FB Locksmithing crse,,

[TYE]

Yeah, I gotcha.
I think global is taking a stance against those who want to make a quick buck by getting in the business fast, learning the minimum, and who don't care about the customer once paid. It only takes one bad apple to ruin the bunch! And, for those in the business for the long haul, these people are probably pretty irritating.

However, I don't think someone who wants to be good at just lockouts and a few other tasks, and who provides good service, should be discouraged from doing so. If you are good at what you do, even if it's only a part of the profession you're in, you can still be considered a "professional".
I had a finance company that "specialized" in people who were high risk. Just because we didn't do commercial property, didn't mean we weren't professionals at what we did.

Do what you want. It's nice to ask opinions of others for guidance, but in the end, it all up to you. If it works, I say go for it!
I know I will!!
Good luck!!

[jimb]

Sure Go for it...if you want.....but understand why so many locksmiths are angry about courses like FB undervaluing the trade. They get people interested with very limited groundings in aspects of the trade, then advise on how to set up a business and what to charge.....but most severely undercharge the client.

Legitimate locksmiths have learned the trade over many years and try to apply a fair compensation to a task when there is this new FB grad...with no experience and very limited training, stealing the thunder with burger and fries prices and no warranty.

If you read any of the locksmith forums you will see that fb graduates are there and asking questions. There doesn't seem to be a problem with them getting answers, so I think you may be in the minority as far as your way of thinking.

I have said here in the past that I would not feel comfortable starting a business with the fb course alone, but there are many successful locksmiths that are fb graduates. I know one that has a store front and he took the class 30 years ago. He also has a outside man who is also a graduate.

I am often attending to clients who had a key cut by this or that "supposed" locksmith.....only to understand that he/she is an FB grad without the basic knowledge to even adjust their machine properly. The keys dont work.

I can't see a fb graduate telling a customer that they took the class and if they did I doubt the customer would remember it. I know there are people out there that shouldn't be but I think your just throwing fb in here to make you point.

The guy wants to copy keys, do unlocks and rekey locks. It's not rocket science. If you can rekey one pin tumbler lock you can rekey all of them if you can get them apart. It's easy to pick what you can do and turn the rest down.

[mongo]

I have yet to rcv my FB pkg, but after starting this thread I am dying to get into it. You all make excellant point pro/con. As a wrench bender for over 27 years. I worked all the terrible jobs only apprentices and young journeymen get and felt the wrath of unhappy crappy customers and bosses.
I adavanced to senior maintenance management, stress and hours take their toll, regardless of who you are.
My point is, it is whether you take a structured apprenticeship program that has all of the skilled experience in house or have to attempt to distance learn a new trade or even your first trade, you will only get what you put into it, not just money.
I have loved learning about all of the trades I can now say I am either licensed or certified in. I may not have all the answers as to who I can find to mentor me, but as long as lp101 is here I would like to think that I can get a helping hand or the kick in the ass.

[assweasel]

MONGO

How does one get locked out of their TANK?


*** For those that don't know Mongo lives in a town that is Host to Canada's Tnak training grounds*******

[robotmaxtron]

The thing about FB is that it's very basic and somebody who graduates and wants to set up shop either a)won't be very good at it for lack of practice and knowledge or b) have to start out very slow and get the practice through on the job training.

I support FB grads to try and open up shop, even if it is only on the side. If you fail at it going solo, you need more practice and if you're doing well at the things you do know how to do try and find out more information on the things that you don't. It's going to be very gradual.

As for undercutting the other well known locksmiths, they will either have to keep prices competitive or make sure they're around to fix the mistakes and things the FB grad can't do.

Good luck in your adventures.

[mongo]

MONGO

How does one get locked out of their TANK?


*** For those that don't know Mongo lives in a town that is Host to Canada's Tnak training grounds*******

The drivers hatch has an inside combat lock that prevents entry ( a tight squeeze any time). When the tank is to be 'parked' the turret is turned to the 6 o'clock and the barrel is clamped in.
The driver who has been in a "hatches down position secures his hatch. The driver (small people) squeeze themselves between the turret cage and the fwd ammo box. Once in the turret, combat locks the Commanders hatch and exits out the loader hatch. Then snaps the abloy.
The next day 5 min before needing to leave, the driver comes to maint and asks for the cutters. We went through many cutters and lots of Oxy/Acet. And its spelled 'Tank' leopard C2, made in germany for more info please read any Janes

[mongo]

as a post srcipt.

I must mention that all but one tank is held here. (ceromonial) They were all sent west a few years ago to destroy whats left of Wainwright and Suffield. Other than snakes..Leopards.. cool
We do however have an awsome fleet of LAV III with 25mm Bushmaster Chain Gun. It will open any door with its on board bump key.
For more info see Janes.