Ask five people what a locksmith does, and you’ll probably hear something like, “They help you when you’re locked out.” Fair enough. But that’s just one small part of the job.
Truth is, locksmithing’s not what it used to be — and that’s a good thing. Today’s locksmiths deal with everything from antique mortice locks to modern smart systems, from stuck uPVC doors to cars that won’t start because the key fob’s gone mad.
In short: it’s not just about keys anymore. Let’s break it down.
Domestic Locksmiths – The Neighbourhood Saviours
These are the folks you ring when the front door slams shut behind you and the keys are still inside. Or when your tenant moves out and takes the only set of keys with them (classic).
They deal with:
- uPVC door mechanisms (those can be tricky)
- Wooden door locks – night latches, mortice, sash, all that
- Window security (not just locks, but hinges and restrictors)
- Smart lock setups (like Yale Conexis or Ultion Nuki)
- Post-burglary lock changes (nobody likes those calls)
Some are solo traders with a van full of tools. Others work as part of bigger companies. Either way, if you’ve got a dodgy lock or can’t find your keys, they’re your best mate.
Commercial Locksmiths – Business, but Secure
This lot handle the beefier stuff. Office blocks, retail units, warehouses. Their job isn’t just to fix locks, it’s to design access — who gets in, when, and how.
They deal with:
- Master key systems (clever setups where one key fits multiple doors, but others don’t)
- Access control systems (swipe cards, fobs, keypads, the works)
- High-security cylinders (anti-drill, anti-pick, anti-snap — the “anti-everything” kind)
- Roller shutter locks
- Fire exit hardware and compliance checks
These jobs usually come with paperwork. Lots of it. And a business client who really wants it done yesterday.
Auto Locksmiths – Not Just Car Keys
Now here’s where things get technical. Auto locksmithing is a world of its own. It’s not about cutting keys from a template anymore — it’s diagnostics, chip programming, transponder cloning… the whole shebang.
They handle:
- Vehicle lockouts (without smashing a window, ideally)
- Lost car keys (yes, even for BMWs and Audis)
- Fob programming
- Immobiliser resets
- ECU diagnostics
The tools they carry cost thousands, and the training never stops. Honestly, it’s one of the most tech-heavy corners of the trade. If you are looking for a trusted and licensed car locksmith in Oxford, we recommend you contact Phoenix Car Keys – a trusted auto locksmith company trusted every day to solve any car lock and key related problems by dozens of people in all parts of Oxford and the surrounding area.
Safe Engineers (Safe Locksmiths) – Precision and Patience
Cracking safes? Not like in the movies. Safe work is slow, meticulous, and often frustrating. But when done right, it’s kind of brilliant.
Safe locksmiths:
- Open jammed or locked safes (old-school dial or modern keypad)
- Replace damaged safe locks
- Install home and commercial-grade safes
- Service combination locks (you’d be surprised how many go out of sync)
Some of the best in the business started out as hobbyists, collecting old safes and learning how they tick.
Emergency Locksmiths – The 3AM Crew
It’s raining, it’s freezing, and someone’s locked out with the kettle still on. Enter: the emergency locksmith. These are the ones who answer at odd hours, drive across town, and don’t complain when it’s the third broken key of the night.
Typical calls:
- Locked out (classic)
- Snapped key in the lock
- Break-in repairs (lock replacement, boarding up, temporary fixes)
- Tenants refusing access (landlord calls)
- Elderly customers needing gentle help
It’s not glamorous, but it’s honest, hands-on work — and people really appreciate it when you show up.
What Makes a Good Locksmith?
It’s not just about turning screws. The best locksmiths:
- Think on their feet
- Stay calm under pressure
- Know their tools — and when not to use them
- Keep learning (because the tech’s always changing)
- Can talk to people, not just locks
There’s a huge trust factor here. You’re letting someone into your home, your business, your car. That means reputation matters. A lot.
Thinking of Getting Into the Trade?
There’s no government licence required in the UK, but that doesn’t mean anyone with a drill is a locksmith. Most proper ones have done:
- Hands-on training (not just YouTube)
- Courses through the MLA or similar
- Shadowing or apprenticeships
- And they carry insurance — always ask!
It’s a great job for people who like solving problems, working with their hands, and not sitting in the same place all day.
Locksmithing isn’t stuck in the past. It’s adapting — fast. Whether it’s smart homes, keyless cars, or secure access systems, the job keeps evolving.
But at the heart of it? It’s still about helping people when they need it most. And there’s something satisfying about that.