Locksmiths are a vital part of our modern world, keeping us secure and in access to many spaces. But the trade of locksmithing is broad and not all locksmiths are the same. One of the main differences within the trade is the difference between an autolocksmith and a normal (general) locksmith. This article will cover these differences, the roles, skills, tools and situations for each.
1. Services
One of the main differences between an autolocksmith and a normal locksmith is the services they offer.
Normal Locksmith:
A normal locksmith, also known as a general locksmith, deals with a variety of locks and security systems associated with residential and commercial properties. Their work includes:
- Installing, repairing and replacing door locks in homes and offices.
- Key cutting and duplication.
- Installing and servicing safes, vaults and other security devices.
- Lockouts in homes and businesses.
- Upgrading security systems, from traditional to smart locks.
- Rekeying locks, where they change the internal mechanism of a lock to work with a new key.
Autolocksmith:
An autolocksmith deals with automotive locks and security systems. The vehicles they work on are cars, trucks, motorcycles and even buses. Their services include:
- Unlocking car doors when keys are locked inside the vehicle.
- Cutting and programming new keys or transponder keys for vehicles.
- Replacing or repairing the ignition system, including broken or jammed ignition cylinders.
- Extracting broken keys from car locks and ignition systems.
- Reprogramming key fobs and remotes for modern vehicles.
- Emergency vehicle lockouts, including when a child or pet is locked in.
2. Specialization and Training
The specialization required for each type of locksmithing is another key difference.
Normal Locksmith:
Normal locksmiths go through a broad training program that covers the basics of lock and security system maintenance. This training includes:
- Different types of door locks, deadbolts, knob locks, mortise locks.
- Lock picking, key cutting, rekeying.
- Door hardware installation and repair, handles, knobs, security bars.
- Security systems basics, alarms and surveillance systems.
- Some exposure to automotive locks, but not in-depth.
Autolocksmith:
An autolocksmith requires more specialized training due to the complexity of modern vehicle locking systems. Their training includes:
- In-depth knowledge of automotive locking mechanisms which are often more complex than residential or commercial locks.
- Electronic systems, many vehicles use keyless entry systems, transponder keys and remote controls.
- Vehicle ignition systems, both mechanical and electronic.
- Safe access to locked vehicles without damage.
- Advanced key programming skills, especially for vehicles that require special tools to program new keys or key fobs.
Because of the nature of their work, autolocksmiths often take additional certification or training courses that focus on automotive locksmithing, while normal locksmiths may not receive this level of automotive training.
3. Tools and Equipment
The tools and equipment used by each type of locksmith varies on the type of locks they work with.
Normal Locksmith:
General locksmiths use a variety of tools for traditional lock systems. These include:
- Lock picks and tension wrenches: For standard locks.
- Key cutting machines: For duplicating keys.
- Rekeying kits: For rekeying locks, changing the internal tumblers.
- Deadbolt installation kits: For installing deadbolts on doors.
- Safe opening tools: For opening and servicing safes and vaults.
Autolocksmith:
Autolocksmiths have a specialized toolset for automotive locks including:
- Lockout kits: These include slim jims, wedge tools, long-reach tools to unlock vehicle doors without keys.
- Transponder key programmers: To program new keys and key fobs for modern vehicles.
- Laser key cutting machines: For cutting high-security vehicle keys which have intricate patterns.
- Ignition system removal tools: To extract and repair ignition cylinders.
- OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) scanners: To interface with the vehicle’s computer to reprogram keys or troubleshoot electronic lock issues.
The complexity of these tools shows the level of sophistication of automotive locksmithing compared to general locksmithing.
4. Challenges and Complexities
The challenges faced by autolocksmiths and normal locksmiths are vastly different due to the environment and systems they work with.
Normal Locksmith:
The challenges for general locksmiths are often dealing with old or high security locks. For example:
- Old or rusted locks: Old locks are hard to pick or repair because of corrosion or wear and tear.
- High security locks: These are designed to resist picking and drilling, requires advanced techniques to bypass.
- Complex security systems: With the rise of smart homes, locksmiths may need to work with integrated systems that include alarms, cameras and electronic locks which can be hard to troubleshoot.
Autolocksmith:
Autolocksmiths face challenges mainly due to the technology in modern vehicles. Some of these challenges are:
- Electronic and computerized systems: Many vehicles today have complex electronic systems where a simple lockout involves interfacing with the car’s computer system.
- Transponder keys and key fobs: These are hard to replicate and requires programming that can be model specific and time consuming.
- Vehicle security systems: Modern vehicles have sophisticated anti-theft systems which can make it harder to unlock a vehicle or replace keys without triggering the alarm.
- Damage prevention: Unlike residential locks, vehicle locks are integrated into delicate door panels and electronic systems, autolocksmiths must work without causing damage.
These challenges makes automotive locksmithing a field that requires high degree of precision and technical knowledge.
5. Cost Differences
The cost of services from autolocksmiths and normal locksmiths also varies, mainly because of the complexity of the job.
Normal Locksmith:
The cost of services from a general locksmith is lower than that of an autolocksmith because the job is less complex and doesn’t require special tools or training. Common service cost:
- Lockout services: Affordable especially for simple residential or commercial lockouts.
- Key duplication: Inexpensive depending on the type of key.
- Lock installation: Varies depending on the type of lock, more complex systems cost more to install.
- Rekeying: Cost effective way to secure a property without replacing all the locks.
Autolocksmith:
The cost of autolocksmith services is higher because of the specialty of their work. Factors that affect the cost are:
- Key replacement and programming: Modern vehicle keys especially those with transponder chips or keyless entry systems can be expensive to replace and program.
- Ignition repairs: Repairing or replacing an ignition system can be costly especially for high-end or complex vehicles.
- Emergency services: Autolocksmiths charge more for emergency services especially if the vehicle is in a hard to reach location or service is required outside of regular hours.
Plus the cost of the specialized tools used by autolocksmiths adds to the overall cost.
6. Availability and Response Time
Both autolocksmiths and normal locksmiths offer emergency services but their availability and response time differs.
Normal Locksmith:
General locksmiths are available and have shorter response time especially in urban areas. They operate during regular business hours but many offer 24/7 emergency services for lockouts and urgent repairs.
Autolocksmith:
Autolocksmiths also offer emergency services but may have slightly longer response time especially in areas where there are fewer specialists. Because of the complexity of their work and the specialized tools they use, it may take longer for an autolocksmith to finish a job especially if the vehicle is a newer model with advanced security features.
7. Insurance and Liability
Both autolocksmiths and normal locksmiths operate under the same legal framework but there are differences in terms of insurance and liability.
Normal Locksmith:
A general locksmith must have insurance that covers damage to property during their work. This includes:
- General liability insurance: Covers damage during lock installation, repairs or while gaining entry to a property.
- Commercial property insurance: For locksmiths who have a storefront or a physical location where they sell products.
Autolocksmith:
Autolocksmiths need specialized insurance that covers the risks of their work:
- Garage keepers insurance: Covers damage to vehicles while they are being worked on by the locksmith.
- Professional liability insurance: Protects against claims of errors or omissions such as programming a key incorrectly or damaging a vehicle’s electronic system.
Since the vehicles involved are more expensive, the insurance requirements for autolocksmiths are more stringent and broader compared to general locksmiths.