The Skills to Be a Successful Locksmith – Tips From Trading Locksmiths
If you’re interested in becoming a locksmith, chances are that you’re curious about what it takes to be the best and most successful locksmith.
The mini guide is based on tips from trade locksmiths and will help you understand the skills and knowledge required to become a successful locksmith. The first skill that you need to become a locksmith is
Patience: Not every lock is created equal
- Our most frequent response from our locksmiths is patience.
- As a locksmith you will open locks.
- Different manufacturer tolerances can mean that the tension applied to one lock may not be applicable to the next.
- You will need to have lots of patience to learn, fail, practice again, be successful, and handle any challenges customers throw at you
Plan ahead to save time
Locksmiths are expected to have a forward-planning ability. Make sure you know what you are working with and double-check measurements when fitting.
Eyan of Rapid-Locksmiths was one example. He was called to open a Milner safe. Eyan had all the measurements needed for a Milner Lock. However, when he opened the lock, he found a triple-control lock. This lock uses three keys.
There are many locksmith skills available
To distinguish themselves from their competition, locksmiths have the ability to open safes, cut keys ( helpful for old keys), unlock locked cars, and fix security grilles and gates.
We recommend that you learn as many locksmithing areas as possible. It will help you to stand out from the rest and provide you with more confidence for future jobs.
Learn how to cut keys = A good understanding of locks
It is also worth learning about key cutting and key blanks to gain a better understanding for the locks you will be dealing with.
- With examples, think outside of the box
- This was a common answer from our locksmiths.
- To succeed, you must be a highly skilled engineer who can think outside of the box. There’s always more to a problem than one solution.
- There is always more than one solution to any lockout or failure.
Examples of Thinking outside the Box as a Locksmith
Example 1 – Don’t let anyone get stuck outside because the front door has a broken gearbox. If possible, gain access through the backdoor to allow the client to return inside their home.
You can be there with the client, so you’re back at your home.
Instance 2. You don’t have to panic if you find a key stuck in a lock. The broken key might not be possible to get out immediately. You can open the door and remove the lock.
Locked out, but customer still happy.
Build Your Own Tools
A locksmith who is skilled and adaptable doesn’t necessarily require expensive tools, but can still adapt.
MLA tutors also teach locksmiths how make their own lock opening tools in our level 1 course.
Accurate Advice (on Lock Standards ).
- To give the right advice for securing a family’s business or home, you must also take responsibility.
- Locksmithing is a constantly changing industry that requires you to be up-to-date with current standards.
- Things can change at any moment.
Are you able to set up your own business?
Locksmithing does not require you to be able to open doors.
You can become a self-employed locksmith, which is what many people do. However, you will need to have the knowledge and skills necessary to establish a small business.
- Step 1. Let HMRC be aware that you are self-employed
- Step 2 Find Public Liability Insurance Cover
- Step 3. Pick a name and a logo for your company.
- Step4 Make a website. Include your SEO and social media links.
- 5. Create a business bank account
- Step 6. Be compliant. Step 6: Get compliant, i.e. health and safety, licensing, data security
- 7. Book-keeping System. Keep track of all sales.
You can adapt your lifestyle to meet the needs of your business
Locksmithing can be a lifestyle and not a job. Because you’ll need to adapt your lifestyle to your business, locksmithing will be a lifelong endeavor.
Being a 24 hour emergency service provider means that you must be available to respond at all times. This will mean you need to be able to work in all weathers, and you have to be flexible.
Invest Time in Learning
Put in the effort to improve your skills. Be ready to spend money on stock, advertising, fuel and insurances.
- Participating in Regional Meetings organized by the MLA is a great way of getting free training seminars offered by members.
- Manufacturers also offer training courses that are free and geared towards trading locksmiths.
Communication is key – Can you communicate well with people?
- Another complaint customers have about workmen is the lack communication.
- It can be difficult to explain your work and why it is important. Being able to communicate at all levels is a great advantage when looking for work.
- High-strung customers can be defused by good communication. They may believe that the world is ending, and they cannot get into their homes after coming home from work.
Problem Solving
Many issues will arise when you are operating a 24 Hour Locksmith Service.
While you might not always be able answer a problem or solve a situation, you will still need to be able and willing to think outside the box to come up with a solution.
Scenario Example
Real life locksmith work would be if a uPVC lock broke after it was installed 2 years ago. This is probably because the door has been damaged prematurely.
Although you can fix the malfunctioning mechanism, the customer will also ask you to modify the door in order to address the original problem.
Thick skin
Locksmiths meet many different customers. Being able to interact with many friendly and interesting people is a great part of your job. People often show genuine appreciation when they complete a job.
On the other hand, you will always encounter customers who are desperate to lower your price. Many of these customers own large properties. Some customers are rude or difficult. It is important to remain cool and accept the imperfections.
The job of running a locksmith business is not for someone who is oversensitive or has a short fuse.
Martin Slane of IKS Locksmiths is a keen blogger about locksmithing. He writes about his experiences as a Locksmith in his diary of a Locksmith.
You can read his post on customers feeling they should spend less for a locksmith job.
He recalls that a lady said to him, “My Husband Doesn’t Even Get Paid That Much!” This is a warning not to allow these types of situations to get to you. It could be a lack on the part the customer of understanding.
- This article attempts to alleviate that confusion by explaining the situation through the locksmith’s eyes.
- It is important to explain your position calmly, respectfully, and in a professional manner.
Martin believes that price is the most important thing. There is a chance that you will regret accepting the job offer if you let yourself be pressured into lowering the price. A low profit margin and a unreasonable customer are not good for job satisfaction.
