What to look for in a Good Locksmith

Before the search for 'good locksmith' let us cue you first about 'security layers'. You will know the relevance as you read along. Read on.

Security Layers. In terms of physical security, a locksmith's work frequently, and more importantly, involves making a determination of the level of risk to an individual or institution.

It is followed by recommendation and implementation of appropriate combinations of policies and equipment to create "security layers" which exceed the reasonable gain to an intruder or attacker - the more different security layers are implemented, the more the requirement for additional skills and knowledge and tools to rout intrusions.

However, each security layer comes at an expense to the customer, and so the application of appropriate levels - without exceeding reasonable costs to the customer - is often very important and requires a skilled and knowledgeable locksmith to determine. Now on to Your Good Locksmith.

Finding the best locksmith

Locksmiths are practitioners in the lock trade. As such, a degree of professionalism is expected of them. Locksmiths are frequently certified in specific skill areas or to a level of skill within the trade separate from certificates of completion of training courses.

You can determine the skill levels of a locksmith by inquiring about certifications from manufacturers or locksmith associations. Any or both are usually more valid criteria than certificates of completion.

Locks can provide much higher levels of security when combined with secure containers, or document destruction systems, or electronic access or alarm systems. Some locksmiths possess these skills, while others having these specialties form business relationships with companies or individuals.

Classification of Locksmiths:

• Commercial - working out of a storefront
• Mobile - working out of a vehicle
• Institutional - employed by an institution
• Investigational - forensic locksmiths

Specializations of Locksmiths:

• automotive lock specialist
• master key system specialist
• safe technician

Your "basic" Locksmith

Central to the task of locksmiths is the fitting of keys to replace lost keys to homes and automobiles and the changing of keys for homes and businesses to maintain security. However, locksmiths today are largely involved in recommendation, installation and consultation services covering higher quality locksets and the design, implementation and management of keying and key control systems.

Most locksmiths are also involved in the application of access control systems protecting individuals and assets for many large institutions. There are some who do electronic lock servicing, such as making keys for transponder-equipped vehicles.

Your "Master Locksmith"

Some locksmiths decide to call themselves "Master Locksmiths" whether they are fully trained or not, and some training certificates appear quite authoritative. Be careful to make sure the locksmith is a member of the Master Locksmiths Association of Australia.

Professional locksmiths are also employed as security consultants, although not every security consultant has the skills and knowledge of a locksmith.