lock·smith
–noun
a person who makes or repairs locks and keys.
Origin:
1200–50; Middle English loksmith (first attested as surname).
1200–50; Middle English loksmith (first attested as surname).
Locksmiths are also known as Lock Technicians, or, Lock Techs. But “locksmithing” is just one part of the job requirements for an Anderson Lock Lock Tech. Access control locks require knowledge of electronics and electrical systems. Installing door closers and other door control hardware requires additional knowledge and experience. Installing hinges, both the standard types and full-surface continuous gear Rotons, requires additional skills, and when commercial wood doors and hollow metal doors and frames are added to the Lock Tech’s day, the definition of a locksmith falls far short of the job description.
A recent Twitter post referred to workers in our industry as “Opening Professionals.” That’s better, but not very precise, unless you know it is in relation to doors, not safes or Grand Openings!
A few Anderson Lock technicians are skilled carpenters, and when they finish a new door and frame installation, with related hardware and or access controls, our customers are invariably impressed!
Many customer’s send emails or leave voice mails with compliments, called “Attaboys” at Anderson Lock, that stack up on this editor’s desk in between editions of our newsletter.
What should our experienced, knowledgeable, skilled employees be called? Locksmiths? Lock Techs? Lock Pros? Opening Professionals? Don’t ask them! They are busy installing security solutions throughout Chicagoland. They don’t have time to ponder their categorical name!