Automotive Locksmith Rocky Mount NC

Automotive Locksmith Rocky Mount NC

high security locks

Security is a significant concern for offices, retail stores, and warehouses. Locksmith Rocky Mount NC . Changing locks, rekeying doors, and responding to lockouts are some of the common commercial services provided. In addition to these, the company is skilled in setting up key systems that give business owners better control over access to specific areas. If you're managing a commercial property and looking for a locksmith near me that understands business security needs, Tar River Lock and Key offers dependable service with a local focus. One of the specialized services provided is fire door inspection. This is an important safety measure in commercial and institutional buildings.

Automotive Locksmith Rocky Mount NC - door hardware services

  1. lost car key
  2. smart key programming
  3. licensed locksmith
Fire doors are intended to limit the spread of smoke and flames in the event of a fire. To remain compliant with building codes and fire safety regulations, these doors must be inspected annually by a certified inspector. Tar River Lock and Key is certified to perform these inspections and is an ALOA Certified Fire Door Inspector. During an inspection, the company checks for proper door alignment, functional latching hardware, and overall integrity of the door system as defined in safety regulations. Tar River Lock and Key holds NC Locksmith License #2400 and is a member of the North Carolina Locksmith Association (#4056) and ALOA Security Professionals (#107837). These credentials reflect the company's commitment to training, professionalism, and ethical standards. The business has also been a member of the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce since 2023, showing its dedication to contributing to the local economy and community. Service hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Customers can get in touch by calling (252) 231-3188 or by emailing info@tarriverlock.com.

Whether your need is urgent or part of a planned upgrade, the team is available to schedule appointments and provide guidance. Choosing a locksmith is about more than solving a one-time problem. It's about finding a service provider you can trust for future needs. When someone searches locksmith near me or locksmith Rocky Mount NC, they're not just looking for someone who can unlock a door. They're looking for someone who arrives on time, communicates clearly, and does the job right. Tar River Lock and Key consistently meets those expectations. The company focuses on building long-term relationships by delivering quality service and treating every customer with respect. If you're in need of a car locksmith Rocky Mount NC, the team's experience with various vehicle brands and key technologies ensures a quick and professional response. They offer solutions whether your key is broken, lost, or simply locked inside the car. In addition to lockouts, they can make replacements or spare keys that match manufacturer specifications, which helps avoid unnecessary dealership visits and added costs. For property managers, business owners, and residents alike, having access to a trusted locksmith Rocky Mount NC means fewer interruptions, better control over access, and greater peace of mind. Tar River Lock and Key works closely with clients to assess the best way to address their lock and key concerns. From helping someone regain entry after a lockout to changing the locks on a commercial facility, the company has a strong track record of dependable service. A quick search for locksmith near me brings up many options, but experience, licensing, and community reputation matter.

Tar River Lock and Key brings all of these together. Whether you're dealing with a lock issue today or planning ahead for better security tomorrow, the company offers an informed, qualified, and customer-focused service you can depend on. Tar River Lock and Key remains one of the leading choices for anyone looking for a locksmith Rocky Mount NC or a car locksmith Rocky Mount NC. With its wide service area, experienced staff, and range of services, the company has earned its position as a go-to locksmith for local residents and businesses. Tar River Lock and Key is a professional, licensed, and insured locksmith company serving Rocky Mount, NC, and the surrounding areas. As a trusted provider for those searching locksmith near me, locksmith Rocky Mount NC, or car locksmith Rocky Mount NC, the company delivers a full range of residential, commercial, and automotive locksmith services. With coverage across cities including Nashville, Red Oak, Castalia, Momeyer, Spring Hope, Enfield, Whitakers, Battleboro, Tarboro, and Wilson, NC, Tar River Lock and Key remains committed to quality service, safety, and dependability. Many people begin looking for a locksmith near me when they are dealing with urgent problems like lockouts or lost keys. Tar River Lock and Key is equipped to respond promptly to those situations, especially for drivers who are locked out of their vehicles or have misplaced their car keys. high security locks The company offers car locksmith Rocky Mount NC services that include unlocking vehicles, cutting and programming new keys, and replacing or duplicating smart keys and transponders. These services are especially important for drivers of newer vehicles, where specialized equipment and training are required to manage modern security systems without damaging the vehicle. For residents of Rocky Mount and neighboring areas, Tar River Lock and Key provides reliable residential locksmith services. Rekeying locks is one of the most requested services and is often needed after moving into a new home or if keys have changed hands. Rekeying allows the existing lock hardware to remain in place while ensuring that only the new keys will work.

