Business Questions? Ask a Locksmith.

[Varjeal]

I usually use car opening tools, though more lately I'm trying to pick the locks as opposed to using the tools. I generally take a lot of care in what tool I use and making sure that I'm using it the correct way. If you do so, you'll be able to easily avoid bundles of wires, and it's one of the reasons why most manuals recommend entry through the passenger side door.

The worst case I've had is actually catching the tip of a tool in a small opening on the inside skin of the door...it was very annoying and took me most of 20min to get the tool "unstuck".

[Mad Mick]

If you use a borescope before inserting any bypass tool, the chances of snagging something are lessened dramatically. Borescopes are pretty expensive though, and usually used by people who are able to justify the price. As a hobbyist I'd be unable to justify buying one but, as I use one for my work, I have it already.

As backup for Varjeal's 'worst case', opening a Mazda with an under_the_window tool wasn't a problem. Removing the tool was! After removing the door trim panel, the tool was found to be on the wrong side of the window mechanism, which inhibited the tool from being able to be withdrawn.

[freewheelin4eva]

Just wanted to say thank's for the time that some of you put in at this site, to make it worthwhile for the rest of us, great information, which I will have to keep in mind for the future.

[Varjeal]

No prob. That's what I enjoy doing...now if I could just collect a pay check.......

[Eyes_Only]

I'd like your opinion on two different key machines. one is here...[http://www.locksmithtoolandsupply.com/store/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PLT&Product_Code=360-9120-1&Category_Code=KD] and the other is here...[http://www.locksmithtoolandsupply.com/store/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PLT&Product_Code=400-2002-1&Category_Code=KD]. Im kinda short on space at the moment and would like something I can carry from one place to another easily so I have to do with these small key duplicators. Im only planning on being able to cut basic cylinder, auto and flat keys, nothing more. Which is more reliable/favorable in your opinion? What are the ups and downs on both these machines?
And yes, thank you so much for willing to spend time on helping ppl like us who are genuinely interested in the field of locksmithing. You have no idea how helpful this really is. We really appriciate your assistance and advice.

[randmguy]

In the long run the Speedex is a better buy than the MiniMite. If price is your main concern the MiniMite is a fine machine to start with. My only complaint with the MiniMite is that it is a pain to adjust for wear after you've been using it for a few years. A few sources that may be able to help you with buying a key machine... Call local distributors...many of them will discount a key machine if you will agree to buy blanks through them for a set period of time...they may also have used/rebuilt machines if they accept trade-ins. Local hotels/motels may have key machines sitting in a closet somewhere I know there are a lot of old National automatic duplicators sitting around after hotels switched to electronic locks. http://www.discountkeymachines.com they sell for very low prices and they sell rebuilt key machines...A MiniMite rebuilt goes for $200 on their site but they do have a waiting list for most rebuilt machines

[Eyes_Only]

hmm...in that case i think ill go with the speedex. I dont want something that will lose its ability to function to its full potential within a few years. One other thing, is some sort of license required in order to cut keys and make profit out of it?

[Varjeal]

Eyes_Only: All I can tell you is what I've heard from other lockies, and most of 'em (it would seem) would agree with randmguy for the very reasons that he mentions. If you're going to sell keys and make profit from it, most likely you're going to need a business license of some type. Contact your local city hall (or equivalent) for details.

[joenight]

At one time, I considered taking up a career in locksmithing -- I was looking for something new and different.
Now.. In addition to my day job, I'm trying to manage a 15-unit apartment building. I'm not suffering from lack of things to do.
But, I have a single coin-operated dryer with two tubular vending locks. I have one key and it opens the side drawer of the mechanical area. The key doesn't do anything for the cash box. I poked around a bit with a paperclip. The pins I could reach moved with no problem. I think I'm missing a key... somebody told me it was probably so packed with coins that I couldn't turn the lock... Lovely thought, but I suspect that's wishful thinking.
On principle, I'd really like to blow some money on a seven-pin pick. On the other hand, I'd bet there is enough money in the box to pay for the locksmith who said he'd drill it out.
If I was able to pick the thing, would a permanent solution follow easily? Like removing and replacing the lock? I only have simple tools... like screwdrivers, hammers, chain saws... I'm guessing that the cost-efficient and most timely solution would be the locksmith? Do you think this is a good time to forget about ego-strength and just hire it done?

[Varjeal]

Quite simply, the answer to your question is yes. Hire a locksmith and watch how they do it. Also, the questions normally asked in here are more general or specific things related to the business of locksmithing.

[joenight]

The little light bulb above my head is starting to flicker and glow a bit. I've grown to appreciate the help I get just from having somebody point out what's in front of my nose. Sometimes that's the hardest place to see stuff. Thanks, and best regards, JN

[Varjeal]

No prob, and best of luck.

[Guitar_J]

I'm a n00b.. so I don't really expect to do this soon.. but here's the thing... There are no locksmiths in my town... the closest is 30 miles away... granted it is a small town.. but I figure that I could make a decent amount of money if I were to go into the business.. ya know.. start small and expand... Anywho!

I don't really have the ability (time) at the moment to try to be an apprentice (I'm still in college) and with bills to pay I can't quit my regular job..

Is it possible to become a locksmith without taking any classes? in other words.. can I just self study for a while, Learn everything I can and then apply to get an RL certification through the ALOA .. or do you have to have a sponsor to get certified? or would my best bet be to take like a F-B course or something... ?

[Lockpick Dan]

I'm probobly going to become a locksmith and I was wondering about how many hours a week you actually spend working. Thanks for all your work guys, this site is really helpful.

[Varjeal]

Guitar_J: I would suggest starting with a correspondence course such as offered by F-B FIRST. Decide what level of interest you are at and if you want to do it at all. (You'll know by the time you finish the course.) Take your time going through the course and start immediately at collecting any/all locksmithing material and info that you can get your hands on. You can get lots of stuff for free so do be hasty in shelling out a lot of cash for stuff.

Lockmasters offers courses, and the ALOA does as well, some by correspondence. Check these out and find out from ALOA what materials/books you need to study from in order to take their certification course. At some point I believe you do need a sponsor to join the ALOA to gain their certification, but as far as I'm aware ALOA certification is not a requirement to working as a locksmith.

You will, of course, need a business license and insurance to operate a business, and you'll want to visit your city hall (or equivalent) to find out the requirements.

Depending on how "small" your town really is, the correspondence course will have you well on your way in servicing your locale.

The glossary of terms on this site has about the best definition of a locksmith that I've seen in quite awhile, so find/read that, and then decide from there what you need to do.

Best of luck.