The Future of Locksmithing

The future of Locksmithing

As long as there have been locks, people have locked themselves out and have needed locksmiths! Locksmithing as a profession may be overlooked or over simplified by some, but in order to maintain a civilised society we need locks and locksmiths. Considering the first lock was used in 704 BC, locksmithing and locks have come a long way since then. As locks develop, so do locksmiths and this means locksmithing is a futureproofed career. We are going to look at what the future of locksmithing might look like.

Previous adaptations to the industry

The earliest locks used wooden keys; it wasn’t until the industrial revolution that metal keys became more common place. Locksmiths didn’t just forge locks and keys, they also used their metal working skills to; repair guns and tools, make screws and work with a verity of metals, this made locksmithing one of the highest valued professions. As knowledge and skills around metal increased, the more intricate and even beautiful locks could be made. Locksmiths could increase their income by designing new types of locks for nobility or other wealthy clients.

New Adaptations

Now locksmiths don’t tend to actually make locks and keys, locksmithing has changed again, into an emergency service. Now people’s lives are busier and we are more mobile, the need for locksmiths has changed and increased. These days locksmithing is more of an emergency service, this means that locksmiths have had to become mobile and available 24/7.

Locksmiths can now specialise in a range of services; replicating keys, making repairs, and even building safes. With the development of electronic and digital locks, a new skill level has been added to locksmithing. A modern locksmith needs to know how to work traditional lock design as well understanding the new electronic locks

Auto locksmithing

In the grand scheme of locksmithing, the invention of the car is a relatively new aspect to contend with. We now have an extra set of keys to lose, not to mention that self-locking cars can lock your doors with your keys still inside! As most people don’t want to smash, then have to replace their car windows if they get locked out, locksmiths have had to learn new skills to get customers back in their vehicles. You don’t want to turn down work because you are unable to unlock a car, so auto locksmithing is now on most of locksmith training courses you can do.

Smart Locksmithing

Smart locks are becoming more and more popular, opening your door with your phone, a fob or a fingerprint is the future of security. Companies such as Ring, Yale and nest have a wide range of smart security measures. From video doorbells, keyless locks and facial recognition. This means that in the not-too-distant future, locksmiths will be required to install, maintain and repair these smart security packages. Existing locksmiths may need to take extra training courses to keep up with the technology and we are going to see within the next few years, smart locks becoming a part of current locksmith training courses.

The Future

Who knows what the next 100 years of security is going to look like? Locksmiths could be contending with technology such as; facial recognition, biometric security and artificial intelligence. The industry will change and develop, just like it has done for thousands of years. What’s important to maintain a successful locksmith business, is the willingness to advance and modernise your skills.