This approach offers both cost-efficiency and improved control over who can access the home. The company also offers lockout assistance, helping homeowners regain entry quickly and without unnecessary damage. When businesses search for a locksmith Rocky Mount NC, they require more than just basic lock changes. Commercial properties need access control, security upgrades, and fast service in the event of a lockout or compromised entry point. Tar River Lock and Key provides rekeying for commercial properties, lock replacements, and access to emergency lockout services. The company also installs and services high-security locking mechanisms for added protection of commercial assets. Business owners looking for a trustworthy locksmith near me will find that Tar River Lock and Key is well-equipped to support the unique demands of commercial security. The company is also a certified provider of fire door inspections. These inspections are necessary to meet compliance standards defined in local and national safety codes. Fire doors help contain fire and smoke, limiting damage and providing safe evacuation routes. Annual inspections by a certified inspector confirm that each fire door closes properly, latches correctly, and is free of damage or unauthorized modifications. Tar River Lock and Key performs these inspections in accordance with established safety requirements and offers recommendations to address any issues found. With NC Locksmith License number 2400, Tar River Lock and Key maintains full compliance with state regulations. The company is a member of the North Carolina Locksmith Association and holds certification through ALOA Security Professionals.

The owner is also a certified ALOA Fire Door Inspector. Since 2023, Tar River Lock and Key has been a member of the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce, demonstrating ongoing involvement in the local business community and a commitment to ethical practices. Office hours are Monday through Friday, from 7 am to 4 pm. Customers can contact the company by calling 252-231-3188 or by emailing info@tarriverlock.com. Whether the need is urgent or part of a scheduled security improvement, the team responds with professionalism and clear communication. When people look online for locksmith near me or locksmith Rocky Mount NC, they want a dependable provider who will show up on time and deliver a quality solution. Tar River Lock and Key focuses on practical service, accurate assessments, and fair pricing. Whether a client is locked out, needs to change locks, or is looking for fire door compliance, the company handles each job with precision and care. Vehicle-related locksmith issues often require immediate assistance. Losing a car key or being locked out can disrupt an entire day. That is why car locksmith Rocky Mount NC services are available to address these needs efficiently. Tar River Lock and Key can replace keys for a wide range of car makes and models, whether traditional metal keys or newer electronic systems. For those trying to avoid expensive dealership visits, the company provides a faster, more affordable solution without sacrificing quality. Property managers and business owners who want to change locks or manage access for staff benefit from commercial locksmith services that are tailored to their operational needs.

From rekeying multiple entrances to managing employee transitions, Tar River Lock and Key understands the importance of secure and organized access. A local search for locksmith near me often leads to options, but few combine technical experience, service area reach, and local involvement the way Tar River Lock and Key does. The company also works closely with clients to recommend improvements that increase long-term security.

Automotive Locksmith Rocky Mount NC - transponder key

  • residential locksmith
  • NC fire inspector
  • car key replacement
This may include installing more secure locks, rekeying after tenant turnover, or scheduling annual fire door inspections for code compliance. Businesses and homeowners alike benefit from clear, reliable guidance that helps them make informed decisions about their property's security. Tar River Lock and Key continues to be a top choice for those in need of a locksmith Rocky Mount NC. Its service record, licensing, and community presence all contribute to its reputation for reliability and professionalism. Whether you need help today or are planning ahead, Tar River Lock and Key is ready to assist. Choosing a car locksmith Rocky Mount NC is not just about getting back into a locked vehicle. It is about knowing the job will be handled carefully and completely. The company is prepared to handle a wide range of car locksmith services with the knowledge and tools required to work on many different types of vehicles. From emergency lockouts to making spare keys, Tar River Lock and Key provides dependable service every time. When people search for locksmith near me, they are often looking for a service that is both responsive and well-reviewed.

locksmith Rocky Mount NC

About Locksmithing

An illustration of a German locksmith, 1451.

