Locksmith - A New Career

Understanding the field of locksmith is priceless in today's financial and security conscious environment.
Locksmith training program has changed the financial direction of thousands of individuals seeking a new career. Whether you are looking to acquire a new trade, Start your own mobile locksmith service or Lockout service; or are seeking to enhance your skill level to fill a position in the company you are presently employed by. You have found it!
The Locksmith Business is one of the most interesting professions in the world. The income potential is staggering considering the limited investment required to get started. This business in the past has been very hard to break into, well times are changing.
With the rising costs of services we are seeing an enormous shortage of individuals capable of providing these services. If you are on the receiving end however, it is a very profitable career.

A person considering a career in locksmith in the past had only two ways to learn this business.
1. Work as a trainee at a lock shop for $10.00 to $28.00 an hour tops; of course as you have probably already found; finding a locksmith willing to train someone is almost impossible.

2. Enroll in a text book based correspondent's course. Most of which are reproductions of old locksmith manuals. They will cost you plenty and teach you very little.

It is hard to convey in print such a trade as this, it will require seeing it being done.



Today, with the internet, other opportunities are opened for learning the locksmith profession. Distance learning or online courses offer flexibility that wasn’t available in the past, allowing you to work your full time job while learning a new career on your schedule. There are the more formal distance learning programs where schedule class meeting time is required while other programs require only that you turn in assignments on a specific date. Some require the purchase of books while others offer online locksmith video training.

Basic Locksmith Services

Although some specialized locksmith services vary from storefront to storefront, some basic locksmith services are offered by virtually every locksmith, in every town on the map. These basic locksmith services have to do with making new keys, opening locked doors and installing or repairing new locks. Before hiring a locksmith for any locksmith services, be sure to ascertain that they have earned a good reputation in the locksmith business for executing the most basic tasks. If a locksmith company can perform the basics locksmith services with excellence, they are more than likely to be a trustworthy hire for more complex or high-security locksmith services.

Making Keys

Most basic locksmiths can provide locksmith services of making keys by using what is known as a code machine. The code machine uses a puncher in order to make new keys. Some locksmith use a key machine that cuts the keys to a certain depth. Every key has a series of ridges on it that are specially designed to match the pin heights in your lock. Each of those ridges is at different heights; a basic locksmith machine has a different code number for each different ridge height on the key. So, as soon as a locksmith figures out the "code" of each key, the basic locksmith can simply set the machine for the proper code and start making keys. The basic locksmith can duplicate most any key needed.

Other cutting methods are used by basic locksmith to make new keys, but this the code machines serves as a standard method, that virtually every basic locksmith understands how to use and can be used to duplicate keys.

Opening Doors

If you have ever locked your keys in the car of accidentally or left your keys inside the house, you know that virtually any basic locksmith can come and open your locked door for you without keys. There are a number of different methods employed by professional locksmiths, from slim Jims for the cars that you have locked your keys in. A basic locksmith can use bump keys for the front door lock or can duplicate keys by figuring out what the key ridges are on the key. The locksmith also can simply picking the lock with basic locksmith tools.

A good basic locksmith should be able to open your car, house or any other door without doing any damage to the lock or the property itself. If the locksmith is sloppy and scratches your car or harms your home lock, you would be wise to choose another locksmith services the next time around, as damage is not necessary at all.

Installation

Most basic locksmith services can install new locks for you in a timely, cost-efficient manner. Whether you are interested in keeping the outer hardware and simply changing the inner workings of the lock or are desirous of a new locking system including door handles, etc. a locksmith should be able to provide what you need and spare keys for anything new.

These days, many locksmiths are also branching out into keyless locking systems that operate via a computer system.

Hank.G is a former locksmith.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hank_Gale

How to Find a Locksmith Anytime and Anywhere

If anyone comes up with a list of everyday heroes, my vote goes to locksmiths. Day or night, wherever you are, you can find a local 24 hour locksmith to get you out of trouble and restore you to safety.

If you are locked out of your home, your office, or your car, an emergency 24 hour locksmith can get you in, even if it means picking a high security lock. If someone has stolen your keys or broken your lock and you need to change your locks ASAP to prevent an intruder from coming in, an emergency 24 hour locksmith can do it for you. Locksmiths can replace lost keys or remove broken keys from locks quickly.

