Many people wonder what a locksmith does because it is an ever changing world and the locksmith has to change with it. Originally a locksmith would work for hours cutting screws and doing file-work. Then mass production began and the locksmith role changed into repairing locks or swapping parts out. Even safes and strongboxes were made by the locksmith until recently because it was cheaper than the mass production models but that is not true anymore. Large vaults are the only ones still custom built at a great cost because it removes the risk of a copy being obtained and defeated.
The locksmith today replaces lost keys for homes and automobiles, installing higher quality lock key sets and implementing, designing, and managing of key control systems and keying. They also do electronic lock servicing, make transponder keys, and access control systems implementation. The locksmith finds the level of risk and then creates a plan using security layers to keep the customer safe from intrusion.
The locksmith today can take on several different roles and some specialize in certain areas. They can be mobile, commercial, and institutional or they may specialize in being an automotive lock specialist, safe technician, or master key system specialist. Locksmiths also act as security consultants and can have certifications from locksmith associations or from a manufacturer and these are more important than certificates of course completions.
Most locksmiths today handle lock problems, install security systems, provide safes, and do all the basic locksmith things that are associated with the name locksmith. They make keys, install safes, and change existing door hardware. It only makes sense that the locksmith would have to change with the needs of the customer to keep their business active. The locksmith must continue to constantly train because the technology continues to change at a fast pace.