Locksmithing is the work of creating and bypassing locks. Locksmithing is a traditional trade and in many countries requires completion of an apprenticeship. The level of formal education legally required varies by country, ranging from no formal education to a training certificate awarded by an employer, or a full diploma from an engineering college, along with time spent as an apprentice.

Terminology

[edit]

A lock is a mechanism that secures buildings, rooms, cabinets, objects, or other storage facilities. A "smith" is a metalworker who shapes metal pieces, often using a forge or mould, into useful objects or to be part of a more complex structure. Thus locksmithing, as its name implies, is the assembly and designing of locks and their respective keys by hand. Most locksmiths use both automatic and manual cutting tools to mold keys, with many of these tools being powered by batteries or mains electricity.

Work

[edit]

Locks have been constructed for over 2500 years, initially out of wood and later out of metal.[1] Historically, locksmiths would make the entire lock, working for hours hand cutting screws and doing much file-work. Lock designs became significantly more complicated in the 18th century, and locksmiths often specialized in repairing or designing locks.

Although replacing lost keys for automobiles and homes, as well as rekeying locks for security purposes, remains an important part of locksmithing, a 1976 US Government publication noted that modern locksmiths are primarily involved in installing high-quality lock-sets and managing keying and key control systems.

Locksmith specialisations

[edit]

Most locksmiths also provide electronic lock services, such as programming smart keys for transponder-equipped vehicles and implementing access control systems to protect individuals and assets for large institutions.[2] Many also specialise in other areas such as:

  • Auto Locksmithing
  • Safes

Regulation by country

[edit]

Australia

[edit]

In Australia, prospective locksmiths are required to take a Technical and Further Education (TAFE) course in locksmithing, completion of which leads to issuance of a Level 3 Australian Qualifications Framework certificate, and complete an apprenticeship. They must also pass a criminal records check certifying that they are not currently wanted by the police. Apprenticeships can last one to four years. Course requirements are variable: there is a minimal requirements version that requires fewer total training units, and a fuller version that teaches more advanced skills, but takes more time to complete. Apprenticeship and course availability vary by state or territory.[3]

Ireland

[edit]

In Ireland, licensing for locksmiths was introduced in 2016,[4] with locksmiths having to obtain a Private Security Authority license. The Irish Locksmith Organisation has 50 members with ongoing training to ensure all members are up-to-date with knowledge and skills.

United Kingdom

[edit]

In the UK, there is no current government regulation for locksmithing, so effectively anyone can trade and operate as a locksmith with no skill or knowledge of the industry.[5]

United States

[edit]

Fifteen states in the United States require licensure for locksmiths. Nassau County and New York City in New York State, and Hillsborough County and Miami-Dade County in Florida have their own licensing laws.[6] State and local laws are described in the table below. 15 states require locksmith licensing: Alabama, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia

