Don’t Trust a YouTube “Locksmith”

What is a YouTube “Locksmith”

Over the years, I’ve seen the internet grow from a loose collection of computers to the monster it is today. While there are countless advantages to the internet and its tools, there are also some very real problems and one of those problems is YouTube.

Believe it or not many “locksmiths” and I use that term lightly, watch YouTube videos to learn their trade. Getting locksmith training from YouTube means that the viewer believes whatever the video creator is saying. Unfortunately, many video creators are wrong or don’t know the best way of doing what they are showing. Some YouTube smiths think because they’ve watched a few locksmithing videos and visited a few locksmithing websites, that they are qualified to service customer’s security needs. This is the furthest thing from the truth.

Don’t get me wrong there are a ton of good YouTube videos. There are occasions where I’ll watch videos myself to get a better understanding of what is involved in a job. However, the difference is that I can tell when a video creator is being dishonest or does not know their subject matter. Unfortunately, many YouTube “locksmiths” can’t tell when they are being misled.

YouTube Locksmiths Are a Problem

Locksmith training on YouTube is unvetted and not checked for accuracy. Often times YouTube locksmithing videos are just a way for content creators to attract more followers or subscribers. Unless YouTube videos are created by legitimate locksmith tool makers or manufacturers, they are not checked for accuracy and can often times be wrong. In a worst case scenario, the customer can find themselves in a situation where a YouTube “locksmith” attempts to perform a task based upon a video and then discovers that the video creator didn’t know what they were talking about. Then the customer suffers from a lack of “locksmith” inexperience or knowledge.

Unfortunately, often times when an inexperienced locksmith is trained by YouTube videos, they end up abandoning a customer when they can’t finish a job. The practice of walking away from a job because the “locksmith” was not able to complete it is more common than one would expect. This practice causes customer frustration and often times, a lot of extra money to fix problems caused by inexperience or misinformation.

How to Avoid Getting a YouTube Locksmith

To avoid a YouTube smith and find a reputable locksmith which by the way you should do BEFORE you need one, use the following guidelines.

• Finding a capable locksmith means that you have to call or contact their business. Calling is preferable because you can gauge how the person answering the phone represents their company. If the person answering the phone seems like they work for a call center, move on.
• Locksmithing experience is important so ask the perspective locksmith how many years they have been in the trade. Experience is a good indicator of locksmithing ability. If the locksmith is unwilling to answer this basic question, move on to a more reputable one.
• Locksmith training is also important so ask the perspective locksmith where and how they got their training. If the locksmith gets angry or confrontational, move on.
• Ask the perspective locksmith if they are a member of any locksmith associations or organizations. Industry commitment and involvement means that the locksmith is dedicated to increasing their skills and knowledge. Again, if there is any push back or negativity…move on.
• Do your research. Read the perspective locksmith’s customer reviews to see if their previous customers like the work that they do.
• Having a locksmith that is part of your community is important because it shows their investment in their neighbors. Ask the perspective locksmith if they are local to your area. If they are, it is a good sign and choosing their company helps to support local small businesses.
• Ask if the perspective locksmith is certified and bonded. Certifications often indicate that the locksmith has been to formal training. Bonding helps to establish that the locksmith cares enough to obtain bonding.
• Is the perspective locksmith insured. If a locksmith makes a mistake insurance will cover their error and pay to repair the customer’s property. If a locksmith is not willing to spend money on liability insurance, move on.
• Does the perspective locksmith have a state, city license or tradename registration. This helps to establish the locksmith as a legitimate service provider.

In Closing

Keep in mind that you will be contracting a perspective locksmith if they don’t want to answer your questions or they seem taken aback by your questioning, perhaps you should choose someone else. There are many good and legitimate locksmiths. You should have no trouble finding a locksmith that you can trust. Of course we hope that you will choose us…Local Locksmith but if you don’t, do your research and find a locksmith that is honest and reputable.