Locksmithing Business

[globallockytoo]

Gee Confederate, you still cant see it? It's very clear. Y'know another important part of being a locksmith is observation.

There are people who drill locks automatically. These people are not locksmiths. Locksmiths will take the time to find a method to non destructively open a lock before drilling as a last resort. ANY LOCK.

I routinely opened at least 6 locks today, by picking. In most cases I picked to the lock position and spun it open. Then completed my rekeys and on to the next job. I also built a dozen master keyed cylinders, cut 200 keys, adjusted about 20 doors and had a pretty productive day. Not bad for 5 hours work I'd say.

I got the pick gun out 5 times today, but ended up using my hook to SPP each cylinder. It is so much easier to SPP than virtually any other method. And yes, after 25 years, I still get a buzz from picking a lock.

[eppiotic]

We've been in business for 41 years and I have to say that sometimes we have to drill cylinders from time to time. According to our picking success rates its around 95%. There is situations that you just have to get the drill. Emergency situations and dead springs for instance, certain high security cylinders, etc. When you can't pick you can usually bypass the lock and drilling is a last resort in any instance but it DOES happen.

I congratulate you on your obvious success in picking for 25 years, but for us regular yet awesome locksmiths it happens now and again.

No offence but there is no reason to be rude to anyone, this IS a hobby site where people gather to have fun. Locks are complex puzzles, just because we solve these for a living doesn't make us better than anyone else here, it just means we get paid for our hobby!

Later.

[Eyes_Only]

Sometimes the amount of time you have to pick a lock can decide if it would be better to drill it cos it's faster and that may be what the customer wants. And if you have 3 or more calls backed up on you it makes it hard sometimes to be calm and focused to pick a tricky lock cos you're in a major hurry.

[eppiotic]

Sometimes the amount of time you have to pick a lock can decide if it would be better to drill it cos it's faster and that may be what the customer wants. And if you have 3 or more calls backed up on you it makes it hard sometimes to be calm and focused to pick a tricky lock cos you're in a major hurry.

Thats a great point, sometimes the customer requests that you drill the lock. I can't say we get that request all the time or anything but its there and i completely spaced that one out lol.

[MarkC]

Picking vs. drilling seems to be personal pride issue for locksmiths but I've noticed the customer doesn't care too much. If you pick the lock, they are happy. If you drill it, they are happy the lock is so secure that "even the locksmith couldn't pick it."

So I think it really depends on how you handle each case... Some customers will feel very unsafe when they see a lock picked open in 5 seconds. Of course, this can be used as an opportunity to sell a higher-security lock and put their mind at ease.

Mark

[loki-aka]

There are situations in which the drill is indicated. If the lock has a internal malfunction, for example, one may need to drill.

[Rickthepick]

Running any business is hard work, and you wont see the fruits of your labour for a long time. Its tough setting up but having a part time job to begin with is ideal!

Start small buy in the essentials get some cheap adverts out there and learn as you go along. It helps if you have a friend to phone should you get stuck and need advise. My first ten jobs were prob spent on the end of a phone seeking help.

Its scary and a steep learning curve but if you have what it takes you soon overcome this.

Once you get the ball rolling you can buy in new stock, new tools, more adverts and it will keep getting better from there.

Think i made about 500pounds my first year which i thought was a huge bodyblow at first but then i thought hang on, iv paid for my vehicle, advertsing running into next year, Loads of stock and tools... thats where you WILL need the part time job.

Full timers will always knock you for having another job, usually when things are quiet and theyre struggling. Its a definate advantage for the smalltime newcomer to the industry. We cant all jump in head first with 20K to spare.

Give it a go and if you work hard you will succeed

[Rickthepick]

And regarding drilling. Dont be scared to use your drill.

A customer doesnt want to spend half hour waiting while you clean and pick a cylinder to get in.

The method of entry depends on the situation.

Il always go for the pick first but if im not in within 3-5 mins its alternative method time.

As im aware this is a hobbiest site so your not going to get a good response to using a drill but its one of the most important parts of your kit and guaranteed to open any lock