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Overview of Locksmith Tools
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Every trade has its own tools, language and ways of doing things and locksmithing is no different. It has a very specialized skillset, methodology and approach to problems. Key to solving those problems are the tools they use. The vast majority of the locksmiths work is getting people into their property when they’ve locked themselves out, mainly their homes or car.
To do this without damaging, or wrecking the door, lock or car, the locksmith has to have specific tools, and the skills to use them. We have all seen in the movies where someone pulls out a little wallet and uses a couple of picks to pick a lock in a couple of seconds. Most of that is artistic license as it usually takes a lot longer than a couple of seconds to pick all but the oldest locks. There are five main tools for the locksmith to be able to pick locks, the electric pick gun, plug spinner, tension wrenches, computerized picks and the key extractor.
The electric pick gun is a small electric drill that has various picking implements that can attach to it. This has been heralded as “the end of lock picking” as it makes defeating locks so easy. A scary thought if one of these got into the wrong hands. It uses a drill like motion to jiggle the pins in different ways in order to open the lock and can access almost every kind of key lock in the world.
The plug spinner needs more skill to use. It’s used to rotate and lift the lock plug in order for it to open. To make it work, the smith needs to know in which position each different type of lock will automatically unlock.
Tension wrenches are similar to those tools you see on TV. They are normally only in a set of three though, and work inside the lock to move the pins and hold them in place to they can all be freed to undo the lock.
Computerized picks are for more complicated locks and combination systems. It’s capable of working at blinding speed and calculating different pins and disc patterns.
Key extractors are used to remove broken keys and foreign objects from the keyhole. Broken keys are one of the most popular calls a locksmith gets, this tool allows them to quickly and easily remove the debris from the lock so they can then pick it open.
In the vast majority of cases, the locksmith should be able to pick your door open, whether its property or car. It’s only under exceptional circumstances that they would have to damage, drill or otherwise break a lock in order to gain access. If a locksmith advises he needs to break something in order to gain access without really trying to pick his way in, send him away. It’s only in very rare circumstances they ever have to do that.
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Starting your own locksmithing company
(0)Posted on November 6th, 2009adminBonita Locksmith, Buckingham Locksmith, Estero Locksmith, Fort Myers Locksmith, Naples LocksmithStarting your own locksmithing business can be a daunting prospect, as can starting any kind of business. It is a profession that is always moving, evolving and you will have to keep up if you want to be successful.
If you can cope with the constant learning and development, then locksmithing is a rewarding career. It is one of the few permanently “in demand” businesses. Despite the economic gloom of the last couple of years, those of us in security have seen no drop in demand for our services.
If the economy is doing well, our services are in demand because criminals want all the nice fruits of people’s labor. If the economy isn’t doing well, criminals are more desperate for money and burgle more. For us, it’s a win-win situation.
A lot of the job is about allaying fear. While the majority of people will never be burgled, they will be affected by the fear of being burgled. Our job is to make them feel as secure as possible by providing the best advice, guidance and equipment to help them secure their property.
The vast majority of us are “one man bands”, sole operators who run our own business and work alone. There are larger firms out there, but they are in the minority. It’s often by choice that locksmiths stay small. It keeps things simple and allows you to specialize in something. Growing large complicates matters somewhat and you will invariably spend more time running the business side of things than helping people.
While it may sound morally wrong, we work on fear. People are afraid of being burgled or attacked in their home, and we have to capitalize on that. There is nothing wrong with demonstrating how easy it can be to break into a clients car or home to show them how vulnerable they are. You have to keep it within limits though, and only do it to prove a point, not to scare them into buying stuff they don’t need.
To last any amount of time in this business you will need to join trade associations and any local locksmith guilds. Not only will they add a bit of credibility to your operation, but they can also help with advice. They helped me with business advice, financial as well as trade skills, training and holding seminars describing the new innovations in the industry. While you may be a sole trader, no man is an island. Engage your local locksmiths and keep in touch. Don’t be afraid to share information and be nice. There is enough business out there for us all.
Being a locksmith involves constantly working, developing and training. Keeping on top of developments is almost a full-time job in itself. As long as you are the type of person who can cope with constant change, and have a genuine desire to help people, this could be a trade for you.
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