Although a locksmith does more a less the same jobs irrespective of the area in which he works, a commercial locksmith has to bear some additional responsibility owing to the need to protect private and confidential information at work places. More than repairing, replacing and rekeying locks, they work around stepping up the security measures at commercial businesses.
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The Area of Operation
As already stated above, the main point of distinction between residential locksmiths or for that matter a mobile locksmith is the field in which they work. Unlike them, a commercial locksmith works only with businesses. It could be larger corporations, government offices, hospitals, restaurants, retail shops and schools among others. The training program however, is the same. They may or may not attend to calls from residential customers or requests for locksmith services concerning automobiles. It depends on whether they work independently or for a firm.
The Typical Duties
This is the primary responsibility of a locksmith. It involves installing new indoor and outdoor locks. It also includes installing keyed and keyless locks. Keyless entry systems include Biometrics, card access systems and Mag locks.
Locksmiths also help you in event of layoffs and employee dismissals. When a business terminates employees, the employee might refuse to return keys because of a grudge. In such events, a business will be required to reinstall all the locks in the office.
Damaged locks need timely repair especially at commercial and business centers. Natural wear and tear may cause locks to get damaged. It also involves extracting keys stuck in locks. Rekeying is another important procedure undertaken by commercial locksmiths. It involves changing the internal tumbler. It is as good as installing new locks because the old key cannot be used to operate it.
A commercial locksmith might also come handy during lockouts. They can open the door for you by duplicating a key. A business owner can also request a spare set in case of misplaced keys.
Commercial locksmith companies can be of great help when it comes to fitting security and monitoring systems on your business premises. The security needs vary from company to company. A professional locksmith will evaluate the security needs of the company and thereby eliminate the guesswork in it. They evaluate the security goals, the indoor and outdoor areas that need monitoring and other special security requirements. Based on the evaluation, these locksmith companies design a security system that best suits your needs and budgets. This includes CCTV security camera systems and video surveillance.
Master key systems bring in convenience without compromising the security of the business. A master key system gives employees access while also restraining them from those areas where they are not allowed. Also, it is a good solution for those who hate moving around with a bulky bunch of keys in their pocket. It can replace an entire bunch for a single key.
A locksmith can also be hired to install a wall or floor safe. They can open a safe or make duplicate keys for the same.
Commercial locksmiths usually have access to a company's security systems. Therefore, they are required to undergo criminal background checks in addition to training before they are given a licensing certificate.
A slotenmaker den haag locksmith is not a person who just duplicates existing keys. He runs or is an employee of a business that installs, repairs, opens locks and makes keys for locks. There are two ways to become a locksmith. One is to attend trade school and the other is to obtain a certificate from the Associated Locksmiths of America or the ALOA. 13 states in the US require locksmith licensing. Hence, you should confirm with your state's business services department, the various pre-requisites you have to fulfill, to becoming a licensed locksmith. Some counties also require a license and hence it's advisable to check with your nearest county licensing department. The same is true for many cities. You may contact your city licensing department to find out if you really need to acquire a license. It's better to obtain different levels of certification from the ALOA if a license isn't required by your state, as this can improve your prospects.
If you want to run a locksmith business, you would require a locksmith business license. On the other hand, if you want to work as an employee, you need to acquire a locksmith employee license. The name of the manager of the business must be mentioned in the locksmith business license application form. Each applicant in the business would be evaluated individually. For both the locksmith business and the locksmith employee licenses, you would have to undergo a criminal background check through the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Generally, you wouldn't be issued a license, if you have been previously convicted of any crime. In addition to these two licenses, you need an alarm system installer license if you intend to install alarm systems. Licensing requirements vary among different states and some states require you to take a licensing exam while others require the payment of a licensing fee, to become a locksmith.
To be eligible for an apprenticeship with a locksmith business, you should complete a course in basiclocksmithing. Although it's not mandatory for locksmiths to obtain certificates, completion certificates for approved courses are offered by the ALOA and the Safe and Vault Technicians Association. Upon completion of the course and passing the exam, you earn the title of a certified locksmith. Moreover, membership to the ALOA and the Safe and Vault Technicians Association can help you get the latest industry updates and you can thus have the opportunity to pursue your education. Similarly, bonding is optional in many states but since only a person with exemplary character is allowed to post a bond by bonding agencies, you can boost a customer's confidence by acquiring certificates and becoming a bonded locksmith.
In addition to acquiring the appropriate license and obtaining course completion certificates, it's essential to acquire the requisite practical skills in all aspects of lock repair and design. As a trained locksmith, you might be called upon to install, remove, modify or repair any locking device. You should thus have in-depth knowledge about cutting new keys and resetting combinations. Hence, it's important to work as an apprentice to get hands-on experience. Locksmiths have plenty of job opportunities even in economically difficult times and locksmithing is an excellent career choice for those who have keen interest in this field.