History of London Locksmiths
London Locksmith History
The roots of the London Locksmith profession can be traced thousands of years and even today common locks are based on the ancient lock mechanism invented back then. The locksmithing professional uses his skills to overcome complex locking systems created to protect security from intruders. This is commonly seen in the form of doors, gates and keys. These days the profession does not require the London locksmiths to build the locks. Instead locksmiths today purchase locks to install. These results in the main duties as lock picking, door replacement, fixing existing locks.
Why has the modern London locksmiths stopped making locks?
The answer is to be found in the different economic environment they operate in: while ancient locksmiths provided the entire service as the trade required; today the modern locksmith in London is not required to do so and has in a way commissioned others to build locks for him. This renders a different type of locksmithing role for the modern London locksmith but one that works well with modern society. The old style of locksmithing required the trader to manage his trade independently of others and therefore required him to build his own locks. The modern professional in London handles security systems, breaking and fixing locks, doors, etc dependent on the lock manufacturer. This being a relationship that works well for the London locksmith who can now spend his time installing locks whilst a production team in the manufacturing field produces the lock. In any case the modern locksmiths in London can not compete with the price or quality of mass production but does not have to either.
The locksmith trade in London can be divided into 5 main areas:
Mobile
a mobile locksmith who responds swiftly to a call out by the London customer. This London locksmith carries his professional tools with him and arrives with his own transportation. His role is to provide a first response in the customer’s location.
Commercial
these traders are usually stationary and provide the materials.
Company
those traders are employed by a company and are not independent London locksmith but employees of the London company. An example of this is the building Super who acts as the resident locksmith.
Specialised London Locksmith
these are traders who specialise in a specific area of the trade. An example of this would be a London locksmith who works for a company’s security system and is acquainted with it.
Consultant Locksmith in London
these traders provide a consultancy service for companies requiring locksmithing information and advice. These traders will usually provide a consultation service in the form of a report on the alarm system most suitable for that company and those companies requiring this service will employ a London locksmith for the job at hand.
