Working as a self employed locksmith brings new challenges every day.
Seldom are two jobs the same and there are always head scratching moments when encountering a new lock problem.
Most of a locksmith's knowledge is gained through solving these problems and discovering new techniques to make life easier next time around.
Here are five random tips & tricks I have discovered over the years that may be of benefit to you and your locksmith business:
1/ Drilling into a lever pack
When drilling a lock case lever pack side, you can prevent the tip of the drill burring up the levers by using a flat tipped drill bit for the final penetration. Bending or damaging that front lever can cause a world of pain so a quick swap of the drill bits is well worth practicing!
2/ Planning ahead
Before setting out on your lockout job, quickly log into Google Maps and find the address then take a closer look at the door. This helps in recognising the property which may be harder to spot on a dark night but also lets you take a good guess at the types of lock to expect. Its surprising how many customers describe something completely different on the phone.
3/ Check all doors and windows
When attending a lock out you should weigh up all your options before commencing work, particularly destructive openings. Occasionally there are other doors and windows already unlocked that are overlooked by the panicking customer and the majority of the time the alternative doors have weaker security or keys still inside the lock. Why fight against the heavily secured main door?
4/ Mortice keys that just spin 360 degrees
A common problem with lever deadlocks is the curtain or bolt tail breaking off through excessive force and the main symptom would be a key spinning all the way without unlocking the door. Since you have the key to hand you can insert and turn to 180 degrees to align the levers with the bolt stump. Access the bolt with a tidy hole or through the door-frame gap to manually inch the bolt open.
5/ Millenco uPVC mechanisms (submitted by Locksmith Walsall)
When changing a cylinder on a Millenco mechanism in a upvc door, always remember to use the smaller retaining screw and never the new one supplied with the cylinder. A screw that is too long will enter too far into the lock case and prevent parts from moving, worst case scenario results in a bent mechanism! A costly mistake that you don't want to make.
Five completely random tips for locksmiths. I hope to share some more in the future.
Mike: Huddersfield Locksmiths
Thursday, 4 April 2013
Monday, 18 March 2013
Locksmiths Letterbox Tool | Locksmith Blog
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| Sidewinder lock tool |
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| opening a thumbturn cylinder |
The sidewinder is basically an add on for the souber letterbox tool that can be fixed to the end and used to manipulate thumbturns, bunches of keys and nightlatches with knobs.
The way in which this tool delivers a direct turning force to the target is the secret to its success and after my first few uses was left smiling with satisfaction at the ease in which it helped me gain entry.
This tool is a MUST HAVE for any warrant locksmith and in fact all locksmiths! Im not quite sure how i ever managed without one.
And it doesn't stop there folks!
Simon has also developed a further attachment which when combined with the Sidewinder can also defeat letterbox guards which are now commonplace on local housing properties.
Testimonials:
Rick - Walsall Locksmiths
The new sidewinder attachment is a fantastic tool and already saving me a fortune in carbide drills.
Possibly the greatest tool since the snapper bar.
Mike -
Combined with the rattler tool this is superior to any other letterbox tool to date. Payed for itself in a single job.
Thursday, 21 February 2013
Running a Successful Locksmith Business | Locksmith Blog
With hundreds of new locksmiths training across the country every week its no surprise that the bread and butter work is thinning out somewhat.
Although the majority of new locksmiths never make it past the six month mark there are a few that work hard to get established.
Im often asked what the keys to running a successful locksmith business are?
In my case; a lot of marketing, a pinch of luck and having some good contacts already established in the locksmith industry.
If i had my time again though I would certainly focus on these key points:
1/ Be available
If you are to compete in the emergency locksmith field you need to be available almost all of the time, don't advertise 24 hour if you can't honour it. If you find yourself turning down as much work as you are doing due to other commitments then this may not be the best career choice.
2/ Never arrive late
Nobody wants to be hanging around waiting for you, make sure you can show up when you are supposed to, ideally get there early! Not only does it show you are a keen professional but also gives you the opportunity to have a quick look at what you are up against and to relax a little.
I have so many customers moan to me about how the previous locksmith they called failed to show up on time and tried to keep them waiting further... usually the national locksmith chains!
3/ Keep enough stock
Ensure you have enough stock to complete the work there and then. You should be stocking a large range of euro cylinders in all sizes and finishes, all sizes of sash and deadlocks, ideally a range of brands to save any carpentry work and all the common upvc mechs to eliminate the need for another appointment.
