What Do Locksmiths and Safe Repairers Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Locksmiths and Safe Repairers repair and open locks; make keys; change locks and safe combinations; and install and repair safes. They also cut new or duplicate keys, using key cutting machines.

Other tasks include:

• Disassemble mechanical or electrical locking devices, and repair or replace worn tumblers, springs, and other parts, using hand tools.
• Cut new or duplicate keys, using impressions or code key machines.
• Open safe locks by drilling.
• Install door hardware, such as locks and closers.
• Insert new or repaired tumblers into locks to change combinations.
• Set up and maintain master key systems.

We asked Locksmiths and Safe Repairers how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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77% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 63% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Locksmiths and Safe Repairers disassemble mechanical or electrical locking devices, and repair or replace worn tumblers, springs, and other parts, using hand tools. They cut new or duplicate keys, using impressions or code key machines.

A typical day for a Locksmith and Safe Repairer will also include:

• Cut new or duplicate keys, using key cutting machines.
• Install door hardware, such as locks and closers.
• Insert new or repaired tumblers into locks to change combinations.
• Move picklocks in cylinders to open door locks without keys.
• Unlock cars and other vehicles.

We asked some Locksmiths and Safe Repairers a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	96% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	18% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	74% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	48% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	0% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	61% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Locksmiths and Safe Repairers also move picklocks in cylinders to open door locks without keys. They may also install safes, vault doors, and deposit boxes according to blueprints, using equipment such as power drills, taps, dies, truck cranes, and dollies.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Locksmiths and Safe Repairers Open safe locks by drilling. They might also Install alarm and electronic access systems.

In addition, they Repair and adjust safes, vault doors, and vault components, using hand tools, lathes, drill presses, and welding and acetylene cutting apparatus.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Set up and maintain master key systems.

To some Locksmiths and Safe Repairers, it is also their responsibility to Unlock cars and other vehicles.

Working life

Standard 40 hour work week

Irregular work schedule that changes depending on weather conditions, customer demand or contract duration.

In a typical work week as a Locksmith and Safe Repairer, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499094.htm