Thinking about getting into locksmithing

[vector40]

I think a pretty critical distinction here, Raccoon, is between a full-service locksmith and someone who only does lockouts. The latter has a hell of a lower barrier to entry, in terms of cost, training, experience, and dedication. And while I might describe it as a "locksmith" to a layman, I'd never do so to a true locksmith, someone who can assess my needs, repair my door, install my locks, and cut my keys.

There are also several states in the US that do have specific licensing requirements now.

I appreciate and understand your desire to encourage people into the field, but please stick to sharing what information you yourself know firsthand. It's better for all of us.

[Shrub]

Just to clarify raccoon, what would/do you do when you come across a lock that you cant pick?

I dont mean a faulty lock and i dont mean a damaged lock.

Im not getting into this argument as such im just interested in what you do.

[Raccoon]

Re vector: I'm pretty certain my post has summed up -exactly- what I know from first hand experience. I'm not going out on any limbs here. I'm just stating that there is no sanctimonious right involved in becoming a locksmith. As far as a "locksmith" vs a "lockout specialist". Well... tomayto, tomahto.

Shrub, A lock that can't be picked: Consult with the customer about other means of entry. There are many options available, from the UK's favorite of drilling out the lock, to simply breaking a window that would be cheaper to replace. If there are no feasable options at hand that the customer feels comfortable with, I would refer them to another locksmith. After all, doctors do encourage a second opinion.

As far as automobiles go, there are 101 means of entry. There is no car that cannot be opened; except for perhaps the bat-mobile.

[vector40]

Re vector: I'm pretty certain my post has summed up -exactly- what I know from first hand experience. I'm not going out on any limbs here. I'm just stating that there is no sanctimonious right involved in becoming a locksmith. As far as a "locksmith" vs a "lockout specialist". Well... tomayto, tomahto.

Not tomayto tomahto; that is the fundamental difference driving this disagreement.

You're looking into doing lockouts. That's cool; actually, so am I, in the immediate future. It has few expenses aside from some startup bucks, it's easy to put into action, and the skills are manageable for anyone with a modicum of dedication and intelligence.

But I have no illusions that I could do what Varjeal does in a day. I can remove or install some basic deadbolts and knobsets, but there are hundreds of others I wouldn't know where to begin with. I can pin many basic cylinders, but I have neither the equipment nor the training to design a master system, impression a filing cabinet, or for that matter even know how to remove a mortise cylinder. I know the general workings of some door hardware, but about the only maintenance or repair I could do to it is spray some lube. I have some assorted cylinders floating around here, but I don't have the (literally) hundreds of brands, models, finishes, and configurations I'd need to match and install systems for new jobs, nor do I have the thousands of dollars in key machines and blanks to cut the keys for 'em. I can't do a security assessment beyond the most basic tenets. And I definitely don't have even a passing knowledge of automobile door and ignition locking systems, save for how to get past them.

I'm not a locksmith and I cannot now become one. With a much greater investment of TIME and MONEY than I care to give, I could go that direction, but I have no interest in it. I do have a reasonable expertise that encompasses a small slice of locksmithing, and I focus on doing that properly. It's not "better" or "worse," but it's a different game, and yes, it is much more limited.

But I acknowledge that I'm not something else, and that's important to do. I can't fly a 747, I can't splice cells, I can't even garden for sh*t -- and I don't imagine that I can do any of these things. That's self-honesty.

[Raccoon]

With all do respect. The original poster was talking about picking locks and becoming a locksmith. This generally indicates, especially coming from someone fresh out of highschool, that he wants to bypass locks for a living. Tomayto tomahto whether this is a "locksmith" or something else; I don't care enough about an elitist's feelings or pride to make a distinction between the two practices.

Fact of the matter, is, 70~90% of all "locksmiths" in American Yellow Pages will only do lockouts. Why is this? Because we have evolved into a society of hardware stores and do-it-yourself manuals. Hell, Kwikset locks give you step-by-step instructions on hanging and installing a door yourself. There is no more demand for the 1900's locksmith as we knew him. Ace Hardware and Walmart will cut your keys, and Home Depot will sell you every lock and finish under the sun. Who lets you back into your house at 3AM after one heck of a drinking binge? The noble Locksmith. Me.

[vector40]

I'm sorry. I don't think anything in your post is correct.

[stlbolt]

With all do respect. The original poster was talking about picking locks and becoming a locksmith. This generally indicates, especially coming from someone fresh out of highschool, that he wants to bypass locks for a living. Tomayto tomahto whether this is a "locksmith" or something else; I don't care enough about an elitist's feelings or pride to make a distinction between the two practices.

Fact of the matter, is, 70~90% of all "locksmiths" in American Yellow Pages will only do lockouts. Why is this? Because we have evolved into a society of hardware stores and do-it-yourself manuals. Hell, Kwikset locks give you step-by-step instructions on hanging and installing a door yourself. There is no more demand for the 1900's locksmith as we knew him. Ace Hardware and Walmart will cut your keys, and Home Depot will sell you every lock and finish under the sun. Who lets you back into your house at 3AM after one heck of a drinking binge? The noble Locksmith. Me.

