People don’t reach out to a locksmith because everything is going smoothly and sometimes the past gives you exactly the knowledge you need in the present.
The Call and My First Reaction
A client called and said he needed a locksmith service because his fueling tank was locked. Although I am old enough (55), I thought at the beginning this was a joke. It sounded like something from another era, the kind of problem you only hear about in old stories or see in vintage photos. But when clients call and ask for help, I take it seriously. People don’t reach out to a locksmith because everything is going smoothly, they call because they’re stuck, stressed, and need a solution fast.
A Memory From the 70s
While I was driving to the client, I suddenly remembered that in the 70’s we had an old Volkswagen, and we had a lock on the fueling tank. Back then, it wasn’t unusual. People protected fuel because it could be stolen, and some vehicles came equipped with locking caps from the factory. That memory helped me realize the request was completely legitimate and that I might already have the right approach in mind.
On Site and the Result
When I arrived, I saw the locked fuel cap and confirmed the client didn’t have the key. I explained the options clearly, including the risks and how I would minimize them. After getting permission, I selected the right tools and worked carefully. I picked the lock without forcing it or causing any damage. The moment the cap opened, the client’s relief was obvious. I picked the lock, and the client was very happy. For me, it was a reminder that no call is “too weird” to take seriously, and that sometimes the past gives you exactly the knowledge you need in the present.