US Locksmith Licensing[7][6]
State Regulatory body Requirements
Alabama Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure Certification course, continuing education, background check every two years
California California Department of Consumer Affairs, California Contractors State License Board; California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services California requires a C-28 Lock and Security Equipment Contractor license, with renewal every two years, in addition to a background check.[8][9]
Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Background check, registration (renews biennially)
Florida No statewide regulation. Counties of Hillsborough and Miami-Dade require licensure for locksmiths and locksmith firms. Miami-Dade's ordinance covers locksmithing, as well as the installation of security alarm closed-circuit television systems. Miami-Dade: must register with county and receive license. Each business performing locksmith services must have at least one license-holder in its employ. Fingerprinting and criminal background check accompany license application. Initial applicants must have a locksmith permit for one year before full licensure. Any work involving electrical systems must be done by someone who also holds a state electrician's or contractor's license.[10] Hillsborough: must apply for a biennial locksmith license. The cost is $500 for an individual or firm of up to five employees, $750 for a firm of six to ten employees, and $1000 for a firm of more than ten employees. A background check and proof of insurance are also required.[11]: 1 Pinellas County: The City of Clearwater requires fingerprints applied by Clearwater police.
Illinois Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Must not have been convicted of a felony in the last ten years, must take twenty-hour licensure course, must pass examination[12]
Louisiana Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshall Must pass examination, pay initial registration of $250, and maintain registration for $50 annually thereafter. Additional training and certification are required for locksmiths dealing with locks on fire and safety equipment and alarm systems.[13]
Maryland Maryland Locksmith Licensing Program, Maryland Department of Labor Must apply for a license and submit to a criminal records check, and after issue, must carry a state-issued locksmith license card at all times when performing work. Prior felony and misdemeanor convictions will be weighed by the Secretary of Labor according to statutorily-determined factors, including length of time since the offense and applicant's behavior since, when deciding to grant or withhold a license. The licensee must carry liability insurance, and submit proof of insurance to the secretary.[14]
Nebraska County Clerk Registration with the county clerk in the county in which the locksmith's business is located
Nevada County Sheriff Must not be in arrears on child support, and must register with the county sheriff of the county in which the business is located
New Jersey New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors Must be at least eighteen years of age, must complete three years of supervised locksmith work, working an average of at least twenty hours a week, or complete a formal two-year apprenticeship in a program approved by the United States Department of Labor, must not have been convicted of certain crimes within a ten-year period prior to application, and must pass an examination before being granted license.[15]
New York No statewide licensing requirement. In Nassau County, a county license is required.[16] Nassau County requirements include submission of passport-style photos for photo identification license card for the principal applicant; business or home address and phone number and proof of number operability in the form of a recent telephone bill; a listing of all employees and officers of the company along with passport photos; recent utility bill for the business location if the business is not operated from home; a statement of all criminal convictions for all employees and officers, along with court records if requested; statement all trade names used by the business, and incorporation documents, if applicable; proof of insurance; proof of workers' compensation registration; a federal employee identification number, and a state sales tax number, if applicable; and fingerprint records for all applicants, in addition to a non-refundable processing fee.[17]: 2–3 
North Carolina North Carolina Locksmith Licensing Board Must submit documentation of criminal history. Must submit documentation of out-of-state licenses, immigration status, and military discharge, if applicable. May optionally submit training certifications and other data. Must pay an initial license fee and subsequent annual renewal fees and keep license on person at all times. Must notify state of any employees operating under the owner's locksmith license. All apprentices must be themselves licensed under an apprentice license, and may not perform certain services, except under the direct supervision of a full locksmith license holder.[18][19]
Oklahoma Alarm, Locksmith, & Fire Sprinkler Program, Oklahoma Department of Labor Must not have been convicted of a felony and must register with Alarm, Locksmith, & Fire Sprinkler Program[20]
Oregon Oregon Construction Contractors Board Must pass a criminal background check, pass a license examination, and renew registration biennially
Tennessee Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Must provide documentation of citizenship or legal residency, any criminal convictions, all changes of address; business license in county or city where business operates, or a notarized statement that services will be for an employer or association and not offered directly to the public; otherwise, must submit documentation of application for, or employment by, a Tennessee Locksmith Company duly registered with the state. Conviction of a felony, or any level of drug, burglary, or breaking and entering offense may bar the applicant from licensure.[21]
Texas Department of Public Safety Private Security Board The owner or manager of a company providing locksmith services must hold a Locksmith Company License. To qualify for a license, the applicant must have two years service as a locksmith for a licensed company. Alternatively, the applicant may substitute one year's experience plus successful completion of a forty-eight hour licensure course, followed by successful completion of a comprehensive license examination.[22]
Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Must be over eighteen years of age. Must complete an eighteen-hour training course. Must undergo a criminal records check and submit fingerprints. Anyone convicted of a felony or misdemeanor (excluding traffic violations) in Virginia or any other jurisdiction must complete a supplemental Criminal History form detailing the circumstances of arrest and conviction, completion of sentence, and any record pertaining to parole or probation. Any false statements or omissions can provide grounds for denial of license and possible criminal sanctions.[23][24]