Have you ever locked yourself out of your car? If you haven't, you are the exception. Whether you lost your keys, left them inside your locked car or in the trunk, your key broke off in the ignition switch or lock, a mobile locksmith can come to you and help you out, no matter where you are or what time it is. A professionally trained auto locksmith can make a key even if you don't have one to copy-and that includes difficult-to-replace laser cut keys. If it's an urgent situation, an emergency locksmith will get to you within minutes.

Locksmiths are not just for emergencies. Attending to home security can prevent worries and problems. Locksmiths can install, change, or repair high security locks. They can install panic bars, peepholes, door closers, deadbolts, and iron gates. If you want your locks rekeyed a professional locksmith can rekey all your locks the same or make a master key.

Commercial locksmith services include access control systems, home security monitoring system installation and repair, file cabinet locks, high security locks, high security cylinder changes, lock and master rekeying, and lock installation.

When choosing a locksmith, look for one who is licensed, bonded, and insured. Many lock and key systems are basically the same as they were a hundred years ago. However, progressive locksmith techniques require regular training to keep up with. You want a locksmith who has experience with traditional systems but knows how to work with technically advanced systems, such as transponder keys and electronic security systems.

Locksmiths also provide helpful advice. Do you want to know if you should force a reluctant key to turn (you shouldn't)? Do you need a consultation on the best home security monitoring system for a particular situation? Maybe you're tempted to use WD-40 or graphite on the locks on your car and you're not sure if it's a good idea (it's not). A professional locksmith is the person who can answer your questions.

You can find locksmiths just about anywhere in the country. They provide essential services that no community can do without. If you are traveling or if you don't know a local locksmith, you can contact a centralized locksmith dispatching service with a network of licensed, bonded, and insured locksmiths who can come to your aid.

Your safety and the safety of your family or business are serious matters. A skilled locksmith can provide you with security and peace of mind.

Locksmith vs Home Improvement Stores

When you're interested in improving the overall security of your home, it's better to visit a locksmith.

Why? Home improvement stores carry a lot of general inventory, and this creates overhead. For you, this means that they only carry items that sell fast so they're not paying for inventory sitting on the shelf. Items that sell fast have to be items that most people need to repair or replace, which means that they have to be common items. Common home locks were likely installed by the builder, who is most interested in installing the product that makes them the most money, and most of the time that's not a very secure product. The picture on the left shows the difference between a heavy duty deadbolt and the one you likely have on your home. Which would you want protecting your house? This is also true of deadbolts, door closers, and other products. High security locks are just not found a home stores.

When you need a key copied, it's better to visit a locksmith shop.

The reasons are simple, selection and accuracy. Unless you have the most common type of key, the home improvement store won't have it and they'll send you to a locksmith. If they do have the key and they make a copy, it may or may not work. ACME Locksmith calibrates our key making machines daily so that the keys we cut have a far better chance of working than that of the home store. The home improvement stores don't do this because they don't have someone in the store that knows how. I can't tell you how many times someone has come into our shop after having keys made elsewhere that didn't work.

When you value your time, it's better to visit a locksmith.

How many times have you been in a home improvement store searching for someone to help you find something or talk knowledgeably about a product you're interested in? Home improvement stores, to their credit, are busy places, but for you this means you're likely going to have to wait for service. A lock shop will have knowledgeable staff on hand to help you right away. And, if you've had bad keys made, or the home store didn't have what you were looking for, you've completely wasted your time.

When you want to save money, hire a locksmith.

Home stores sell products, a locksmith sells a service. Most customers that call us don't know that we can rekey existing home locks to work with new keys. There is no reason to replace your existing door hardware unless you want increased security or you are tired of the way it looks.

If all you want is the cheapest price possible, visit the home improvement store.

Home improvement stores buy in bulk and there's no way a local shop can match their prices on the items they carry. If you have one broken door knob that needs replacing, you're handy with a screwdriver, and security is not a concern; get it at the home store.

This post was from an locally owned and operated AZ locksmith, a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America and BBB. Thank you Acme Locksmith. http://www.acmelocksmith.com/

A Locksmith in AZ - Family Owner - Committed to Fairness

The Single Best Thing You Can Do to Protect Your Home

As a locally owned az locksmith company, ACME is often asked, "What's the best thing I can do to protect my home?"

The question is a valid one, but until now it has been a difficult one for us to truly answer without first knowing what the homeowner is most interested in protecting. For some, the answer may have been to purchase a burglary rated safe in order to protect a valuable collection, but for others it may have been to rekey their new home to ensure that no one has a working copy of their key.

