People usually don’t think about locksmiths until they’re in a situation where they need one, like getting locked out of their car or when their home keys are lost.
Locksmiths are our day to day heroes and can save the day by quickly unlocking doors, fixing locks or making new keys.
Nowadays when modern locks have become more advanced locksmiths need to have better skills, a great knowledge on IT and cyber technology and also to be creative about their job.
Here are 3 exclusive and uncommon facts about locksmithing that will leave you quite impressed
Locksmithing Is an Ancient Profession
Locksmithing was founded in ancient Egypt about 4,000 years ago. Back then they’ve used large wooden locks and keys to protect their valuable items.
Those locks were very heavy and big, they were made entirely of wood and they were used by those who had the wealth, kings and princes.
Few decades later in ancient Rome, wealthy individuals locked away their valuable possessions and wore their keys as a status symbol.
It spread around the world and similar locks have been found in ancient Greece and in China. Metal locks became common only at the end of the 17th century when Robert Barron patented the double acting tumbler lock.
Since that moment in time locksmiths honed their skills by testing these locks, making keys, designing better locks and working with security companies to develop safes, shaping this profession to perfection.
It Requires Extensive Training
Locksmithing is not just technical expertise but mostly about integrity and trustworthiness.
In order to become a locksmith people must complete a long formal training path in order to learn how to repair locks, duplicate keys and understand different security systems.
In many states they must also finish at least one year of apprenticeship before getting their license.
The process of becoming a certified locksmith includes passing background checks, passing exams and submitting fingerprints to authorities, all to ensure they are qualified to handle your personal security issues.
Locksmiths Role in Law Enforcement
Locksmiths work around the clock responding to emergency calls even in the middle of the night, sometimes in order to assist law enforcement.
There are some locksmith experts who specialize in forensic work helping in investigations on how criminals got in and also in finding weaknesses in security systems.
Locksmiths also work closely with the police during tenant evictions. They make sure the process is done safely, legally and with as little damage to the property as possible.
During the eviction, locksmiths may help picking or drilling locks and after the eviction is done they will change the locks if it’s necessary, it is a teamwork which important to avoid conflicts with the property owner.
