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Residential Vs. Commercial Locksmith

by | Mar 27, 2021 | Locksmith

Residential Vs. Commercial Locksmith

Most of us know locksmiths as the people who fix or replace our locks after they break. Just like other professionals in different fields, locksmiths can also specialize in different areas of the same field. For example, they can decide to venture into different types of property. Be it a residential or a commercial one, locksmiths have been trained and perfected the skills to handle various locks, ensuring that the clients’ property is as safe as possible. However, there will still be some differences between them. Even though both are working with locks, the types of locks and services they need will always vary.

Below are some of the differences between commercial locksmiths and residential locksmiths.

Types of Locks

Yes, all locks work in the same way. However, even though they both serve security purposes, these locks are designed to deal with different demands. Generally, a business premise is expected to have many people walking in and out of the rooms. Therefore, the locks will have to be designed in a way that meets the standards.
Primarily, a residential locksmith is used to dealing with Grade 3 locks. These are designed to provide just enough security for residential homes. These locks have met all the expectations required but have not exceeded them much. However, this does not mean that the locks are not safe, only that they can’t withstand heavy use frequently. They are the perfect fit for a home.

On the other hand, a commercial locksmith has specialized in dealing with higher grade locks, mostly grade 2. These are the locks that you will mostly find in offices, apartment buildings, and stores. These locks, however, can also be used in houses that are expected to be holding more foot traffic.

Moreover, there are commercial premises that require more rigid and heavier security. A commercial locksmith that works in such a field deals with Grade 1 locks. However, these locks are meant for buildings that receive large numbers of people daily, for example, a mall.

Types of Technology Used

The work of commercial locksmiths is more complicated. First of all, the locks often require the locksmith to cut into doors to be fitted. This means that a locksmith who is used in handling basic residential locks might lack the appropriate tools and technology for this job.

Besides dealing with opening and changing locks, commercial locksmiths also offer other services. For example, they can provide additional services such as servicing and installing digital locks, repairing electrical locks, master key systems, and other control systems. These are tasks that require the use of technology to perform.

Since both locksmiths deal with locks, it is customary to find them having similar tools such as hook picks, slim jims, jackknife picks, and bolt cutters. These are helpful gadgets since they come in handy when needed to maneuver through small tasks.
Residential locksmiths are not used to dealing with complicated locks. There are only three pieces that are connected to form a lock. Therefore, they do not need advanced technology to deal with these locks. Additionally, in a residential setting, the security system is entirely separate from the locks, making it even easier for a residential locksmith.

Some commercial locksmiths are even given the task of developing custom-made locks. However, with the current technological innovations trend, this is just as easy as any other job.

The Skillset

As we had mentioned earlier, locksmiths deal with different types of locks. For commercial locksmiths, one has to acquire additional skills because they are to meet a variety of locks. For example, some locks are unlocked using a fingerprint, others scan a body part such as the eyeball, and others are opened using voices. Therefore, this type of locksmith will have to undergo in-depth training to tackle these locks. Other services offered only by commercial locksmiths include:

  • Commercial safes
  • Commercial vaults
  • Automatic doors
  • Panic bars
  • Filing cabinets

On the other hand, there is not so much training required for residential locksmiths. They have less complicated jobs. Some of the necessary skills in this field include critical and practical thinking, manual dexterity, ability to run and market small businesses, high adaptability, and mechanical knowledge. They do not necessarily need expensive tools for their trade, making it even easier for them.

However, even with the limited skill set, residential locksmiths can do more than just helping you enter a home after locking yourself out. They can also inspect your home’s security system and recommend some of the upgrades you might need.

Factors to Consider Before Hiring A Locksmith?

When hunting for a locksmith, finding the best is paramount; locks protect your most valuable possessions. Here are some of the things you can check out when selecting a blacksmith

  • Experience. How long has the locksmith been in the industry? An experienced locksmith has been in the game enough to adapt to evolving technology.
  • Tools of the trade. A locksmith that is still using old and outdated tools might not work with modern locks.
  • Affordability. Ensure that the one you choose fits within your budget.
  • Customer services. How fast do they answer your calls? What about attending to your queries?
  • Reputation. It would be best if you look for one that has an untainted reputation.

The Final Verdict Residential Vs. Commercial Locksmith

These differences have proven to us that it is essential to find a locksmith that matches your needs. This means that you will be receiving services from a locksmith who knows their way around your specific type of lock.

Whether you are in need of a residential or commercial locksmith in Nashville TN you can always count with Armstrong