Locksmithing is one of the oldest occupations in history. Ever since the conception of the lock and key, locksmiths have plied their trade, providing various services to property owners wanting to protect their valuables.
It is believed to have begun in ancient Egypt around 4,000 years ago. The early Egyptian locks were wooden devices designed to prevent doors from moving freely. These had internal pins that must be moved to unlock a closed door. To do this, a heavy wooden key that resembled a toothbrush has to be inserted into the lock and pushed upwards.
These days, locksmithing has evolved immensely that it is no longer limited to opening closed doors. The modern locksmith is now able to handle the complexities of door hardware such as frames, hinges, and electric strikes. There are also locksmiths who specialize in security lock installation and forensic investigations.
What Is a Locksmith?
Locksmiths are professionals trained to install and fix a variety of security devices to protect your home or business from forced or unwelcome entry. They can also help you gain access to your property where you may have been accidentally locked out.
Different Locksmith Services
Modern-day locksmiths are known to deliver a diverse set of services that can include the following:
1. Key Cutting
Key cutting is the most common service that professional locksmiths are known to offer. The work involves cutting or designing keys manually or with a machine’s aid.
2. Door/Window Lock Service
When door or window locks are damaged, it does not always mean that you should have them replaced. Depending on the lock model, a locksmith repair can still be an option. It is obviously more cost-effective, although only a skilled locksmith can determine whether your broken door or window lock should be repaired or replaced. Either way, locksmiths can handle both options.
3. Safe Maintenance
A professional locksmith can help you choose the right safe for your needs, and they are also skilled in installing it. Opening safes and vaults of all types, including digital and dial locks, are also within their expertise. Locksmiths are likewise the people you should contact when it comes to safe maintenance and repair.
4. Car Lock Service
There are locksmith services that specialize in all types of car keys and locks. With many automobiles sporting advanced security features like transponder keys, locksmiths have also stepped up, receiving ample training on handling sophisticated auto locks.
5. Access System Control
Electronic security control systems, such as those installed in commercial buildings, are another area where locksmiths can be relied upon. These systems prevent unauthorized people from entering a given property unless they are given access. While they are highly effective, a glitch can cause electronic security controls to stop working, and the expertise of a trained locksmith becomes invaluable.
6. Emergency Service
In cases where you get locked out of your car or your own house, locksmiths are available round-the-clock. They can quickly come over and provide you with emergency locksmith services.
7. Key Duplication
Key copying is one other primary locksmith service. Producing a duplicate copy of your original key is highly recommended. In case the original gets lost, misplaced, or damaged, you have a spare that you can use. It is crucial when it comes to car keys.
8. Security Lock Service
Most contractors install just the basic locks for the houses they are working on, which can easily get broken, exposing homeowners to unnecessary danger. If you want to increase the security of your home or business, a certified locksmith will likely recommend the installation of high-security locks. These options are more difficult to manipulate than standard locks and can effectively resist forced entries. They can also provide an extra layer of protection if your property already has a security system.
9. Locksmith Rekeying
Rekeying refers to the process of modifying or realigning lock pins so previously issued keys will not work. If someone still has the keys to your building, such as a former employee who has yet to return a copy of the key, changing your locks should be considered for security reasons.
Locksmith rekeying is usually cheaper than replacing locks unless they are beyond repair. It works not only on door locks but even with your car’s ignition switch. A locksmith can change all your locks and create one master key, so you won’t need to keep multiple keys.
10. Lockout Service
Getting locked out of your office, home, or car can be frustrating, even dangerous. Professional locksmiths can solve this problem by using bump keys. However, if the lock is damaged, they may need to drill it open, rendering it inoperable. It is not always a good option because most locksmiths prefer to open locks without causing damage.
11. Panic Exit Bar Installation
The mechanism is sometimes referred to as a crash bar, a long and thick metal device placed over an emergency exit door. Commonly installed in commercial buildings, the bar allows for the quick evacuation of people during emergencies. Panic exit bars are also found in hospitals and schools to prevent a stampede when many people want to get out simultaneously. Many locksmiths are trained in the installation of panic exit bars.
Key Takeaway
The modern-day locksmith is no longer limited to picking locks or installing basic burglar alarms. They can now handle more complex security issues like locksmith rekeying, as these occur in residential and commercial buildings. Even automobiles now require protective measures to keep them safe from criminal elements, and locksmiths have also received training in this particular field.
With the emergence of the internet and digital marketing, locksmiths have found a quick and easy way of sharing their expertise with as many people as possible. Many of them have even put up websites so customers can easily find them. Given this, it can be challenging to choose a reputable locksmith, but there are ways to find out. Read customer reviews and check a locksmith company’s profile, particularly its record of previous works. This can be your guide to ensure you get the best locksmith service available.
Contact Alexius Denver’s Locksmiths if you need the best locksmith service.
Whether you got locked out of your own car or lost the keys to the main door of your house, trust Alexius Denver’s Locksmiths to get you out of the fix. We offer a range of locksmith services that will meet even your most urgent needs. Our locksmith in Denver is thoroughly trained and can handle any lock or key problem that you’re facing. We guarantee satisfactory results. Call us now for all your locksmithing needs.