What to Buy First?

[BrotherBob]

I have the course that was mentioned http://www.locksmithbiz.com/
and for the money is very good. He teaches you how to run a business as well as how to open locks etc. You will get a good set of picks with the course. Check it out, I think you will like it and he gives you a two month guarantee, how can you go wrong?

[Grey Hat]

I suggest first buying yourself a nicely rounded set of lockpicks and tension wrenches from Lockpicktools.com. They're affordable and quite diverse. I prefer the ripple style handle myself. Then go around collecting some padlocks and deadbolts to pick on and see how well you do and get better.

Once you gain the experience and confidence of picking locks, and afford yourself a nice set of tools, then consider persuing a business venture.

I would second this one. To start with you really don't need a gigantic set of picks. Just some to get your practice in. If I need some really cheap picks, I will get the spring steel picks (or try and make some from surplus spring steel) and also a cheap roll of heat shrink tubing to make a handle. They also make handle sleeves though, so get your hands on a few different ones and get what's comfortable.

Whenever I am out on the road and have to stop for gas I will try and pick up a comination lock or keyed padlock from the gas station to pick and or manipulate. It builds up a collection and a variety of constructions to work with.

Raccoon: on a sidenote, I dig Socorro! I would love to work at the VLA.

[Raccoon]

Move down here. The weather's great!

PS. I haven't actually tried this the locksmithbiz course yet. I've only spoken to the guy (he lives 2hrs south of me) and pretty much verified what I already know/have done. But I know others who have bought the course and really enjoyed it, so I can only endorse it that way. I wouldn't mind checking it out myself, but $247 for something that may be completely redundant is just not worth the risk.

And don't think about moving to Socorro to start a locksmithing biz... I already have that market covered. (Yellow pages ads printed yesterday! )

[Grey Hat]

Move down here. The weather's great!

PS. I haven't actually tried this the locksmithbiz course yet. I've only spoken to the guy (he lives 2hrs south of me) and pretty much verified what I already know/have done. But I know others who have bought the course and really enjoyed it, so I can only endorse it that way. I wouldn't mind checking it out myself, but $247 for something that may be completely redundant is just not worth the risk.

And don't think about moving to Socorro to start a locksmithing biz... I already have that market covered. (Yellow pages ads printed yesterday! )

Na, I wouldn't think of taking some business away from you. I would move down to work at the VLA (washing "dishes" if I have to!) Anyhow, if you pursue the locksmithbiz gig, let me know how it turns out!