However, ACME Locksmith has found that there is one improvement every homeowner should make, have a single-sided or half deadbolt installed on every door of your home. Doing so improves your home's security to the maximum extent possible.

Single Sided Deadbolt Single Sided Deadbolt






A single-sided or half deadbolt is a deadbolt that only has one visible side (see photo). On the inside of your home, you lock the deadbolt with a thumb turn, but on the outside of your home, there's nothing. No hole to pick, no lock to bump (What is Locks Bumping), nothing to pry, break or jimmy.


The benefits of the single-sided deadbolt are numerous.

* Your garage door is one of the most common points of entry for someone breaking into your home. In Arizona, the door into your garage from your yard is often behind a brick fence. This gives intruders plenty of time to work your locks without being seen by neighbors or people walking by. Once someone is in your garage, they can work at breaking in and emptying your home without any worry of being seen. The single sided deadbolt protects that door and any other door it's installed on, from all types of silent lock attacks. The only way they're getting past this lock, is to bring out some very noisy tools, and that attracts unwanted attention.
* Engaging these locks on your house doors while you are in the home offers the same type of protection. There are no silent ways to get around this lock. It's pick proof, bump proof, and jimmy proof. Burglars won't even know it's there and you can rest comfortably in your home knowing that this is the case.
* If you've given keys to your home to someone that you no longer want to have access, engaging a single-sided deadbolt will keep them out until you can have your home rekeyed to work with a new key. You don't have to worry about them showing up unannounced and walking into your home while these locks are engaged.
* This lock is ideal for families, such as mine, with small children in the house. Once your child is old enough to unlock your existing deadbolt and doorknob, only your constant attention can stop him from running outside on his/her own. Installing a single-sided deadbolt high up on the door, where your young children can't reach, gives you the security benefits we mentioned plus gives you a way to stop your young child from exploring the world unbeknownst to you.

Locksmith Schools

Locksmith schools provide you with the training to build, service, and repair locks. Locksmith Schools also teaches you how to make keys, change locks, and how to open safety deposit boxes. Locksmiths learn how to use hand tools and specialty equipment, and how to keep records of keys to allow their reproductions.
Some employers prefer to hire locksmiths that have completed formal training. Many states require a locksmiths to be licensed and bonding before beginning employment as a locksmith. About 43% of locksmiths are self-employed. Other major employers for graduates of locksmith schools are locksmith shops and schools. Employers generally prefer candidates with a high school degree.
There are so many different types of Locksmith schools it all depends on the best way for you to learn. You can go to the internet and look up Locksmith Schools. You will see Locksmith Video Schools, Online Locksmith Schools. You can also find a Locksmith schools near you that offers Hands on Training to become a locksmith. When choosing a Locksmith school you will want to look at the best way you know you can learn. Some people can read and know what they are doing, so courses for online locksmith school will work for them. Others watching a Video works so courses for Locksmith Video school may be the way they want to go. If you learn better by doing the project with some one instructing and is there to answer your questions as you come upon them. Courses for Hands on Locksmith school may be what they want to look into. If you prefer the online locksmith school or the locksmith video school you may want to check on what kind of help you can get when your not understanding what is going on in the courses your taking. Make sure there is someone at these locksmith school that are available who can talk to you when your having problems with a course. You can also get certified in many different categories of locksmithing. Locksmith courses can range from $395.00 and up depending on what kind of locksmith course training you want. Some of the Locksmith Video Schools offer locksmith courses by DVD so you can purchase only what parts you want to learn. When checking the locksmithing schools you want to verify what they actually will teach you. If you’re going to spend money on these locksmith courses make sure they are going to be something that you can actually use.
The Master Locksmiths Association offers locksmith courses. Programs offered by the MLA teach students about access controls, security devices and lock repair. However, prior to applying for this program, one needs to have a clear criminal background. Locksmith students can also opt for correspondence locksmith course that are offered by a number of technical and vocational schools. Nevertheless, most locksmiths learn their skills on the job from an experienced worker. Some organizations also offer trainee positions for those starting out in this profession. Locksmith training usually lasts for one year. So check and see if these courses are offered near you.
Locksmiths can have wide range duties all depending on where they work. Locksmiths are responsible for adjusting, installing, selling, repairing and opening locks. They repair damaged locks by replacing tumblers, springs and other parts. Locksmiths also change lock combination and make keys. Some locksmiths specialize in installing and repairing burglar and fire alarm systems while others work for large industrial plants, small businesses or government agencies. Some locksmiths install all door hardware. So they can not only key the lock but install it and the closer or any other door hardware that is required. The more you know as a locksmith the more you can make. So when choosing a Locksmith schools make sure the have all the locksmith courses you want. Check and see if you want take another Locksmith course at a later date if you have to sign up again or if it's a continuance of the locksmith course.
To be a successful locksmith, one should develop personal traits like tactfulness and dependability. Locksmiths need to have a pleasant, positive and supportive attitude towards the people they work with. Mechanical aptitude, excellent eyesight, hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity are of extreme importance. It is also necessary to maintain a neat appearance and strong interpersonal skills. These are particularly vital since building a good reputation is crucial for success in this profession.

