When one gets locked out of his or her house or car, sometimes calling a locksmith becomes necessary to help them get back in.
So how are locksmiths able to open locks? What kind of tools do they use? There are various tools locksmiths have available at their disposal. There are different types of tools used, depending on whether they are trying to get into a house or a car.
Tools for unlocking a car
1. Wedges, both regular and air wedges
Wedges are used around the window and the seal to allow room for the tools to fit through.
2. Lasso tool
Lasso tools are used a bit more for older cars. They have a loop on the end for hooking around the locks.
3. Japanese tool
Japanese tool comes up on the inside of the window and is useful for opening thumb style type locks.
4. Long reach tools
Long reach tools are helpful in getting in hard to reach places. They come in various sizes, and some are bendable for reaching around in tight corners.
5. Auto Buster
An auto buster is useful for opening side sliding locks.
Here, a locksmith stands behind another of his tools, a vast array of key templates.
Tools for unlocking a house
1. Standard lock picks
Lock picks are probably the most basic of blacksmithing tools used to open a lock. They are used in combination with some of the other tools.
2. Pick gun
Pick guns use impact to slam the pins out. You can get them in either manual or electric versions. Pick guns are used to raise the pins on a lock, and work when other tools fail to get the job done.
3. Tension wrenches
Tension is critical when trying to pick locks. You have to apply the same amount of pressure. They come in various sizes, with the locksmith deciding which one will work for the given lock.
4. Plug spinner
Allows the locksmith to pick a lock in the opposite direction. It raises and turns the pins so that they are in the proper position to open the lock.
5. Key cutter
A key cutter lets the locksmith make duplicate keys to open the lock.
These are some of the tools a locksmith uses to get into a locked car or house. A well trained locksmith can easily determine which tool or tools will work the best for the given type of lock.
Professionalism
A professional locksmith will be licensed, insured and bonded. This can give assurance to customers that they are not dealing with a fly-by-night individual who does not generally stay put in one place for long and can easily take advantage of unsuspecting clients. Bonding and insurance provides for financial recompence for any damage or loss connected to the work.
While these types of losses are truly very rare, it is good to know that when it comes to something as important as the securty of your family and your valuables, you are covered, both monetarily and legally.
Meg Jones enjoys helping families by writing about security and safety issues we face on a day to day basis. She works with a Phoenix area company in AZ. For any locksmithing needs in the Mesa and Phoenix areas, please drop by their site at Phoenix Lock Master.
