What Does a Locksmith Do?

Honolulu Locksmith

Locksmiths maintain, repair, and install all kinds of locks and security systems for businesses, private homes, and vehicles. Can a locksmith make a key? Yes, almost any locksmith can. In fact, a few of the most common services today's professionals offer include making keys from scratch, lock repair, emergency lockout help, rekeying of locks, key duplication, and installation of smart and high-security locks. Additionally, a professional locksmith can advise clients about how to better secure their homes, offices, vehicles, and the contents of security safes.

Understanding the Role of a Locksmith

The role of a professional locksmith varies depending on whether the person specializes as an automotive locksmith, a residential locksmith, a commercial locksmith, or primarily takes on emergency-related locksmithing jobs. Likewise, a local locksmith with a verifiable locksmith license might focus on security consulting for businesses that need complex technology, like sophisticated safety arrangements.

Key Responsibilities of a Locksmith: What They Do

What does the everyday work schedule look like for a full-time locksmith? Depending on whether the person holds a valid locksmith license, works as an independent contractor, or is employed by a company, responsibilities vary a lot.

They range from doing routine tasks, like lock repair, to performing high-level consulting on behalf of a local locksmith agency. Locksmithing is a broad-based skill. What does a locksmith do on an average day? Here's a representative list:

Typical Duties and Tasks

  • Key Duplication
  • Lock Installation
  • Lock Rekeying
  • Emergency Lockout Services
  • Repairing Locks
  • Security Consultations
  • Safe Services
  • Vehicle-Related Jobs
  • Electronic Access Systems
  • Master Key Systems


Tools and Methods Used by Locksmiths

People have been fixing, replacing, and installing all kinds of locks for more than 200 years. Indeed, the profession is an old one. What are the tools and techniques they use? Here's a roster of the tools, techniques and methods that make the modern locksmith such an in-demand expert:

Essential Tools in Locksmithing

  • Key Cutting Machine
  • Lock Picks
  • Tension Wrench
  • Drills
  • Rekeying Kit
  • Lock Installation Tools
  • Safe Cracking Tools
  • Digital Key Programming Tools
  • Hose Clamp and Vice Grips
  • Portable Workbench


Techniques and Methods Locksmiths Use

  • Lock Picking
  • Rekeying
  • Drilling
  • Key Impressioning
  • Electronic Key Programming
  • Safe Manipulation
  • Sliding Bolt Techniques
  • Security Assessments

Types of Locksmith Services Available

Types of services are generally categorized by whether the job is one for an automotive locksmith, a residential locksmith, or a commercial locksmith. Can a locksmith make a key? Yes, no matter the specialty, nearly all locksmiths have the equipment, machinery, skill, and software to make all kinds of keys.

It's important to note that the four main types of locksmiths perform a different set of services, even though many of the core functions, like key-making, are common to those who hold a locksmith license. Here's a generalized breakdown of services for the four categories of locksmiths, along with a description of each sub-category.

Residential Locksmith Services

In general, locksmiths who specialize in residential services repair, install, and maintain home security systems and locks of all kinds. Additionally, they come to the aid of people who are locked out of their homes and offer suggestions about how to improve a home's overall level of security.

  • Fix and install deadbolts and door locks
  • Rekey locks to accept new keys
  • Offer help with lockouts
  • Make copies of house keys
  • Install smart locks and security systems
  • Fix, install, and maintain window locks
  • Evaluate home security systems and suggest upgrades

Commercial Locksmith Services

These experts specialize in making business premises more secure. They do this with sophisticated security techniques and locking systems. Additionally, they maintain and install safes, locks, panic bars, and access control systems. They offer lockout emergency services and give advice about how to make offices more secure from break-ins and vandalism.

  • Repair, replace, and install high-security locks.
  • Do security assessments
  • Maintain electronic locks and lock systems
  • Perform rekeying after employee changes
  • Maintain, replace, and install Master Key systems
  • Put in Access Control systems
  • Provide help with lockouts
  • Repair, replace, and install panic bars and exit devices

Automotive Locksmith Services

Locksmiths who specialize in the automotive field deal with keys, car locks, and vehicle security. Their services include things like duplicating keys, programming fobs, and especially helping stranded motorists get back into their cars after locking themselves out. Plus, they can fix, replace, and install ignition systems and advise on how to make your car more secure.

  • Cut and copy keys, including transponder-type keys
  • Program e-keys and key fobs
  • Rescue locked-out motorists
  • Replace, install, and fix ignition systems
  • Rekey car and truck locks so they can accept fresh keys
  • Offer on-site assistance via mobile locksmith services
  • Upgrade or install car security systems
  • Maintain, install, and replace vehicle locks

Emergency Locksmith Services

Locksmiths who focus on emergency services spend most of their time giving fast assistance in urgent situations, like lockouts, jammed keys, broken keys, and locks that are no longer working properly. Most of these professionals are available around the clock and pride themselves on delivering fast solutions to people who are locked out of their houses, offices, or vehicles.

  • Assist with lockouts for vehicles, businesses, and homes
  • Fix and replace broken locks and keys
  • Replace all locks after a break-in
  • Boost security by rekeying locks
  • Install temporary locks
  • Open security safes quickly and without damaging the unit
  • Do short-notice boarding up of buildings and houses
  • Deliver on-site help via mobile locksmith services

How to Find a Reliable Locksmith

To maximize the security of your home, office, or vehicle, it's essential to find a reliable, trustworthy locksmith. Start by verifying credentials and making sure the person or company you hire is licensed and insured. Then, check out their online reviews, double-check that they are available 24/7/365, and answer the phone when you call to ask a few questions.

Honolulu Locksmith checks all the boxes. Not only are their technicians fully insured and officially licensed, but they are the most respected mobile locksmith in Honolulu. The team members are known for their reliability and high-quality service for Hawaii homeowners, businesses, and vehicle owners.

Whether you need a locksmith for your home, vehicle, or office, call Honolulu Locksmith. They are the full-service and mobile locksmith in Honolulu you can rely on any time of the day or night. And, their technicians are always happy to answer your questions about locks, security systems, and keys, even if you don't need service right away.