Most locksmiths work in small, well kept locksmith shops, while many have their own businesses. Hardware stores, department stores and even Casinos sometimes employ locksmiths. Some of them work for manufacturers of safes and locks, or large industrial plants. With the increasing awareness and demand for security, locksmiths are often requested to install and service electronic security systems. They might occasionally have to work in bad weather, uncomfortable positions and for long hours. Locksmiths also spend a lot of their time traveling from job to job. Their work hours may vary greatly depending on the number of emergencies, so odd work hours are common.

AZ Locksmith

Did you know that AZ locksmith do not have to have locksmith license. They don’t have a back ground check to see if they have any felony charges. All that is requires is they are business licensed so that they can pay taxes. So you don’t know what type of person you are dealing with. AZ Locksmiths have the option of being bonded with bonding services provided by private insurance companies, the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) or the National Locksmith Association (NLA). Bonding allows a locksmith to provide the consumer with limited compensation if any of the customer's property is damaged or turns up missing during the course of the locksmith's work. The ALOA and NLA are organizations of locksmiths who are engaged in supplying, servicing or installing locks, keys, safes, alarms and all related lines of the security industry. Currently, the ALOA provides its locksmiths with a "positive identification policy," designed to protect the locksmith and provide information to the police in situations in which the locksmith unknowingly or inadvertently provides premise access to an unauthorized person. The positive identification policy includes the following information on each work order: name, address, and signature, and phone number, identification number of the customer and a description of property from the customer. In addition, it is suggested that the locksmith verify through reasonable and appropriate evidence that the customer has the authority to request access. But this is up to the AZ locksmith to follow. It's not a law in Arizona. You have to be careful when calling an AZ locksmith to your home or to unlock your car. Take the time now and check who you might have to deal with. Your safety and your wallet is in your hands. Just a few minutes now can prevent problems later.

If any AZ locksmith in the state of Arizona claims to have a license as a contractor 9 times out of 10 they lying. Now there are a few locksmiths that are required to have a contractor’s license due to Low/High voltage wiring or a few other reasons. Just find an AZ locksmith you trust and one that treats you right. As well as one that operates in a safe manner. So once again check into who you’re dealing with. Be prepared and find a trustworthy AZ locksmith before you need one. This cannot be expressed enough. Check with ALOA, NLA, friends, coworkers and neighbors to see who they have dealt with. Take the time now before you need one and don’t have a chance to pick one you can trust. Put that number in your cell phone. Don’t let an AZ locksmith scam you when you have a trustworthy locksmiths around if you just taken the time and found them. If you do get scammed by an AZ locksmith post your complaint directly with the Federal Trade Commission and with your local Attorney General.

Trustworthy Locksmith

It's bound to happen sooner or later, but none of us think about it until it's too late. How do I find a locksmith?

You're locked out of your home, your car, maybe even both. You're late to work. So what do you do? You call the first available locksmith to the rescue. The question you may not consider until after you get the bill is: how do you know you're getting trustworthy locksmith, someone who won't rip you off in your moment of desperation? You need the locks on your house changed. Do you want to trust your security to just anyone? The Locksmith who’s re-keying your house how do you know he’s not doing something funny to your locks. So find a locksmith now. Use the information here to help you find a locksmith that you can trust.

Most locksmiths are honest and hard-working. Unfortunately, not every locksmith you run into is going to be that trustworthy locksmith. Almost anyone can put an ad online or in the phone book and claim to be legitimate or are they fly by night company. With all the stuff you hear on the news your probably wondering how do I find a locksmith that is honest and can be trusted.

