A locksmith is licensed person who makes, repairs, and designs locks for residential, commercial, and automotive use. Locksmiths are also known as carpenters or car clerks, but they don't need to be able to build or open a lock. People who work in the locksmith business have a bachelor's degree or higher. Locksmiths are also required to be licensed in some states.
To become a locksmith, you must first earn a high school diploma or GED (General Equivalent Diploma) and then work as an apprentice for two years. Apprenticeship lasts two years and can extend to three years with the help of the state board. To be licensed in most states, you must first complete a four-year degree program. You will study computer technology, chemistry, mechanical engineering, home repair, and commercial locksmithing. You will learn about security issues, locks, key cutting devices, key making. Lock countermeasures, cutting tools, and more are also part of the training. Every city or town with a population of more than 500,000 people usually has a locksmithing shop.
Before he/she can practice, a locksmith must be licensed in all states. Most states don't license locksmiths unless they have completed an apprenticeship program. After that they have to pass a test based on their state's rules. Passing a background check is also required in some states. Some states allow people with a GED and a bachelor's degree to open their own locksmith shops, while others require experience-based licenses. In some states, locksmiths are required to be insured, bonded, or insured against theft, loss, or damage to property. Some states, such as California, even require locksmiths to have a state license, but licenses are not required in the rest of the country.
The first thing you should do when looking for a locksmith to repair your locks or install new locks is to get some references. Inquire with friends or business, or home owners you know if they can recommend someone. You might be able to find reputable locksmiths by asking neighbors, friends, and coworkers, for recommendations. If you have many valuables at home, it may be safer to use a business that provides both services rather than a single locksmith who specializes in one type of work. If you hire a locksmith to repair your home or vehicle locks, the locksmith must be able to remove old deadbolt locks and rekey all your home's locks. A good locksmith should also be able to replace any locks that have been lost or stolen.
A professional locksmith should also be able to repair or replace any broken locks in your home or office. This includes removing the key that opens your garage door and storing it somewhere else so you don't lock yourself out again.
Professional locksmiths can rekey deadbolt locks to make them more resistant to forced entry. Besides to having the tools to rekey a home lock or office, a professional locksmith should be able to replace locks made of heavy materials. Materials like deadbolts, which can be difficult to open. A professional locksmith may be able to provide you with emergency services. Emergency services like removing intruders from a home or business who have got access through the use of a fake key.
When you hire a locksmith to assist you with your needs, make sure the locksmith charges a flat rate rather than an hourly rate. Most locksmiths now provide free estimates on new keys/remotes so you will know the total cost of the job ahead of time. Some locksmiths charge a flat fee for flat time, such as a day or a week, while others charge an hourly rate. If you already have a good relationship with a local locksmith, request an estimate to find out how much the locksmith will charge for his services. You can get this information from local locksmiths by asking them. Or you can check the local consumer affairs office where you would have your locks checked.
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