Locksmiths and Safe Repairers

Also called: Certified Master Locksmith (CML), Certified Master Safe Cracker, Certified Master Safecracker (CMS), Forensic Locksmith, Key Maker

Locksmiths and Safe Repairers

Varies

estimated salary

Locksmiths and safe repairers repair and open locks, make keys, change locks and safe combinations, and install and repair safes.

  • Cut new or duplicate keys, using key cutting machines.
  • 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.
  • Keep records of company locks and keys.
  • Move picklocks in cylinders to open door locks without keys.
  • Repair and adjust safes, vault doors, and vault components, using hand tools, lathes, drill presses, and welding and acetylene cutting apparatus.
  • Install safes, vault doors, and deposit boxes according to blueprints, using equipment such as power drills, taps, dies, truck cranes, and dollies.
  • Install alarm and electronic access systems.
  • Unlock cars and other vehicles.
  • Remove interior and exterior finishes on safes and vaults, and spray on new finishes.
Work Context

Work Context information for this career will be available soon.

Work Activities
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
  • Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
  • Read More
Detailed Work Activities
  • Fabricate parts or components.
  • Install hardware or other interior fixtures.
  • Assemble electrical components, subsystems, or systems.
  • Cut materials according to specifications or needs.
  • Document operational activities.
  • Replace worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
  • Read More

Knowledge

Mechanical
  • Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Customer and Personal Service
  • Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Public Safety and Security
  • Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Read More

Skills

Repairing
  • Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Time Management
  • Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Quality Control Analysis
  • Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Equipment Maintenance
  • Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Read More

Abilities

Finger Dexterity
  • The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Control Precision
  • The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Arm-Hand Steadiness
  • The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Near Vision
  • The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Read More

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
Read More

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology
Accounting software
  • Intuit QuickBooks Hot Technology
Word processing software
  • Microsoft Word Hot Technology
Read More