When you need a trustworthy locksmith you’re going to want to know you’re choosing someone who’s honest and will be fair with you. The good news is that you can take steps to make sure that you’re finding a locksmith who’ll charge fair rates and be honest. Below we have listed a some pointers on how to find a trustworthy locksmith.

So keep this information in mind that will save you and your wallet when that dreaded day comes and help give you peace of mind.

Don’t rely solely on the Internet or a Yellow Pages advertisement to find a locksmith. While there are plenty of good locksmiths with web pages and in the yellow pages, you should remember that anyone can start a page or get a phone number. They may not have the training and facilities you’re looking for. They may not have insurance or a license. Does the listing on the web page or in the phone book give you basic information? Can you locate where they are or are they just a phone number? Do they state they have a license? Do they have locations all over the USA? When clicking around there website does it give you the same 1-800 number to call? If it’s local why do I need a 1-800 number? Make you wonder who you’re really talking to and who’s going to show up. You want to find a locksmith who is local and has a reputation that they stand behind. So if you call these numbers ask them where they are located. If they can't tell you an exact address than find a locksmith who will. Also look up those locations to make sure they do exist. Taking the time now to find a locksmith could save you a headache later.

Below are a few links to show you what can happen if you just pick a locksmith at random. Look at the bottom of this blog for Youtube videos with more info on what could happen.

http://www.klas-tv.com/Global/story.asp?S=10927916

Check with better business bureau. The BBB will list how long a given locksmith has been in business, whether or not they have had complaints lodged against the business, and lots of other facts about your prospective locksmith. If you see a lot of complaints or a locksmith that hasn’t been in business long, you may wish to ask more questions. Unresolved complaints are a real worry.

Check for bonding. All locksmiths should be bonded. This means that they have passed a criminal and background check and been fingerprinted. These are security measures that keep criminals from posing as legitimate locksmiths. Check your County or city web site to see what locksmiths in your area are required to have. Check and see if they have a business license.

Here are few examples:

http://sandgate.co.clark.nv.us/businessLicense/businessSearch/blindex.asp

http://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/CheckStatus/business_licenses.htm?ID=#

What are your locksmith’s credentials? There are two different Locksmith credentials sources - correspondence course and the ALA, or The Associated Locksmiths of America. The latter is usually the better choice. So do your research on who is legitimate in your area. The Associated Locksmiths of America is a great place to start; their site will link you to reputable locksmiths in your area. What does "reputable locksmith" mean anyway? The Federal Trade Commission answers that question for you. The Associated Locksmiths of America web site can also help you find a locksmith in your area that is a member.

Check on insurance. All locksmiths should be able to produce proof of insurance to help protect their business and your belongings. This insurance will cover accidental damage to the property as well as the locksmith’s honesty and quality of work.

Get a recommendation. If you can, ask people you know and trust who they’ve used in the past. They’ll be able to tell you who in your area is a good, trustworthy locksmith and who should be avoided. Once you find a locksmith share the information with the people you care about.

Does your locksmith have a shop? It might be a good idea to avoid locksmiths that work out of their homes or cars. A long standing locksmith with a lot of business will generally have a physical address and a shop that customers can visit. While a locksmith with no store isn’t always untrustworthy, you should definitely take time to find out how long he or she has been in business and whether or not complaints have been registered.

Ask about references. A trustworthy locksmith is going to be willing to give you references, especially if you’re asking for business services. Other businesses should be happy to recommend a trustworthy locksmith.

Price is important. While price isn’t the biggest thing you’ll want to think about, a very cheap locksmith could be suspect. Be willing to pay a little more to get a trustworthy locksmith you’re comfortable with and be happy with.

Don't wait! Find a locksmith in your neighborhood now who is professional and trustworthy. Once you find a locksmith save their information in your cell phone or put it anywhere you can get to it when it's needed most. Having it handy can also help a friend who is in need. So find a locksmith you trust. Don’t forget to share with friends and family.

Find out what spammers are up to. See why finding a locksmith is so important. The Associated Locksmiths of America web site has posted information from the Federal Trade Commission about locksmith scams. According to the FTC, "the complaint heard most often by consumers is for car openings. The price quoted over the phone to stranded motorist is around $45. When the individual arrives and unlocks the car, he hands the motorist a bill for $135 - $150."

Do you think you have fallen victim to a locksmith scam? Post your complaint directly with the The Federal Trade Commission and with your local Attorney General.

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