A mobile locksmith is someone who has been trained and possibly licensed to work with locks and usually travels. He or she may be knowledgeable in lock repair, lock assembly, or a specialized field of locksmithing, such as forensic locksmithing. In order to work legally, a mobile locksmith may need specific training or licensing, depending on where he or she lives. These locksmiths can either be self-employed or employed by a business.
A mobile locksmith’s training typically includes not only familiarizing himself or herself with a variety of lock types, but also developing a thorough understanding of how locks work. This gives the person a better chance of working with a lock, even if he or she has never worked with a lock of that type before. Completing the requirements for a certificate from a locksmithing organization such as the Associated Locksmiths of America can help a mobile locksmith improve their technique and, potentially, increase their business. In areas that require it, the locksmith may be required to pass a criminal background check and pay a registration fee in order to become licensed.
A traveling locksmith may work in residential, commercial, or both settings. A mobile locksmith’s typical job is to help a client who has locked himself out of his car, or to go to a client’s home and unlock a door in a similar situation. For mobile locksmiths, being able to open, replace, or repair locks quickly and reliably is essential, especially when assisting someone at a business establishment where time is of the essence. To complete these jobs, the locksmith brings a set of tools, which typically includes a wide range of locksmithing tools and accessories that can be used in a variety of situations.
Many specializations exist in the locksmithing industry, and many of them fall into the mobile category. A forensic locksmith, for example, can determine whether or not a lock has been tampered with. Locksmiths in this field usually work for law enforcement or security agencies. An institutional locksmith usually works for a single company or organization, and only needs to be familiar with a few different types of locks. Depending on the size of the company and how many buildings or locations the locksmith is responsible for, mobility may be required.