What you need to start a uk locksmith business

[toomush2drink]

I have put together this guide as to what you will need and need to expect if you intend or are thinking about opening or starting a mobile domestic locksmith business in the uk.
Im sure somebody will disagree with parts or wish to add to this guide which is fine, im just passing on the experiences i have had so others are under no illusions.

1 Skills and training

First up you need some skills, a quick hunt for locksmith training will throw up various courses starting at about £500 up to and over £5000.Before any pm's arrive i did my training with justlocks but im not here to advertise just offer a guide.
Things you need to learn on your course are more important than the course itself as then you know what to ask before going on the course and can ascertain weather it is the one for you.

You need to learn how to pick basic pin tumblers ,yale etc
How to pick 2,3 and 5 lever non bs deadlocks

How to pick 5 lever BS deadlocks with a curtain pick or dedicated bs picksets/decoders

How to drill the above to open them, but i think learning to pick them sets you up for the long term.

How to id mortice locks - without this skill you wont even be able to drill them or even know what you are up against when you go to pick them.

How to impression a lock, ok you may not fully pick up this skill on your course but its a technique to learn for the long term.

How to strip down a lock and reassemble it.

How to fit a lock to a door

How to use a letterbox tool and what its for.

How to make key turners and other tools from welding rod.

How to use rap keys.

How to use jiggler keys

How to use a snapper for euro cylinders

How to use mica

Also do your trainers provide backup ? This is essential as i have found out as when you are on a door step with no idea what to do who are you going to call/ask for help ?

There is a lot more training available in different areas through different associations but i think most of these skills will be enough to get you started.As things move on you will soon discover your own weakness's and strengths and make plans to boost them.


2 Start up costs to expect

Ok you need tools and quite lot of them ,not all expensive but they soon add up as you build up your selection.Listed below is a basic list as this topic is covered elsewhere in the forum but i am trying to make this just for the uk market.You may feel some of these things are not needed and nice to have but iam trying to educate people to what you may need with this list.

18v drill £80 - 260 depending on brand. I prefer a dewault
various handtools screwdrivers pliers etc etc
Woodworking tools for repairs and lock fitting
If you can afford it and are not as confident with your woodwork skills get yourself a mortice jig at approx £150
Hardplate drill bits approx £4 each
Normal hss drill bits

Picks

A basic pickset for cylinder locks plus lots of tension tools £15 +
Electric pickgun £ 80 +
Lever lock picks £15+ or make your own from welding rod
2 and 3 lever jigglers £15 -30
2 in 1 picks left and right handed in different gauges approx £35 each
Curtain pick approx £50 -160 different gauges may be required
BS picksets start at approx £160 - 500 and you need a few to cover a lot of locks
Drill template kit £60 -200
Mica £5
shims £2-3
padlock shims £15
plug spinner £18
Letterbox tool £110 approx
Rap keys approx £14 for each type or make your own
Euro snapper approx £35
Tubular picks approx £50 -90
impressioning files £6-17 each
Padlock picks £50 approx each
overlifting picks £35 approx each

Key cutting machine and blanks if you wish but not essential to start with £500+ ( look on ebay for deals)


3 Stock and sundries etc

This list will vary a lot depending on what sort of work you doing on a regular basis and what sort of locks people are using and used to in your area. Ie you may encounter a lot of upvc so need a lot of euro cylinders or you may get a lot of commercial work and need a lot of different stuff like adams rite etc. Again this is just a guide you will need to find (through experience) what is ideal for yourself.

Cylinders brass and silver/nickle ie yale etc £2 +
Cylinder deadlocks and deadlock cases only £4 +

2/3 lever mortice locks £3 + a few sizes and faceplate types
5 lever mortice locks £5 + a few sizes and faceplate types
BS 5 lever locks £8 + a few sizes and faceplate types
Spare levers for the above to key alike etc

Euro cylinders you will need a large selection of these to cover most jobs as there are so many different sizes. Also you need both nickle and brass plus thumbturn ones as well. £2 +
Padlocks £2+
Bolts and general ironmongery like latches,door chains etc 50p +
Cam locks £2 +
digital locks £ 30 +

Various escutcheon plates 50p +

There is a lot lot more stuff you can stock and you really only find out what you need when you havent got one for the job required.
If you are starting up have a word with the supplier and negotiate a discount for a big first order also some suppliers do starter packs for people starting up. A £1000 will get enough of a basic selection to start with but you will soon start adding to it.


