Locks have been around for thousands of years. Probably as long as there have been valuables that people wanted to protect, locks — in some form — have been there to keep things secure.
Today there are many different kinds of locks. Some are very simple locks that open with a key or a combination of numbers.
Others are extremely complicated locks that open with fingerprints or special electronic keycards. Today’s locks feature many different types of mechanical and technological systems to increase security.
To get a basic understanding of how locks work, let’s take a look at two common types of locks: combination locks and pin-and-tumbler locks. These common locks are the ones you’re most likely to see on a day-to-day basis.
Combination locks can be found in all sorts of places. From gym lockers to shed doors to secret diaries, combination locks allow their contents to be accessed only by those who know the secret combination of numbers that will open the lock.
A typical combination padlock, for example, contains a wheel pack. The wheel pack contains one wheel for each number in the combination.
Each wheel in the wheel pack has a small tab — called a “wheel fly” — on each of its sides. As you turn the combination dial, a spindle that extends through the wheel pack turns a drive cam.
As the drive cam turns, an attached drive pin makes contact with the wheel fly on the nearest wheel. As you continue to dial in the correct combination, the wheel fly on each subsequent wheel makes contact until all the wheels are spinning.
When you get to the last digit of the combination, all wheels will be lined up perfectly. Notches cut into each wheel will also be aligned. These notches form a gap that will allow the lock to release and open.
Pin-and-tumbler locks are different because they require a key to unlock them. Basic pin-and-tumbler locks have several spring-loaded pins inside a series of small cylinders.
When the right key slides into a pin-and-tumbler lock, the pointed teeth and notches on the blade of the key allow the spring-loaded pins to move up and down until they line up with a track called the “shear line.” When the pins align with the shear line, the cylinder can turn, and the lock will open.
If you don’t have the right key, one or more of the pins will remain in the way of the shear line. This will prevent the cylinder from turning, and the lock will remain closed.
What does a locksmith do? It’s a little surprising but this question gets asked regularly. Locksmiths have a massive wealth of knowledge when it comes to security products etc. Think about it a moment – every car lock, every door lock, every key, every safe lock….is different. Technology is constantly evolving & we need to keep learning.
A common call we get is to gain access to a clients home or business when their keys are lost or stolen. Their locks may then need to be rekeyed – this involves keeping the same lock but changing the ‘code’ – so that the old key no longer works if the thief attempts to use it. This is very important as thieves can & do return.
Of course locksmiths do a multitude of other jobs, installing new locks, installing safes, removing broken keys in ignitions, etc.
An important note – 1 in 5 home burglaries occur while someone is home – as alarming as this is the cause is most often because of unlocked doors and windows. Your security products can only work if you use them. Please…stay safe.
Why Advanced Lock & Key? We are part of the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia. This gives the reassurance of knowing our work is of the highest standard & fully guaranteed. There are many locksmith businesses in Perth. They are not all the same! The advantage to clients who choose a well established business that employs several locksmiths is that clients have the peace of mind in knowing that there is a wealth of experience, cost effective prices & we plan on being here a very long time into the future. Forever if possible J You’re also supporting a business that invests in our young people as we take on apprentices & teach them the trade. We invest in the latest equipment & locksmithing software to ensure that we can securely, safely, quickly & as cost effectively as possible assist our clients. Our locksmiths are experienced & if they come across a challenge we have the support staff employed to help. We have also always had a 24 hour emergency service on a rotating roster with our senior locksmiths.
Our first ever blog post – About us – we opened Advanced Lock & Key in 1999 with Aaron in a single locksmith van, just over 10 years experience in locksmithing & lots of ambition! From humble beginnings we have grown to currently have 3 qualified locksmiths, 2 locksmith apprentices & our admin manager in the retail store/workshop, a marketing manager, as well as 3 on road locksmiths to service clients at their home or business.
With the hot summer we are experiencing in Perth, this can pose real issues for workers needing to be outside to complete their work.
Whilst employers have obligations to protect your safety, there are also ways of making your working life not only safer but more comfortable.
Wherever possible work in the shade or indoors. Where this is simply not practical, UV rated broad brimmed hats; light loose clothing (preferably long sleeved, collared and long legged for UV protection) will help protect against the suns damaging and dehydrating rays.
A minimum 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen and sunglasses to protect skin and eyes are essential, it is also important in Australia’s climate to ensure you use sufficient sunscreen and reapply as recommended.
