All locksmith services are dreams come true. Some give you blissfully sweet dreams, while others supply wickedly horrific nightmares. One of the nightmare locksmiths worked in Arizona. He used his knowledge and passkeys to burglarize storage lockers. Another nightmare is the locksmith in Utah who guarantees his work, but doesn't show up to repair problems even after repeated complaints. Moreover, what about the cop-hating locksmith who opened a service in a police-loving retirement community? He closed his doors for lack of customers.

The honest and reliable locksmith service makes dreams come true. Any locksmith worth his saltines knows that crime prevention is a major goal. Locksmiths should know more than mere installation and re-keying procedures. They should know how to bypass locked doors, how to change safe combinations and tons more. A few, however, have no background or training whatsoever in the field. Of them, you must beware, and keep in mind:

1. Locksmith associations can be an asset in your search for the right locksmith.

2. Get the right training, if you want to become a locksmith.

3. Find licensed locksmiths near you.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use a locksmith association to help you locate a qualified specialist in your state

A few unscrupulous people call themselves locksmiths, but aren't actually trained to do the job. Most areas require a license to work as a locksmith, and people must know how to do the job to get the license. Finding locksmiths through locksmith associations helps ensure you're finding competent licensed professionals.

I recommend: Many states have their own locksmith associations; for example, in New Jersey contact the Master Locksmiths Association of New Jersey for information about a locksmith. To find a locksmith in Alabama, contact the Alabama Locksmith Association. For Californians, visit the California Locksmiths Association or for nationwide information, see the Associated Locksmiths of America.

Begin a career as a locksmith services provider

Are you interested in becoming a professional locksmith? Get the training you need to do the job right.

I recommend: Lockmasters Security Institute includes college accredited courses in the field of locksmith training. You can also receive locksmith training at Ashworth University. Ashworth University is an online school located in Norcross, Georgia. All textbooks are included in the tuition.

Get real locksmiths to do the job, not imposters

If your employee screws up the job, a dismissal is in order. What happens, however, if the locksmith service you hire isn't up to snuff? Short of complaining to government entities or going to civil court, it's tough to do anything about an unlicensed locksmith. The locksmith you hire has easy access to your business. A dishonest locksmith could make an extra key and enter your business any time of the day or night. The unqualified locksmith can do scads of damage to boot. If the locksmith does a poor job, you could end up replacing locks, doors, doorjambs and windows, and you'll need a complete new set of keys.

I recommend: In Iowa, contact Strauss Safe and Lock Company. In business since 1927, it offers a free security analysis of your business. In Los Angeles, get hold of Locksmithology. It offers new customers a free security check and a free service call.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Some locksmiths install burglar alarms as a sideline to their locks business. Unless you're sure of the unimpeachable honesty and trustworthiness of your locksmith, you should consider using separate companies to install locks and burglar alarm systems. It may give you a little additional protection and peace of mind.