4 The boring stuff

A van to put to everything in £ 100-20000 its up to you really
Insurance for the van £500+
Insurance for the vans contents (goods in transit) £250 +
Van sign writing £150 +
Van extra security alarm, deadlocks etc £150+
Van bulkhead ply lining and racking/shelving £100+
Public liability insurance £80 +

Advertising £1 + This i feel is a subject in its own right as everybody is competing for the work.

Yellow pages is the main one everybody knows so lets start there. A basic non colour ad 2x2 ad is about £800 for 2 areas the first year.Yellow pages will give you a 50% discount the first year and they also do 10 months interest free credit. The locksmith section is dearer than some other sections in the yellow pages. This advert alone will not provide enough work to live off, be under no illusions. Look at the adverts in the yellow pages and check the registered addresses and you will see you are competeting against people and companies placing a few adverts in one edition and spending thousands on them.
118 -24-7 (talking pages) aprox £500 for 2 areas with the 50% discount.I havent had much from this but the ones i have had have been higher priced jobs.
Local papers are quite good but not always consistant and can work out dearer in the long term but are a good low priced starting point.
Scoot is another option, not sure of their prices.
Leaflet drops
business cards
Word of mouth -the best in my opinion
Website and internet advertising £10 +
Local radio
Freephone numbers

Basically you can spend as much as you want on advertising and it is a big expense

Accountant , bookkeeper or accounts software
Phone line
Mobile phone
Credit card machine £ 500 - 800 approx
stationary, receipts etc
business account - shop about you can get 18 months free banking

A big one is CASHFLOW - when you start out you wont be able to get a credit account at most suppliers until you have done few orders with them, also the biggest catch is that most require 2 references to companies you already have a credit account with so it can get tricky. If you spend enough with them over time they will probably offer it to you at some point but "if you dont ask you dont get" as they say.

Take advantage of a company credit card to begin with.

You will probably need to sub contract at the beginning and it doesnt pay that well BUT it will give you experience, get your company known and provide that all important cashflow. The money may not get paid straight away so be ready for this.

Contracts are definately the way to go for regular work.

Most of all the biggest thing you need is determination and perseverance , these are both free so use them.

This forum has helped me loads and provided some great contacts all over the world now so dont forget this excellent resource.

Please feel free to add to this guide as im sure i have left out loads but if it helps others then great, im happy




DISCLAIMER

This guide is not a complete business guide but a pointer to what you could need to start up as a uk locksmith. Prices are all approximate so please no pms about where do you get this or that for that price etc.
THIS NOT TO BE DISTRIBUTED ON EBAY IT IS FOR THE USE OF LOCKPICKING101 ONLY AND IS A FREE GUIDE

Mods feel free to move this post to another section like the faqs and information section, i just posted here as i couldnt in the other section

[Rockford]

Excellent guide Toomush, and I'm sure newcomers will find the information invaluable.

Initial thoughts (I'll need to read it again to see if I can add more - without making it a wish list) :

Ditto your comments on "determination and perseverance " - both are needed to stand any chance of success in this field. Also, skills and training is an ongoing process, and regular practice is required to both hone existing skills and develop new ones.

I've installed a generator into my van, to provide the option of running a key machine from the van. Also, this provides backup power in the event my batteries run low (this cold weather doesn't help), or to run other equipment if necessary (grinder etc.). Not had to use it yet - but it's there when I do !. Ebay purchase - cheaper than new.

Workwear with business logo/name on - adds an air of professionalism when facing clients.

Also consider membership of the MLA (BLI to start with as student), as this may open up doors when competing for contracts. I did a job recently for a guy who works for the local council. He's responsible for council property in the region, and confirmed a local locky had the contract for lock installations/changes and reposessions - MLA membership working in his favour.

I'm sure there's more, but for now......

Rockford.....

[Chris B]

Good morning,

All the above is a very useful guide, and it takes time to build it all up. So do remember that the Insurance on tools and equipment is so important.

And where would we be now without our trusty I.T. ?
Most of the catalogues are available on CD, and some on-line.
We use valuable search engines to seek and find all sorts of products world-wide.
We use product programmes for pinning, for auto work, the list goes on.
In fact, without the I.T. support we'd loose so much time.
The up-keep of our computers can be a nightmare at times, but always costly if they 'go down', both in time lost and cost.

