Locksmiths provide a range of
services relating to access and entry to secured objects and premises,
changing, maintaining and fitting locking devices for public and private
clients. They may work from a store, on a travelling basis or for a company
network, and may work to actually construct locks using metal work skills,
although the majority of work is now completed by changing pre-made parts.
Being a locksmith involves a range of activities. Common tasks would include:
Being a locksmith involves a range of activities. Common tasks would include:
- Operating a service through a freelance or store-based business
- Answering telephone calls and giving quotes to customers
- Travelling with equipment to carry out work
- Using tools to complete jobs such as changing locks
- Researching and practising with different mechanisms
- Being on call to respond to emergency situations
- Marketing a service through different media channels and word of mouth
- Servicing door hardware such as hinges
- Keeping account of sales transactions.
Salary
Some locksmiths are employed by
larger companies on a set salary, starting at £12,000-14,000 and increasing
with experience but most work on a freelance, self-employed basis and therefore
earn variable remuneration, depending on the amount and type of business they
are able to take on. Different jobs attract different fees, and in many cases
locksmiths will give a quote for a specific job, based on the information they
are given by a customer. In some cases, however, (if a job has lots of unknown
variables for example) the locksmith may opt to charge an hourly rate. This can
be anything from £30 to £80 and perhaps more, depending on transport costs,
call-out times and other factors.
Responsibilities
Locksmiths complete courses which
allow them to gain access to most forms of secure doors and therefore have a responsibility
to use their knowledge in their clients’ best interest and not allow
information or tools to fall into the wrong hands. In addition, gaining access
to secure systems for clients can be destructive and skill is required to gain
entry without causing undue damage (by picking rather than destroying a lock
for example).
Qualifications
Qualifications in the world of
locksmithing are something of a grey area as there is no single national
governing body for the trade, and indeed no single qualification which is
essential in order to operate in the professional capacity.
A number of different guilds exist,
offering courses at a variety of levels, and the level of credibility in each
case depends largely on the reputation and track record of the organisation in
question. A certificate of qualification in locksmithing can be gained from a
training centre in a matter of weeks, but the practical knowledge and
experience are harder to attain and ultimately more important to carrying out
work, beyond the reassurance that a qualification or guild membership will
provide a client.
As a result of this, the trade is
fairly traditional and most trainee locksmiths complete a significant period in
an apprenticeship to learn the practical skills and get the experience required
to operate independently.
Skills
Being a locksmith requires a range
of skills, including:
- Manual dexterity and practical thinking
- A good understanding of lock and security mechanisms
- The ability to market and run an independent business
- Being able to drive in order to be able to reach clients
- An interest in locks and keys
- Good customer service skills
- The ability to use a range of specialist tools
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