Locksmiths are skilled tradespeople who install, repair and replace locks.
They may also work with electronic home security systems.
You can find locksmiths working in a variety of different settings. Most
work for large security or locksmithing companies; others are self-employed
and work out of a shop or truck. There are also locksmiths who work on staff
at large companies and institutions.
Those with their own businesses also have the task of running a small business.
That means they have to deal with things like bookkeeping, maintaining staff,
collecting payments from customers and advertising.
Locksmiths may specialize in home security, lock repair or vehicle locksmithing.
Locksmiths usually work alone and often travel to different locations to
do their work. If you like to go about your work independently, locksmithing
might be a good choice for you.
It's also a good choice for you if you're mechanically inclined.
"Locksmithing has challenges which appeal to people with good mechanical
aptitudes and good spatial, or three-dimensional, mental imagery. It also
has the intrigue of working puzzles," says Henry Schaffer, a locksmith in
North Carolina.
According to experts, locksmithing is a job with lots of variety. General
locksmiths can find themselves meeting new people all day and working on problems
ranging from helping someone who's lost the keys to their car to installing
locks on a brand-new building or repairing locks after a burglary.
"There really are no typical days for me, because every day is different
in one form or another," says Kelly Baily, a locksmith in Austin, Texas, who
says she often works more than 40 hours a week to keep up with the demand.
Locksmiths say the job can involve lots of standing, kneeling, bending
and lifting. Anyone interested in this job must be reasonably agile, able
to stand for fairly lengthy periods of time and able to lift at least 30 pounds.
Competition for standard locksmithing jobs is brisk. Experts say the new
breed of locksmith will need more electronics knowledge to compete in the
high-tech world of home security.
"Electronic equipment is increasing in importance and this takes more study
to learn [more] than just the typical mechanical techniques. I think locksmiths
will have to have a broader view of security in addition to traditional locks,"
says Schaffer.
Above all, locksmiths have to be honest. They possess skills that allow
them to gain access to people's homes and vehicles. This responsibility must
be taken seriously.
"It's an important job and people trust you with their security. You can't
take that lightly," says Schaffer.