According to Manitoba Apprenticeship and Industry Training, the duties of a journeyman locksmith are:
Locksmith Duties
Locksmiths install, adjust, and repair locks, make keys and change lock combinations. They work on residential, automotive, commercial, and institutional locksets and door hardware. Locksmiths may also install and maintain more sophisticated security systems.
Generally, the duties of a locksmith include:
- selling and installing high-security lock systems and key control systems, window bars, deadlocks, and keyless entry locks,
- repairing, replacing, or adjusting damaged or defective components of an entrance or exit door, including door closers, hinges, electric release mechanisms, and sometimes the door itself,
- changing lock key combinations by inserting new pins into locks, and
- designing complex master key systems for industry, governments, and institutions.
Specific duties of locksmiths vary depending upon the area in which they work.
Shop locksmiths are responsible for:
- servicing and adjusting key machines,
- repairing locks,
- re-keying locks,
- making keys for locks,
- opening cylinders when keys are not available,
- preparing master keys from code, and
- repairing or making keys for auto locks brought into the shop.
Mobile locksmiths are required to work from mobile units. In addition to the duties of shop locksmiths, they are also responsible for:
- repairing locks in the field,
- opening door locks with a lockpick,
- opening and making keys for automobiles,
- installing locks, door closers, and emergency exit hardware,
- replacing hinges and re-aligning doors,
- installing security bars,
- installing and repairing electric strikes and electronic security hardware, and
- servicing and changing combinations on safe and vault doors.
Safe and vault technicians are skilled in opening safes, rebuilding, painting, moving, and installing safes.
Locksmiths who service bank equipment are skilled in mechanical and electronic time locks, time delay devices, night deposit units, and combination, electronic and key locks for vaults and safes.
Locksmiths are sometimes required to maneuver heavy objects and climb ladders. It is important for locksmiths to have a willingness to keep learning about new developments in security equipment. Knowledge of electronics, welding, carpentry, and metalworking is an asset. Locksmiths must be reliable, accurate, and honest.
For more information regarding tasks and activities, please review the Trade Regulation or contact ARA Locksmith directly.
