Locksmith
Locksmithing: A Time Honored Trade
In this, the digital age, where many are finding their hand craft threaten by the computerization of Earth, our need for the locksmith is ever prevalent. It seems that even though our car keys have changed, we’re less prone to switch to digital keys for our homes. I see the reluctance as a good thing. I’m an architectural purest. I don’t believe I’m the only one. I believe that hardware should be correct in a period sense of the word. For that reason, I believe the residential locksmith will always be called upon to make corrections to hardware whenever a home changes hands or becomes due for a face lift or much needed restoration.
For the reasons I believe that qualified residential locksmiths will always enjoy demand for their trade, I share the same sentiment for automotive locksmiths. With a strong market for vintage cars and auto enthusiasts everywhere watching restoration reality shows, demand for talented automotive locksmiths can only grow. These are reassuring times for those that are good with their hands and depend on others’ appreciation for their craft. Some crafters can’t enjoy such job security. Demand or even understanding of some artisans’ skill sets are fading, while others are experiencing a renaissance. This is certainly true for good automotive locksmiths.
Computers only do what people tell them to do. We have yet to arrive at an age where it’s cost effective to employ a machine to assess what’s needed to rekey someone’s residence, or even their vintage car. I do believe, however, that in order for a locksmith to remain competitive in business, he should be at least somewhat mobile. Even locksmiths have been affected by the digital age in this respect. People are so used to immediate gratification, even when it comes to getting into their restored Aston Martin when they’ve locked their keys in the car. A competitive, automotive locksmith, operating in any major city, would likely have the ability to show up promptly to a parking lot on demand.
It’s also important today to be among the top posters in any Google search. Not even being on the first page in a computer search can mean certain death to a business. All too often, the brick and mortar boys are threatened by lack of an internet presence and there are still those out there, to whom this is completely foreign. It’s a shame, too, since it is in no way indicative of talent or trade skill. It’s only indicative of being from the old school. It’s no longer as important to simply be listed in the yellow pages. It would seem today that if your little shop is not on Google Earth, it’s not on Earth. Luckily, some of us are determined to keep these guys going as long as they draw breath. Word of mouth, also, is as effective as ever. So should you happen to know of a skilled craftsman, who attends the old school, don’t hesitate to drop by and say hello, shake a hand, grab some cards and even offer your patronage. We need all the help we can get in the still tangible world.
Emergency Locksmith
What You Should Expect When Calling An Emergency Locksmith
When it comes to everything in life it helps to hope for the best and plan for the worst. That way, in case the worst case scenario happens, you will have a way of dealing with it. A good example of this concerns locksmiths. We try not to lose our keys or lock our keys in our vehicle. However, it is bound to happen. By having your emergency locksmith information researched and available, you can quickly and effectively solve an otherwise challenging dilemma. Lets take a moment to discuss what you should expect when calling an emergency locksmith and how you can prepare for this ahead of time.
Use A Certified Locksmith
When searching around for a locksmith, be sure that the person you choose is certified. Some locksmiths out there will attempt to profit from your emergency by charging more for their service. Those who are certified are significantly less likely to try and take advantage of you by charging more. Along with ensuring their credentials, be sure that your emergency locksmith service comes with 24-7 service. Though it may cost more, you never know when you will need their services and this can be very helpful in your future.
Inform Them Of The Nature Of Your Emergency
When calling, the best thing you can do is to provide as many details as possible about your location and the nature of your problem. The more time it takes an emergency locksmith to find you, the longer you will have to wait. In addition, if the locksmith has to go back to their office to find the right tool then you are losing out on time that could otherwise be spent moving past this.
Provide Specific Details
Say your emergency involves getting documents out of a safe. You may need to send these documents in the mail today. Let the locksmith know of the deadline as well as any details regarding the safe you are using. You may be asked a series of questions and the more carefully you respond the quicker the overall process will go.
Automotive Locksmiths and Quick Reaction Time
Some companies or businesses keep locksmiths mobile to quickly respond to the needs of their customers. Check to see if your locksmith company or person does this as it may dramatically speed up how quickly you are helped.
Locate an insured locksmith
Protect yourself! Make sure that the locksmith that you hiring is insured. An insured locksmith will be covered if anything should go wrong. Have confidence and peace of mind hiring an emergency locksmith that is insured. – A must when hiring a local locksmith!
Locks
Your Guide To 5 Types Of Padlocks
Obviously, you understand that padlocks represent a formidable type of security measure. Padlocks are designed to protect a wide variety of interests. The overall concept of the padlock has been a staple of the security world for a very long time indeed. With a little basic research, you will find that padlocks definitely deserve the reputation they currently enjoy.
