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.
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.