And remember your office, you'll need furniture; to work on, to store your books and brochures, to house your computer and I.T. , to file info re: customers and products, plus your accounts. So whether your office is a corner of a room or garage, or if you are lucky enough to have a room dedicated as an office, you'll need some space.

And what about your workshop, whether it's a lock-up, a shed, garage or a room, you won't be popular if you spread out through the whole house.

There is a lot to consider, these lists just show what goes into the running of a locksmith business.

regards Chris B

[toomush2drink]

Just an after thought after many pm's asking about starting a locksmith business, if your not sure how much work your gonna get try testing the water by placing an ad in your local paper. Sure you cant cover the jobs without skill so direct any caller to somebody else but at least you will know what to expect before outlaying loads of cash on tools etc. This is a cheap way to test the water on what your doing.

[letmein]

a lot of knoledge is also part of equipement

[t8769]

A few quesitons I'd appreciate some help on.


I'im a bit confused about tools, as I'm thinking of getting into this business.

One school charges £500 for tools, another guy who trains includes tools. How much should I expect to pay for a reasonable set of tools. I already have a drill and all the usualy handyman tools. Should I pay


Also..is a 3 day training course enough to set up as a locksmith?

One school said it was, one said it wasn't. I've a lot of experience in the building trade.


People on this florum are saying there's a lot of work to be done in order to handle most jobs. How much approx?

Many thanks

T

[pinky]

T

first off , a 2 or 3 day course is not enough to just set up and make a living as a locksmith, regardless of what the sharks tell you, you should expect to invest at least a minimum of £5000 to set up for picks, tools stock and initial advertiseing, but expect this to top £15000 by end of first year.
the above is to set up in just domestic commercial opening, if you wish to do cars , expect an investment of £30 to £40,000, and if you want to do safes expect to invest another £50,000.

no matter where you go for training, all you can be shown is the opening methods, you will not be competent nor proficient in any, once you learn these methods you will need to add to this with alot of dedicated practice.

lock tools are very expensive to set up properly, a drill is and should only be a last resort.

dont expect to make your fortune, and i wouldnt pin any hopes on even earning a living wage within your 1st year or more of tradeing.
the decent paying contract work wont touch you if you are not 97% totaly non destructive, and until you are well established and proven, this takes time, practice and a large investment.

times have changed, it is hard to establish yourself in the industry as too many unskilled cowboys calling themselves locksmiths, dont believe the hype of £1000 and £2000 easily earned per week, this just wont happen, expect as stated a good year to pass before you start seeing a living wage let alone a £1000 per week.

avoid the scams, search on this forum and read, as all your questions have already been well answered.

[sj85]

On the subject of starting and running a locksmithing business the above makes pretty depresing reading for anyone who's considering entering into the industry, ie me!
One thing that i can't quite get my head around is if it's so difficult to make a living from from the job (and i'm certainly not disputing that comment) then why are there so many people/companies offering the training??
I'm in a position where i'd love to enter into the industry, have spoken to several of the companies offering the training and even visited one of them. But am still not convinced that there is sufficient work out there.
One other point, the site is great and i can see that a lot of emphasis is put on the view that locks should be picked and not drilled, which is great. But, in the field, is it not a case of get the door open for the client ASAP, ie if that means drilling so be it, replace the locks, earn a living?? I may be well off the mark, but any comments would be greatfully received before i spend my £2800 on the training course i'm eyeing up!

thanks

[EvoRed]

SJ85, there is absolutely no need in spending £2800 for training. Go to Pinky on here and you'll get good honest affordable training, and unless you move in with him for a month it won't cost you nearly £3K...

So many people are entering training as they see it as very easy money. £300-odd a day for showing someone how to pick some, usually, doctored locks sounds quite appealing to all of us I'm sure...

[toomush2drink]

One thing that i can't quite get my head around is if it's so difficult to make a living from from the job (and i'm certainly not disputing that comment) then why are there so many people/companies offering the training??

Whats happened is that because there isnt as much work about but many like yourself who want to get into the trade because of the myth of loads of money for all, that more people are turning to training to make money. The problem now is that many do a 2 day course and then start their own training schools, would you pay £2800 for that ? If you really want to get into this trade take on board everything ive mentioned as its all from experience and i gain nothing from giving out this information. Others who want your money will tell you what you want to hear especially the £1500 a week stories.

If you want affordable training or any pointers in the right direction pm me for some free advice. Checkout the european sections also and get yourself into the mindset of it all as this helps a lot. Yes you will need to spend a fair amount to start up ask anyone on here who has done this.

