Notice Board
one-inch throw bolt and a half-inch latch. Unfortunately, a lot of homes still don’ t even have a proper deadbolt, and the level of security can be crazy low.
On the commercial side, securing compounds and outdoor storage units is always a challenge. People get angry when padlocks are cut off- even with cameras catching it. We’ re constantly trying to figure out how it happened. It’ s frustrating because, honestly, a lot of security products lead to disappointment.
The crime rate around here is outrageous, it’ s like a modern-day Wild West! If you don’ t have something tied down, it’ s gone! Fuel is a high-value commodity too- people are stealing it out of trucks, slip tanks, and storage tanks. Securing those tanks depends a lot on how they’ re welded together, which makes it tricky.
The construction sector gets hit hard too— trailers, vans, you name it. Grinders have made it harder than ever to slow down crime. What used to seem like overkill ten years ago is now just standard practice. The cost of security products has gone through the roof, and at the same time, people have gotten more desperate. We’ re really in the business of selling peace of mind.
Tough Situations Some of the toughest situations we deal with are around people with dementia or special needs— the risk of them wandering out of a house or care facility. We’ ve been trying to figure out for years what kind of lock system keeps them safe inside but can still be quickly removed in case of a fire. It’ s a real dilemma.
On the automotive side, dealing with newer sidewinder keys has been a whole other headache. They’ re finicky, they wear out easily, and when they fail, they can lock down an entire car. Which put customers in a tough decision to either replace locks or try their luck with a factory cut key and hope it’ s money well spent, pending the wear on the locks.
What I would do Differently
If I were starting my own shop today, I’ d probably shift away from residential work and focus more on commercial needs. I’ d specialise in things like better padlocks, affordable commercial-grade hardware, and metal cabinet work.
Camlocks, though— man, those are tough mentally. Just when you think something will fit, it won’ t. Every size is different, every application is different, and getting accurate measurements from customers is half the battle.
In the U. S., the Disabilities Act is forcing more companies to switch to levers( Grade 1 or 2) instead of doorknobs, and that’ s changing the market too. Panic hardware is becoming the standard for a lot of commercial applications.
Right now, we’ re looking for more service guys to join us for installations and repairs. But finding qualified locksmiths is tough— there are only a handful of certified locksmiths in Saskatchewan, and even across Canada. Alberta has the strictest laws for locksmithing, having to be licensed by the province to work as a locksmith.
In the main, most of the country is still pretty lax on regulations and procedures for locksmiths. Locksmithing is not a nationally recognised trade in which to gain funding, so each business supports itself financially and gains its own work experience.
Ambitions & Personal Goals
Personally, I’ m working on becoming a certified locksmith myself. One of my dreams is to take more courses in the UK and eventually move to Scotland to train and live there. It’ s something I’ m working toward every day.
I came across TLJ on Instagram whilst looking for opportunities to network with other locksmiths from around the world, hoping to meet other likeminded people. I’ m so glad I did and it’ s great to take part in this interview. Please feel free to connect with me on Instagram(@ thelocksmith86), it would be great to hear from you!
https:// www. expertlock. ca thelocksmith86 @ gmail. com 306-934-6968 Saskatoon Location, 520 43 St East, Saskatoon, SK S7K 0V6
MAY 2025
11 locksmithjournal. co. uk