Editor:
As a former institutional locksmith, private locksmith and now a Schlage commercial rep, I see great value in this study or should I say open forum. Please consider my viewpoint while compiling the facts and figures.
1.) Key duplication and origination – The big box stores are filling this gap rather efficiently for the typical home owner. They are not able to meet the needs very well for our commercial customers especially when it comes to specialty keys.
They cannot set up master keyed systems, thus the locksmith is depended on for true service. We offer such a great service when we are able to design a key system that works for the owner and the great big key ring is reduced.
2) Lock repair – We live in a throwaway society although some of the locks can be 100% rebuilt. When looking at hourly rates, sometimes it just makes since to replace rather than repair. I like the options that some manufacturers offer repair kits and conversion kits. In addition, some manufacturers provide free of cost manuals and hands on training. This is a great asset for institutional locksmiths. I see the hospital and university locksmiths doing this often.
3) Hardware installations – WOW! Now that I am a factory rep, that’s all I can say is WOW. I see some of the worst installations by carpenters who hung drywall yesterday, installed doors today and will pour concrete tomorrow. Just look at the instructions isn’t the answer to many. As locksmiths, we should have all the tools and jigs to install locks, exit devices and closers better than anyone. As an institutional locksmith I never was charged with hanging doors or installing closers, just the locks and exit devices. An occasional electric strike will drive a guy to drink if they don’t have the correct tools as well.
4) Vehicle lock servicing – Yuck! This has become such a specialized facet of locksmithing. It is changing always and quickly. The tools are pricey and they need constant updates. There’s money to be made in this industry, but it’s my option that you’re either in fully committed or your out.
5) Access control – A hot topic. Again, this is a specialized service that requires experience and a full understanding of local fire life safety codes. One must take care not to cross the lines of licensing as well. If a locksmith wants to excel in this field, he must understand mechanical and electrical hardware and even software sometimes. The first thing to consider is what the owner wants, keyless access or true access control with audit trail.
In the commercial world, the biggest problem I see in the industry is that an integrator, the hardware provider, the electrical, the general contractor and the architect don’t communicate well and this leaves some one holding the bag. A clear scope of responsibilities must be laid out for each involved party. Who is in charge of what and when does it need to take place? There’s nothing worse than putting in an electric strike or an electric hinge after the door frames have been filled with grout. A little coordination goes a long way. If I’m running an access control system, I want to make sure I have all the conduits I need. I want to be there with the electrician when the aluminum door company is there standing up frames. I want my wire in there now, not trying to fish it later. Also, demand “as builts” or wire diagrams, don’t go in there and try to wire up stuff on the fly. This could cause headaches for the owner if something should fail; they need a road map to understand how it all works.
Jon Dudley
Allegion End User Consultant
Editor’s Note: The above letter was one of several responses to Editor-In-Chief Gale Johnson’s editorial, The Future of Locksmithing (www.locksmithledger.com/10238504), which recommends that locksmiths adapt to a new marketplace and forge new alliances. We will include more responses next month.
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