We encourage our employees to ensure they are drinking an adequate amount of water (quantity is dependant on your personal needs) Freezing a refillable bottle overnight and taking it to work the next day is refreshing. There are electrolyte drinks on the market that are beneficial also. Staff vehicles fitted with airconditioning can be a welcome break for those on the road during the day.
Importantly, if you feel you need to acclimatize or have medical issues (not limited to but examples include pregnancy; recent illness etc) talk to your employer or seek medical advice. Stay cool & safe Smile emoticon
Any business that wants to be successful and long lasting will know that having a strong, caring customer service focus is absolutely essential.
So Perth customer service may sometimes appear to be …lacking. But what makes for good customer service?
Here’s our thoughts…
Listening. Hear what your customer wants rather than making assumptions. Are they on a tight budget? What are their main concerns? Are they needing urgent work done?
Honesty. Never sell or suggest anything that isn’t in the clients best interests. We believe in treating people how we would want to be treated . If we can suggest a way to save you money we will. There are lots of businesses in Perth that seem to feel this way and it is very reassuring to see.
Fairness. We charge a responsible price to be fair to our clients whilst providing a professional service. After hours services are more expensive as our locksmiths need to be fairly compensated for getting out of bed on these 2C nights!
Interaction. Our locksmiths are all security licensed, they have their names and uniforms clearly visible (as well as very clearly sign written vans!). Our administration team (Sharon & Kate) answer calls and queries professionally and efficiently. We know you don’t have time to waste!
Communication. We are able to advise you on a time our locksmith is due to arrive, or we can call you half an hour before our locksmith will be there so you are not waiting around for us any longer than necessary.
Gratitude. Ever walk into a shop and feel like you’re an inconvenience? Not nice. We know how fortunate we are to have such loyal clients and we are very grateful you continue to choose us.
Anything we’re missing? Always feel free to let us know how we can improve, our client feedback forms are online on our website & also at the front counter of the shop, These are given direct to the owners to follow up.
Thank you!
When our staff member Morgan’s dog Nana’s needed to be kept an eye on, he asked to bring her to work. The cute staffie loves sitting out in the workshop with the staff and having regular outside breaks. It is not only good for Nana’s but everyone at work love having her around. She now comes in for the day occasionally and is very friendly and well behaved.
According to American Pet Products Association, 1.4 million people take their dogs to work every day around the world. Whilst it depends on the dogs nature and the job you do, we think it’s a great idea, improving staff morale & stress levels, whilst for you dog – it is a day hanging out with people in a new and exciting environment.
In the past 15 years that Advanced Lock and Key have been trading, we have seen many businesses start up (and quite a few close down).
There is a multitude of businesses to choose from. Here’s what we believe is worth checking out before you book in that job and trust your security to someone else.
So how do you choose a locksmith in Perth when there’s so many?
1.Are they a Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia member? Members hold recognised trade qualifications &/or have passed stringent and independently conducted trade competency tests.
The MLA also ensures the member:
•is a qualified and experienced security industry professional
•is licensed to operate as a locksmith under relevant State and Territory security industry legislation
•abides by an established code of ethics and code of conduct.
2.What guarantee does your locksmith offer to cover their products and workmanship?
3.Are they a solid, established business so if you need further work done or to make a query they will still be around? (research shows around half of Australian small businesses that start up are not running after 5 years
4.Is the locksmith you are having into your home or business security licenced; police cleared and trade qualified?
5.Do they only use top quality products and provide no obligation professional advice on your security needs?
Hopefully this gives some helpful tips to choosing your locksmith, (by the way we can answer yes to all the above!)
To become a qualified locksmith in Perth, you need to undertake a 4 year apprenticeship, which involves a locksmith business taking you on whilst you attend TAFE. We currently have 2 apprentices & believe taking on apprentices is essential for our trade to grow & thrive.
Locksmithing is a rewarding career and further information can be found here: https://masterlocksmiths.com.au/how-to-become-a-locksmith/
To gain some insight as to the nature of the jobs the emergency after hours locksmith was called out to this weekend, we have come up with a list of reasons people have needed our services. Hopefully there are a few things people can do to avoid needing a locksmith. Our emergency after hours locksmiths found the following reason to be the most common reasons for call outs:
These are by far the most common callouts our emergency after hours locksmiths receive each weekend.
Shop Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday
8.30am to 4.30pm
Emergency Locksmith Services:
24 hours a day – 7 days a week
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For all emergency after hours jobs, please call us on 9409 4440.
Please do not submit an enquiry form or email us outside of normal office hours for any emergency work as the office is not manned during this time.