It is almost impossible to keep everything on board your van and you will no doubt encounter new and unusual locks on your travels but lacking the basics listed above would be unprofessional.
4/ Avoid shiny tool syndrome
It is tempting to buy all the latest tools and gadgets when starting up, however a lot is not essential and can be purchased further down the line as your budget allows and your business grows.
I have seen a lot of locksmiths jump straight in and buy thousands of pounds worth of decoders that then sit on the van gathering dust. Unless you intend to go straight into warrant work they won't be earning their keep and you could make better use of a good curtain pick at a fraction of the cost.
5/ Be wary of national contractors
You may decide to work on behalf of a national locksmith company or franchise in your earlier years.
Although best avoided altogether they can be a good way to gain experience and steal away some local customers.
Know when its time to ditch them! Once they start messing you around with pay (which they will) tell them to stick it. Afterall these guys are taking work in your area and then sending you anyway at your expense.
Although the majority of new locksmiths never make it past the six month mark there are a few that work hard to get established.
Im often asked what the keys to running a successful locksmith business are?
In my case; a lot of marketing, a pinch of luck and having some good contacts already established in the locksmith industry.
If i had my time again though I would certainly focus on these key points:
1/ Be available
If you are to compete in the emergency locksmith field you need to be available almost all of the time, don't advertise 24 hour if you can't honour it. If you find yourself turning down as much work as you are doing due to other commitments then this may not be the best career choice.
2/ Never arrive late
Nobody wants to be hanging around waiting for you, make sure you can show up when you are supposed to, ideally get there early! Not only does it show you are a keen professional but also gives you the opportunity to have a quick look at what you are up against and to relax a little.
I have so many customers moan to me about how the previous locksmith they called failed to show up on time and tried to keep them waiting further... usually the national locksmith chains!
3/ Keep enough stock
Ensure you have enough stock to complete the work there and then. You should be stocking a large range of euro cylinders in all sizes and finishes, all sizes of sash and deadlocks, ideally a range of brands to save any carpentry work and all the common upvc mechs to eliminate the need for another appointment.
It is almost impossible to keep everything on board your van and you will no doubt encounter new and unusual locks on your travels but lacking the basics listed above would be unprofessional.
4/ Avoid shiny tool syndrome
It is tempting to buy all the latest tools and gadgets when starting up, however a lot is not essential and can be purchased further down the line as your budget allows and your business grows.
I have seen a lot of locksmiths jump straight in and buy thousands of pounds worth of decoders that then sit on the van gathering dust. Unless you intend to go straight into warrant work they won't be earning their keep and you could make better use of a good curtain pick at a fraction of the cost.
5/ Be wary of national contractors
You may decide to work on behalf of a national locksmith company or franchise in your earlier years.
Although best avoided altogether they can be a good way to gain experience and steal away some local customers.
Know when its time to ditch them! Once they start messing you around with pay (which they will) tell them to stick it. Afterall these guys are taking work in your area and then sending you anyway at your expense.
Tuesday, 12 February 2013
Locksmiths vs handymen | Locksmith Blog
Iv been the second/third locksmith to be called to a job lately in which a chancer (one of which works for a national locksmith franchise...) has turned up and walked away without even trying to help.
Today for example; a guy had got the wrong key stuck in his deadlock. The first locksmith shrugged and left the customer stuck in his own house without attempting to remove the key.
I took the handle off and forced the curtainwheel around in about 10 seconds...
No damage to the lock and the correct key worked perfectly no need to change the lock.
It seems most are now chasing the easy jobs and can't be bothered to have a crack at the real work which to be honest i find more enjoyable.
I guess its the nitty gritty jobs that separate the real locksmiths from the handymen and will undoubtedly lead to their business failing.
Today for example; a guy had got the wrong key stuck in his deadlock. The first locksmith shrugged and left the customer stuck in his own house without attempting to remove the key.
I took the handle off and forced the curtainwheel around in about 10 seconds...
No damage to the lock and the correct key worked perfectly no need to change the lock.
It seems most are now chasing the easy jobs and can't be bothered to have a crack at the real work which to be honest i find more enjoyable.
I guess its the nitty gritty jobs that separate the real locksmiths from the handymen and will undoubtedly lead to their business failing.
Monday, 7 January 2013
Most secure Lock | Locks too secure? | Locksmith Blog
I recently read an article written by Ricks Locksmith in Wolverhampton and how the local housing association managing that area have stopped fitting high security locks to the doors they service.