Employment

[edit]
A Locksmith, 2013

Locksmiths may be commercial (working out of a storefront), mobile (working out of a vehicle), institutional (employed by an institution) or investigatory (forensic locksmiths) or may specialize in one aspect of the skill, such as an automotive lock specialist, a master key system specialist or a safe technician.[2] Many locksmiths also work as security consultants, but not all security consultants possess locksmithing skills. Locksmiths are frequently certified in specific skill areas or to a level of skill within the trade. This is separate from certificates of completion of training courses. In determining skill levels, certifications from manufacturers or locksmith associations are usually more valid criteria than certificates of completion. Some locksmiths decide to call themselves "Master Locksmiths" whether they are fully trained or not, and some training certificates appear quite authoritative.

The majority of locksmiths also work on any existing door hardware, not just locking mechanisms. This includes door closers, door hinges, electric strikes, frame repairs and other door hardware.

Full disclosure

[edit]

The issue of full disclosure was first raised in the context of locksmithing, in a 19th-century controversy regarding whether weaknesses in lock systems should be kept secret in the locksmithing community, or revealed to the public.

According to A. C. Hobbs:

A commercial, and in some respects a social doubt has been started within the last year or two, whether or not it is right to discuss so openly the security or insecurity of locks. Many well-meaning persons suppose that the discussion respecting the means for baffling the supposed safety of locks offers a premium for dishonesty, by showing others how to be dishonest. This is a fallacy. Rogues are very keen in their profession, and know already much more than we can teach them respecting their several kinds of roguery.

Rogues knew a good deal about lock-picking long before locksmiths discussed it among themselves, as they have lately done. If a lock, let it have been made in whatever country, or by whatever maker, is not so inviolable as it has hitherto been deemed to be, surely it is to the interest of honest persons to know this fact, because the dishonest are tolerably certain to apply the knowledge practically; and the spread of the knowledge is necessary to give fair play to those who might suffer by ignorance.

It cannot be too earnestly urged that an acquaintance with real facts will, in the end, be better for all parties. Some time ago, when the reading public was alarmed at being told how London milk is adulterated, timid persons deprecated the exposure, on the plea that it would give instructions in the art of adulterating milk; a vain fear, milkmen knew all about it before, whether they practised it or not; and the exposure only taught purchasers the necessity of a little scrutiny and caution, leaving them to obey this necessity or not, as they pleased.

-- From A. C. Hobbs (Charles Tomlinson, ed.), Locks and Safes: The Construction of Locks. Published by Virtue & Co., London, 1853 (revised 1868).

Notable locksmiths

[edit]
  • William F. Banham, founder of Banham Security, invented the first automatic latch bolt lock in 1926 after a series of burglaries on his wife's dress shop. He opened up his own locksmith shop on Oxford Street, London, and offered £25 to anyone who could pick or break one of his patented locks[25][26] Banham Group still offer the patented locks.[27][28][29]
  • Robert Barron patented a double-acting tumbler lock in 1778, the first reasonable improvement in lock security.
  • Joseph Bramah patented the Bramah lock in 1784.[30] It was considered unpickable for 67 years until A.C. Hobbs picked it, taking over 50 hours.[31]
  • Jeremiah Chubb patented his detector lock in 1818. It won him the reward offered by the Government for a lock that could not be opened by any but its own key.
  • James Sargent described the first successful key-changeable combination lock in 1857. His lock became popular with safe manufacturers and the United States Treasury Department. In 1873, he patented a time lock mechanism, the prototype for those used in contemporary bank vaults.
  • Samuel Segal of the Segal Lock and Hardware Company invented the first jimmy-proof locks in 1916.
  • Harry Soref founded the Master Lock Company in 1921 and patented an improved padlock in 1924 with a patent lock casing constructed out of laminated steel.
  • Linus Yale Sr. invented a pin tumbler lock in 1848.
  • Linus Yale Jr. improved upon his father's lock in 1861, using a smaller, flat key with serrated edges that is the basis of modern pin-tumbler locks. Yale Jr. developed the modern combination lock in 1862.
  • Alfred Charles Hobbs demonstrated the inadequacy of several respected locks of the time in 1851 at The Great Exhibition, and popularized the practice of full disclosure.

