C3212 - Hardware, locksmith

Operational Details
Hardware store operations includes the ordering of stock from various suppliers, receiving the products, stocking on the shelves, and selling over the counter. The person receiving the stock and placing it on the shelves is often the cashier as well.

A hardware store sells products such as: building materials (no cutting), nails, screws, hinges, door and window hardware, cleaning agents, paint supplies, glues, sand paper, hand and power tools, lawnmowers, weed eaters, sand paper, household supplies, light bulbs, mops, brooms, etc.

Locksmiths generally operate out of a small store front where keys are custom cut for the customer, and locksets and passage door sets are sold. A locksmith also specializes in making service calls at the customer’s residence, or place of work. Broken locks are repaired or installed, or when keys are accidentally locked inside, the locksmith, using special tools, opens the door. This service is also provided to owners of vehicles who have locked their keys inside.

While a hardware store will also cut keys for customers, a locksmith is the specialist. The locksmith has a much larger variety of keys on hand, and is an expert in opening items that have been locked, but no keys are available. When this occurs the locksmith is able to trace out the interior of a lockset and establish the pattern needed to cut a key to open the item.

SIC Codes
000000200 - Hardware, locksmith