I know here in las vegas, alot of locksmiths will still install locks, repin, cut keys etc... and even help with lockouts, but the majority of there work is just doing lockouts. Because its just so easy to install your own locks now and there are the select few that are just to lazy or just don't get how.. thats where the locksmith comes in again

Just my thought.

[Badmonkey005]

With all do respect...

You kinda lost that luxury when you decided to disrespect pinky and the locksmithing profession.

[zeke79]

Close to being locked !!

[Badmonkey005]

I thought we passed that line a page ago

[digital_blue]

You know, if it weren't for the fact that I feel it's such an important topic that's well worth the discussion, I would have locked this a page or more ago myself.

However.... I personally DO feel this is an important topic. To be perfectly honest, though I believe I see precisely where Raccoon is coming from and can understand the point he's trying to make.... I have to say that the BIGGER point in this is that we have a youngster interested in locksmithing. He likely came into this thread knowing nothing about the argument that is currently underway. My guess is that he know the following:
- he has picked a lock.
- he enjoyed it.
- none of his friends can do it.
- it might be fun to do this for a living.

And what has ensued is a lengthy and sometimes heated discussion about the definition of a locksmith. I would have locked it up PDQ after the "high horse" comment if it weren't for the fact that pinky is a mod and if he was offended he could have locked it up or pulled the thread himself. The only reason this thread is still alive is because it is my hopes that the OP will have learned the following from it:

- There are varying degrees that you can go to in the trade and you get to decide how far you wish to go.
- There is a difference between what a lockout specialist does and what a full service locksmith does, though both have "Locksmith" printed on their business card.
- Full service locksmiths have worked hard to master their trade, and are pretty put off by people who call themselves locksmiths but don't have near the skill or experience that they have.
- Some people act like donkeys on the internet.

That is all I have to say about that. If you wish for this thread to continue, kindly keep yourself in check. You can disagree with someone, but when it starts getting personal it is out of line and will not be tolerated.

Thanks for playing.

db

[Chrispy]

Bananas are green.

[Raccoon]

My apologies. I will reconsider heated posts in the future before posting them.

But I don't like it when people tell me "You are obviously not a locksmith" just because I'm new to the profession and don't share the same strict views they have. I do wish to be respected the same as everybody else here.

[pinky]

im against no one entering the industry, all i want is people to do so properly, with due respect for the industry they seek to be a part of and the customer they seek to service, one cannot do so with a little knowledge and a small business licence and some loose change.

There certainly is nothing elitist about investing in ones business properly, nor in advertising it properly, nor in running it honestly, nor in putting in years of practice and study to achieve a level im content with, nor is it elitest to have pride in what one is and offering a customer a true NDE service from a professional.

To any new guy , it is immoral to tell them to start up with some loose change, what about the following costs alone;

1) Insurances
2) Picks and tools
3) Stock
4) Van
5) Advertising
6) telephone
7) Business stationary
Accountant
9) Knowledge
10) Skill

The list goes on as do the costs, without insurances in most countries its illegal to trade, Without effective marketing and expensive ads how does a potential customer know you are there, without stock you will soon be non competetive, and so on.
I have no objection to anyone entering this industry, i have no objection to anyone wanting to learn this industry, i do however object to the cowboys who set up with inadequate tools and equipment to do the job properly, and have the nerve to trade as a locksmith to boot.

so to any new guy, learn your trade , research your market , formulate a business plan and go about setting up a proper service that you can be proud of and your customer gets a proper service from a proper specialist.

The uk is full of wannabe locksmiths, setting up for the cost of a drill and an advert, with up to 100 per month setting up on a shoestring in the uk, it has had the effect of killing the lockout market, with very few now even managing to make a part time income from it, and subsequently they go bust, losing everything they hoped for, this is the effect fools setting up in quantity for a few $ with inadequate tools have on the market place, They kill the industry and lose their own savings and dreams to boot.

The short term is look at me for a few $ i have my own business and im a locksmith, the long term is that another 200 guys try the same in your area, now no work left for anyone to make an income from and everyone goes bust, except the guy who has established himself, studied and invested in his equipment, skill and advertising, researched his market, formulated a proper business plan and followed it.

So my advice to a new guy is if you want to do it, then do so properly with a chance of success and actualy surviving, take pride in what you do and what you aspire to become, respect both the industry and the customer you serve , dont start up half heartidly with little chance of success, it will save you money in the end.

If having pride in yourself , your Industry and in your work is elitist then so be it, rather that than the alternative.

[Varjeal]

To the OP:

Locksmithing is an exciting, profitable, and enjoyable career.

Basic skills of locksmithing can be taught and learned in a short period of time (a few months), but as with many trades, takes a lifetime if not longer to truly master. If you can find yourself a school or apprenticeship program, take it. You'll learn the essentials to becoming a true full-service locksmith.

The average wage for a working locksmith (working for someone else) depends on experience, skill, and the economics of the particular geography. To be slightly more precise, it compares to other trades such as electrical and carpentry.

Licensed, qualified, and skilled locksmiths are in demand in almost every part of the civilized world, due to the unique services offered and the "aging" population of the industry.

I would highly recommend that if you are mechanically inclined, enjoy working on your own and interacting with customers directly that you consider locksmithing as a viable career option.