See also

[edit]
  • Associated Locksmiths of America
  • Door security
  • Glossary of locksmithing terms
  • Immobiliser
  • Locksport
  • Master Locksmiths Association
  • The National Locksmith

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Lock Manufacturers and Brands". 24 7 Locksmiths. Archived from the original on 2019-06-15. Retrieved 2017-08-13.
  2. ^ a b Statistics, United States Bureau of Labor (1976). Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Division of Occupational Outlook. pp. 416–417. Retrieved 15 October 2018.
  3. ^ "Certificate III in Locksmithing". TAFE Queensland. Retrieved 2021-01-22.
  4. ^ "Licensing of Locksmiths".
  5. ^ "Are locksmiths licensed in the UK?". The National Guild of Certified Locksmiths. April 9, 2021. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  6. ^ a b "State Licensing Laws". Associated Locksmiths of America. Retrieved January 19, 2021.
  7. ^ Carpenter, Dick M. III; Knepper, Lisa; Sweetland, Kyle; McDonald, Jennifer. "License to Work: A National Study of Burdens from Occupational Licensing". Institute for Justice. Retrieved January 19, 2021.
  8. ^ "Locksmith Company and Locksmith Employee Fact Sheet". California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. July 2020. Retrieved January 19, 2021.
  9. ^ "Licensing_Classifications: C-28 Lock And Security Equipment". s. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
  10. ^ "Locksmith License". Miami-Dade County. Retrieved August 4, 2021.
  11. ^ "Hillsborough County Locksmith Services Business Licensing Application and Important Information" (PDF). Hillsborough County. Retrieved August 4, 2021.
  12. ^ "Locksmith". Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Retrieved January 19, 2021.
  13. ^ "Life Safety & Property Protection Training Requirements". Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshalln. Retrieved January 19, 2021.
  14. ^ "Maryland Locksmith Licensing Program". Maryland Department of Labor. Retrieved January 19, 2021.
  15. ^ "New Jersey Office of the Attorney General: Application for a Locksmith License" (PDF). New Jersey Attorney General. Retrieved January 19, 2021.
  16. ^ "Local Law 19-2007: A Local Law to amend the Administrative Code in relation to locksmith licenses". Nassau County Legislature. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
  17. ^ "General Instructions for the Locksmith License". Nassau County Department of Consumer Affairs. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
  18. ^ "North Carolina Locksmith Licensing Board: Application for a Locksmith License" (PDF). North Carolina Locksmith Licensing Board. Retrieved January 24, 2021.
  19. ^ "North Carolina Locksmith Licensing Board: Application for a Locksmith Apprentice License". North Carolina Locksmith Licensing Board. Retrieved January 24, 2021.
  20. ^ "Alarm, Locksmith, & Fire Sprinkler Program". Oklahoma Office of the Department of Labor. Retrieved January 19, 2021.
  21. ^ "TN Regulations: Locksmith". Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
  22. ^ "Private Security Administrative Rules:RULE §35.123 Locksmith Company License" (PDF). Texas Department of Public Safety. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
  23. ^ "Licensure and Regulatory Affairs: Locksmith". Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
  24. ^ "Licensure and Regulatory Affairs: Criminal History". Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
  25. ^ Lea, Robert (2010). "Going for Growth: why Banham is not going to bolt now" The Times
  26. ^ Evening Standard. 9/25/2014, p73. 1p.
  27. ^ "Lock cylinder". Archived from the original on 2017-12-31.
  28. ^ "Door fastening device". Archived from the original on 2017-12-31.
  29. ^ "Banham - Experts in Security Services". Banham. Archived from the original on 2017-01-25.
  30. ^ "Opening an Antique Bramah Box Lock". Hygra.com. Archived from the original on 2012-03-27. Retrieved 2012-08-15.
  31. ^ "Bramah Locks". Crypto.com. Archived from the original on 2012-09-04. Retrieved 2012-08-15.
[edit]
  • Media related to Locksmithing at Wikimedia Commons