Posts Tagged ‘Locksmith Trade’

The Locksmith Trade

Sunday, August 15th, 2010

The locksmith trade has been around for a very long time. In fact, the art of making locks is the earliest recorded practice of security engineering. Quite fittingly, however, the earliest form of security subversion is lock picking, hence the progressive need for quality manufacturers throughout the years. Obviously, this art form has come a long way over the centuries and a professional smith in modern times not only develops locks, but also understands how to destabilize them and rebuild them as well.

Most people have used or will use a locksmith at some point in their life. Some people might lock themselves out of their car or home. Others might need to replace a lock that has been compromised from a theft, an attempted theft or from vandalism. While these are probably the most common ways that people have utilized these services, you could also call one if you want to change the lock on your front door. This is common when relationships go sour but people also do this when they want to add security to their home. Perhaps they want to protect their family or they have particular belongings that need extra security.

The most interesting fact about the locksmith trade, though, might be that it is indeed a professional industrial trade. Much like in the plumbing, electrical, or carpentry fields, someone who makes their living developing, manufacturing, repairing, or installing locks usually must be certified. There are classes available to aid in preparing for the certification test, but they are not required. When you hire a certified professional, you will know that they have the most up-to-date information regarding the trade. Typically, you can also trust they will provide a high quality of service that is worth the price that they charge regardless of whether they work for a security company or own their own business.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace

The Tools of the Locksmith Trade

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

“Locksmithing” is a profession that dates back to ancient Egypt and the original pin tumbler design is still used today. While the original pin tumbler lock was likely made of wood, it still involved metal pins that were probably made of bronze or iron. Of course, there are many more kinds of locks these days, each of which were designed to serve a different purpose. Obviously, the original pin tumbler locks have evolved to be more secure, but still utilize the same metallic components as their 4,000 year old ancestors. The very first lock patent was for a pin tumbler lock and was filed by American locksmith A.O. Stansbury.

There are several other kinds of locks with which locksmiths are familiar. The wafer-tumbler lock, for example, is perhaps the second most common type of lock in America; probably because they are relatively inexpensive. Lever locks are probably the most popular style used in safes, but they are also used to secure doors in some countries. Each of these lock styles typically require a key to open them. Of course, there are also many different types of combination locks, which only require that you input the right combination of numerical dial turns in order to open them.

Locksmiths not only know how to develop each style of lock, but also how to manipulate their mechanisms in order to open them without the proper key. They know how to use pins or other metal tools to influence the apparatus inside as though it were the key. In some cases, they might use a Slim Jim instead to jam open the lock instead of try to work the tumblers, which can take a while. Of course, many locksmiths also work in key making, so they can also fashion replacements or key substitutes in particular emergencies.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace