable but also personally rewarding.
Of course cutting duplicate keys or making keys to fit a lock is a locksmith staple. The real skill is in identifying the blank profile or gauge as their are hundreds of variations to choose from.
Recent Comments