Working in the locksmithing industry for over 20 years, and training aspiring locksmiths in this time too, means we’ve heard all the myths and misconceptions about the profession in our time.
Every profession and industry will have its own stereotypes associated with it. Unfortunately, these misconceptions can lead to negative effects for those who choose to join the profession. For example, people might underestimate the importance of the trade, negate the skills involved in being a locksmith or even avoid using a locksmith altogether because of a wrongly formed opinion…
So, we’re here to debunk some of the common locksmithing myths we’ve come across in our time and shed a more accurate light on the profession we’re passionate about!
Unfortunately in recent years, the number of locksmith scams and cowboy locksmiths has increased pretty significantly. Unqualified people with no skills or training advertising themselves as professional locksmiths have led to a harmful stereotype emerging that locksmiths are shady characters who will rip you off or rob you.
The idea that locksmiths are untrustworthy characters that will take advantage of their customers couldn’t be further from the truth! Real, accredited locksmiths are honest, hard-working individuals who are committed to helping people in need.
Here at MPL, all members of our small team undergo extensive and regular training as well as background checks to ensure that we’re fully accredited and trustworthy.
Most locksmiths offer emergency services, working around the clock to provide help to those in need. People regularly need locksmiths in emergency situations, for example, they’ve locked themselves out of their car or their home and need to gain access ASAP or they’ve been burgled and require assistance urgently.
Because locksmiths do offer these services, people wrongly assume that this is all we do and that we’re only needed in emergency situations. Whereas, in reality, we offer a wide range of services beyond the scope of emergency lockouts!
We’re on hand to help with installing new locks, changing locks when you move, or repairing damaged locks, as well as offering home security checks, upgrades and installations to protect your property.
If people have been stung by locksmith scams in the past or have been overcharged for locksmith services by a cowboy locksmith, there’s no surprise that they have this idea in their minds.
In reality, most locksmith businesses offer competitive pricing for their customers and will only recommend services that are absolutely necessary.
Here at Wakefield Lock & Key, we’re passionate about maintaining competitive prices and making locksmith services affordable for residents and businesses across Wakefield and surrounding areas.
We know that our customers are usually in stressful circumstances when they contact us, and the last thing we want to do is add to their distress! Plus, if it ever feels like we’re upselling to you, it’s only something that we truly believe would make you safer or your property more secure.
This false assumption is particularly damaging to professional locksmiths as it implies that locksmithing is an easy job that doesn’t require any specialised skills, training or experience.
Whereas, the truth is that not everybody is capable of changing a lock! Becoming a locksmith requires the completion of a locksmith training course, as well as years of experience on the job. Plus, regular training is vital to keep up to date with new technologies, techniques and mechanisms.
In reality, it’s never as simple as just changing a lock. There’s a lot of problem-solving involved that requires extensive knowledge of locks, mechanisms, doors, windows and more, alongside the physical skills to carry out complicated tasks in a non-destructive manner.
This is an incredibly common assumption – probably thanks to the name of the profession! Back in the day, locksmiths would have only worked with locks. However, much has changed since then…
Locksmiths of today are much more rounded and work with a far wider range of items than just locks. While locks are definitely at the heart of what we do, it’s not the only thing we’re capable of! Most locksmiths today are also home security experts, capable of installing and repairing security cameras, access control systems and other high-tech security solutions.
Also, with so many different avenues available within the realm of locksmithing, many individuals choose to narrow down their scope and purely offer more specialised services – like auto locksmiths, for example.
This is the one that annoys us most – usually because we’re the ones that have to deal with the damage when the DIY efforts inevitably end in tears!
People think they can watch a video on YouTube and they’re qualified to change or repair a lock. Unfortunately, that just isn’t the case. If you’re looking to cut corners and save money, just realise that attempting a DIY lock repair can actually end up costing you more in the long run…
If you make a mistake, which without the proper skills, tools, knowledge and experience is likely, you could end up damaging the lock beyond repair and needing to replace it entirely. Or if you don’t properly secure the lock you could be placing yourself at risk of a break-in.
In both cases, you’ll likely still need to use the services of a local locksmith in order to fix the damage you caused. So please, however confident you are in your DIY capabilities, please leave it to the professionals!
Hopefully, that’s helped to debunk some of the misunderstandings surrounding the locksmith profession. We really aren’t the shady characters the people make us out to be! We’re hardworking professionals who are committed to helping our customers in any way we can.
If you’re in need of our assistance for any locksmith services, simply give us a call on 01924 378444 today for your free quote with no obligation.
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