This was due to the carpenters and handmen responsible for the out of hours service for lock outs and lock changes not being able to open them sufficiently.
What used to be simple lock jobs were now drawn out battles with what sound like very secure doors with all the optional extras.
The question was asked on their blog: Can a door be too secure?
I recently attended a job where an elderly woman was locked out in Sheffield from her apartment on the third floor of the building due to someone messing with her lock.
She had recently purchased a new secured by design door with letterbox guard, anti-snap cylinder made by Yale and secured by design door handles.
The lock seemed to have had something pushed inside it but i was unable to fish anything out of the lock.
Can a door be too secure?
In this scenario.. YES!
What followed was pretty much professional lock butchering, removing the handles and drilling the cylinder was tough work, much tougher than it needs to be!
Its great to see locks evolving to be more secure with new designs to combat the latest flaws in security, however it might be time for a rethink to make these locks more managable for professionals with the correct tools as opposed to manufacturing invincible door setups that keep everyone out.
Thanks for reading
Locksmith Sheffield | 07917-421-482
This was due to the carpenters and handmen responsible for the out of hours service for lock outs and lock changes not being able to open them sufficiently.
What used to be simple lock jobs were now drawn out battles with what sound like very secure doors with all the optional extras.
The question was asked on their blog: Can a door be too secure?
I recently attended a job where an elderly woman was locked out in Sheffield from her apartment on the third floor of the building due to someone messing with her lock.
She had recently purchased a new secured by design door with letterbox guard, anti-snap cylinder made by Yale and secured by design door handles.
The lock seemed to have had something pushed inside it but i was unable to fish anything out of the lock.
Can a door be too secure?
In this scenario.. YES!
What followed was pretty much professional lock butchering, removing the handles and drilling the cylinder was tough work, much tougher than it needs to be!
Its great to see locks evolving to be more secure with new designs to combat the latest flaws in security, however it might be time for a rethink to make these locks more managable for professionals with the correct tools as opposed to manufacturing invincible door setups that keep everyone out.
Thanks for reading
Locksmith Sheffield | 07917-421-482
Sunday, 30 December 2012
National locksmith companies and content theft | Locksmith Blog
I for one work hard to take original photos and write new content for my websites and locksmith blogs.
However in recent weeks iv noticed a lot of my images getting ripped off and used on other locksmith sites.
Ok you expect this to a certain degree its the price you pay for popularity on the web, however it really begins to P me off when rival locksmith companies, particularly national advertisers use images of me opening locks and working.
This is both a breach of UK copyright laws and im sure some form of human rights laws.
Firstly; I do not wish to be associated with a rogue poor performing national locksmith company that rips off its customers.
Secondly; no credit is ever given for the use of your image or content and you will never benefit from it in the way of extra exposure or locksmith work.
In fact this content theft can be harmful to your own locksmith website as Google penalises duplicate content and can sometimes leave the offenders locksmith website ranking above you in the SERPS!
A good tool to detect content theft is here at copyscape
So if you do spot this kind of content theft from your own sites you must act!
Firstly contact the locksmith company directly, usually they have no knowledge of the theft of content as its usually left to an independant web designer.
If they cannot get the content removed or at least link back to you in some form for the use of your work then it is worth threatening legal action to remove the content from the locksmiths website.
I'v found that a lot of these locksmith companies are incredibly difficult to contact as they usually only display a premium rate number and no working email address or physical address.
All the more reason to support the NO to nationals campaign over at http://www.locksmith-directory.org.uk and make sure these crooked locksmith companies die off as quickly as they spring up.
Wednesday, 12 December 2012
Cold Weather lock problems | Locksmith Blog
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| pss locksmiths in sheffield |
During the colder months we locksmiths are going to be seeing an increase in multipoint lock failures.
upvc and composite doors are prone to shrinking in the colder climate and will often stiffen up during the winter season.
If your door starts to show resistance on the handle when pushing upwards usually accompanies by some sort of crunching sound you should get your door adjusted as soon as you can.
Repeated stress on the locks gears will undoubtedly lead to failure, usually at the most inconvenent of times in my experience with patio door repairs.
Adjustment is usually a quick job for a skilled locksmith who will tweak the hinges and keeps to ensure the lock is meshing smoothly with the frame.
It is part and parcel of owning a plastic door and will usually need readjusting in the summer months when things heat up a little.
Here is another good article on door repairs written by Rickthepick.
Have a merry Xmas and a happy new year.
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