You mentioning drilling locks, sure you can drill locks and make money but and its a big but what are you going to do when your competition is advertising a free lock if they drill the lock ? Also drilling locks can actually become a nightmare if you id it wrong where as picking it can, in some circumstances, be a lot quicker.

Let us know who you are thinking about training with and see what sort of response you get from others on here who have already parted with the money on a lot of the courses advertised.

Please dont think im trying to put you off this choice of career im not but do learn from others real experiences before you throw a load of money at it.
Maybe your next posts on this could be in the general section or european sections to keep the forum tidy

[t8769]

Many thanks for the info...depressing as it sounds!

I'm interested in how one gets experience, if a 3 day course is not enough.

Is this experience gained in the field, just working?

Also

How can one spend £15,000 in the first year. I know I have to buy a van, toold and advertising, but how can that be 15k?


Thanks again

[toomush2drink]

Ok so you want to know how it can add up to 15k ? Ok heres a very quick breakdown.

advertising; Yellow pages for a small 2 by 2 ad costs about £800 first year for 2 directories and thats with a 50% discount. Now you may want to go in your local paper and the thompsons oh and 11824-7 etc etc so your looking at over 3-4k minimum and thats just a start.

Tools. Forget tools if you want to drill locks just get a dewault and a drill template kit oh and a lock id cd. If you want to pick locks try adding up some of the prices on http://www.safeventures.com They are really the only people supplying kits for all the bs mortice locks but some other stuff is available from other suppliers. Ok say you get a chubb 114 pick at £350 and say an era invincible decoder at £480 as those locks are fitted in your area, you have just done over 800 quid on 2 picks. Thats just a start i know of several people who have most of the picks they do. Im still working on it but got a few already.
You can spend what you like on tools but the day you get stuck on a dor because you didnt have the tool for the job is the day you will rush out and buy one !!

Stock: Do you realise how many different types of locks there are out there ? Get yourself into a B&Q superstore and take a look at their range. Now consider that they dont carry many euro cylinders or a lot of other stuff and you can see how its adding up. If you dont have it on your van you soon get caught out at 1am in the morning especially if you have just drilled a hole through a perfectly good lock. See why picking can be better ? Take a yale pbs1 which a hefty old lock now think about its cost at about £40-£60 approx now consider you may need brass,chrome or grey now think about the fact they all come in 2 sizes. This size and finish thing applies to most locks so you end up with stacks of different sizes finishes etc of the same lock and thats just one brand. Fit just one brand i here you say but if you have drilled a lock and the hole is a certain size what if your brand doesnt slot in very neatly ? Hence a lot of differnt stock is required.

Van: Spend what you want but remember locks are heavy and it needs a van that can carry the load ok.

Insurance: Van insurance contents and accident also indemnity too. This can really add up especially as you have to leave stuff in the van if your 24hours.

Stationery,phone, business cards ,uniform and a whole lot of other stuff soon push it up.

If you really want to have a go heres what i say to test the water, place and advert in your local paper for one week and see what it costs and also how many calls you get from it. If you get any calls say it was a misprint or something after all its only a week but at least you will see how hit and miss it can be.

[sj85]

EvoRed, toomush2drink, thanks for the replies, it's much appreciated.

The course I'm looking at taking is with A1 Safe and Secure, as recommended on the site.

toomush2drink, thanks for the offer of advice, i'll pm you

Cheers

[EvoRed]

A1 Safe & Secure is a reputable course, and the price is reasonable for 3 weeks of training, especially considering there are other courses costing the same for a few days...

3 weeks seems a little long to me to be training on the basics. After all, a novice course is for showing you the basics and skills and you then go away and practise those skills, and practise, and practise some more, and call on the back up when needed. This practise should be ongoing for months, even longer...

It seems to me you are paying for doing a lot of this practise, when there is little need. You could be doing it for free, in your own time, at home, and if and when you encounter problems, give the back up a call or simply come on here for pointers... Just a thought. As I said, it's supposed to be a good course so I'm sure it'll be a great in-depth introduction into locksmithing.

[sj85]

EvoRed, yeah what you're saying makes sence.

They've said to me that after the 3 week course I should be at a standard to be able to run a mobile locksmithing business...
I would be given advise on type of vehicle, pricing, stock, tools etc and accounts with suppliers set up. Basically everything needed to get going.

Is that reslistic..??? I certainly didn't think it was with some of the 3 day courses which have told me the same..!!