As you look into padlocks, you are going to discover something very interesting: There are far more types of padlocks that are currently on the market than you probably ever suspected.
If you are interested in padlocks, but you really don’t know which type is the right one for you, relax. Let’s take a look at five popular types of padlocks. All of these are well worth researching. At least one of them should serve to match up to the kind of security measure you are looking for.
Five Types Of Padlocks are as fascinating as they are secure.
When it comes to padlocks, you are going to discover something that is very interesting: You will find that although all padlocks are essentially designed to do the same thing (protect your property and valuables), different padlocks bring different features to the table. Learn more about the different features of padlocks, in order to find something that is right for you.
Here is a quick overview of 5 types of padlocks:
• The closed shackle padlock: This type of padlock is becoming increasingly popular with time, and it is not hard to see why that is the case. The main component to this padlock type that you are going to want to pay attention to is the fact that shackle, a part of the padlock that is normally exposed, is no longer easily accessible. That makes it particularly difficult for someone to break the padlock with a saw or with bolt cutters.
• The straight shackle padlock: These padlocks are often used to secure roller-shutter doors, but that is most certainly not their only function.
• The discus/round padlock: You will want to note that this type of padlock is circular in appearance, and features a curved shackle that covers the whole of the lock itself.
• The long shackle padlock: This type of padlock is interesting for the way it emphasizes the appearance and strength of the padlock as most people understand a padlock.
• Combination/coded padlocks: You will note that the combination/coded padlock is obviously a keyless alternative to the other types of padlocks that are currently available to homeowners and business owners.
If you are like me then padlocks fascinate you. As a locksmith for over 3 decades I have a collection of over 100 different kinds of padlocks. From old padlocks to the modern padlocks of today, I love padlocks!
Locksmith
Why You Should Always Hire a Bonded, Licensed or Insured Locksmith?
Not all locksmiths are created equal! If you are thinking about hiring a locksmith you need to first learn a little bit about what to look for in a professional locksmith.
Bonded Locksmith: A Bonded Locksmith is one who gets bonded by paying a nominal fee to a bonding company such as the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA). There are other major organizations, besides ALOA, that offer bonding to their members as well. What happens is, after the locksmith pays the fee, the bonding company does a detailed background check on him. The locksmith is bonded only after he passes the background check. On getting bonded, the bonding company guarantees the payment of a certain amount of money to the locksmith in the event of an accident at work, besides working to repair the situation. Bonding is similar to an insurance cover that only protects the locksmith, but also his clients.
Licensed Locksmith: A licensed locksmith will have undergone a detailed background check from federal government agencies such as the FBI who will have collected his identification details such as fingerprints, as well as his biometric data. The locksmith files the necessary paperwork with the government agencies, and will be offered a license after a detailed background check. The government ensures that any locksmith offered a license by them has no prior criminal record of any sort. This way, when you hire a licensed bonded locksmith you can be sure that you are hiring a legitimate professional.
Insured Locksmith: The insurance offered to locksmiths is similar in concept to car insurance. An insured locksmith is one who will have bought professional liability insurance from an insurance provider. The insurance protects the locksmith as well as his clients in the event of an accidental loss to property or an injury.
Why is it so important to hire a professional locksmith who is licensed, bonded or insured? In many states in the United States, there is a law that all professional locksmiths must be licensed. So if locksmiths are not licensed in these states, such as California, for example, they are in violation of law.
Even in states where it is not mandatory for a professional locksmith to be licensed, you should always hire one with proper licenses and insurance cover. This is so because almost all experienced locksmiths, who are truly serious about their job, are licensed, bonded and insured.
It is only non-serious amateurs, who are in the profession only to make a quick buck, and really have no experience or training of any sort, and are only equipped with a cursory knowledge of locks and security systems who lack a professional locksmith’s license. You should be very careful about such individuals, and you cannot trust them, for obvious reasons. Look for a certified locksmith.
Always ask a professional locksmith if he has the adequate licenses or insurance before you allow him to work on your locks. Be sure to conduct your own background checks as well by searching for locksmith license information online. You should be very careful while hiring a locksmith as the safety of your family and property depends on it.
So, do the right thing and always hire a licensed locksmith – never make a compromise on this. A licensed locksmith is a legitimate professional who can be trusted by you. He can be trusted with your locks, security systems and safes and vaults. This way, you’ll have nothing to worry about.