What does it take to become a locksmith? Some of the personality traits required for this field are
- Patience
- Creativity
- Ability to concentrate and focus
- Willingness to respond quickly to a person’s need for immediate help.
- Good eyesight
- Good coordination and manual dexterity
- Willingness to work when needed
- Problem solving ability
- Discreet; may need to handle things that are confidential or sensitive
If you become a locksmith, you will be the person to call when someone loses their keys or locks themselves out of their house, office, or car. You will be able to rekey locks, which means to change the tumblers. You will be able to make keys and replace, repair, and adjust locks. You will work with electronic keys. Locksmiths may also work in security consulting, helping others to feel safe at all times. Some locksmiths will learn to service and repair all types of locks. Others will specialize in just one area, such as opening locked automobiles. Some will work just for one large office building, hotel chain, or for a landlord that owns many rental properties. Others may work for a security company.
If you are interested in pursuing this career path, find out what type of certification is required in your state. The easiest way to get this information would be to contact people with existing locksmith businesses. You may also be required to pass a fingerprint or background check. You may be required to become bonded. Even if becoming bonded is not a requirement, you may find that it helps your business to be able to advertise that you are bonded.
Learning the trade is not difficult. Basically you need to learn exactly how locks and keys work. This is not rocket science. Many criminals have no difficulty learning to pick locks. Although there are schools, both classroom and online, where you can learn to be a locksmith, the easiest way to learn this trade is on-the-job. If you can find a locksmith who is willing to allow you to work as an apprentice, you can expect to learn the trade in one to twelve months. Make sure the locksmith you are learning from is properly certified.
To start your own locksmith company, you will need to invest in tools and a location for your business. A mobile locksmith carries around a collection of tools in a van. Locksmiths also set up shop in a storefront or work out of their home. Forensic locksmiths may work with police or detectives to investigate crimes. The equipment needed for a locksmith company will include tools designed for picking locks, as well as equipment to reproduce keys.
Market your business in every way that you can think of. Distribute business cards and flyers. Consider starting a website or advertising in the yellow pages. Use magnetic signs on your car.
This is a profession that has been around for many years, and will continue to be needed for many years to come. As long as there are locks, people will need assistance opening them, repairing them, and replacing them.
