What actually is a Locksmith?

I am often asked what a Locksmith actually is and what we actually do. There is some confusion around as to what a Locksmith work actually involves.
If you want to comment on what a Locksmith is please feel free to come and join me on Facebook, Google + or Twitter.

According to Wikipedia, the art of the locksmith began as the science of defeating a lock and it goes on to say that a lock is a mechanical device that provides security for buildings, rooms or storage and that a key is often used to open a lock.

Defeating a lock means just that and based on my experience I can open a very high percentage of them without damage. There are a few high security locks that can be hard to get into but on the whole no lock that has been manufactured up until now is capable of resisting being defeated. All it takes is time, experience and the correct specialist tools.

Another part of the locksmiths work is assembling locks, providing keys and designing suitable security systems for a specific premises or object. For instance a bank is going to need far higher security than a shed.

So the work of a Locksmith appears quite simple on the outside but like with a lot of things in life it’s all about how you do it. For example if you call a locksmith and they show up with a large drill and not much else it’s probably time to get out the yellow pages again.

I can open a lock without smashing it to smithereens which it turn saves you money as you don’t have to pay out for a new lock. Why destroy the old lock if it’s perfectly serviceable and can last another good few years? 95% of the time you can open a lock without forcing or breaking it so this is always my first choice. Sometimes I can’t do it and will need to replace a lock but that is rare.

Locksmiths also range from those who are cowboys with no training and experienced and conscientious individuals who take pride in their work. I recommend you research your locksmith before you ask him to do any work and check out any reviews he has on Social Media or something like Checkatrade.

It is worth it in the long run and saves you getting ripped off by someone who sits in a van waiting for a call on a mobile, who has no training and might not even be from around this area. Is it an unknown person trying to make a fast buck on a Saturday night?

Using a well trained, honest, local CRB/DBS checked Locksmith really will save you money in the long run and you will also sleep better at night knowing that a real Locksmith did the work.

Paul Montgomery is a local locksmith who lives and works in Ipswich and the surrounding area.