Commercial vs Domestic Locksmith: What's the Difference?

Not all locksmiths are the same. Just as you wouldn't ask a plumber to fix your electrics, you should use the right type of locksmith for the job. For home security, a domestic locksmith is your best choice — and here's why.

Domestic locksmiths specialise in the types of locks, doors, and security hardware found in homes, flats, and residential properties. They work with mortice deadlocks, rim cylinders, euro cylinders, uPVC mechanisms, composite doors, and window locks on a daily basis. This specialisation means they carry the right parts, have the right skills, and can diagnose problems quickly.

Commercial locksmiths, by contrast, specialise in business premises — office buildings, shops, warehouses, and industrial units. They work with access control systems, panic hardware, master key systems, and heavy-duty commercial locks. While there's some overlap, the hardware and expertise required are quite different.

Automotive locksmiths are another specialisation, focusing on car locks, transponder keys, and vehicle security systems. If you're locked out of your car, you need an automotive locksmith, not a domestic one.

When calling a locksmith for your home, always confirm that they specialise in domestic/residential work. At Oldham Locksmiths, domestic locksmithing is all we do — it's our sole focus, and it means we're experts at it. Call 07949 139 475.