The Australian Foley-Belsaw? Stotts Online.

[alias]

Hi all,

I got in touch with the Stotts Online people about their correspondence Locksmithing course[link to course details] and while the website has little information on what you receive, I got them to post me some. The majority of it was junk and there was no lesson breakdown, but I was able to get a list of the kits that you receive for the classes. The contents of the kits gives a pretty good idea of what you cover. Compare the contents to FB and they seem pretty similar, if a little less comprehensive and a little more expensive.

Luke reports that a Locksmith he knows said it was good and I'm contemplating taking it up. I'd probably prefer the extra cost to get the Australian focused content. I'll let you know if I get started.

So here are the kit contents;

Kit 1
Lesson 1
1 Lockwood cut key
assorted pairs of key blanks
4 or 5 unmatched blanks (key rings to suit)
4 small post bags
Lesson 2
1 G-clamp
1 Lockwood cut key
2 Lockwood blanks
1 slim taper file - ground on one side
file handle
key guage
3 Lockwood cut keys
8 Lockwood blanks
4 key rings
Lesson 3
1 flat steel locker key cut
3 flat steel blanks
1 bastard warding file
file handle
Lesson 4
1 bit key cut
2 bit key blanks
2 pieces soft iron
1 scriber

Kit 2
Lesson 7
1 locker lock
1 key to suit lock
5 flat blanks
1 4" bastard warding file
Lesson 8
1 empty Lockwood 201 cylinder
1 pair circlip pliers
1 locksmith tweezers
6 top pins, 6 springs
bottom pins: 2x no.2,4,5 and 4x no.3
1 cardboard pin tray
1 plug holder (HPC - CPH10)
1 cut key
Lesson 9
1 follower
1 cut key
bottom pins: 2x no1,6,7
4 Lockwood blanks
key punch or letter
pin centre punch

Kit 3
Lesson 10
1 master key
master pins: 1x no.3,5,6 and 2x no.4
cylinder A plus key
cylinder B plus key
6 small post bags
4 envelopes
Lesson 12
1 cam lock plus key
3 blanks
Lesson 13
1 reader or straight pick
depth and space keys
3 blanks
Lesson 14
General Motors depth and space key
4 blanks
Lesson 17
1 sidebar cylinder and key to suit
spring retainer
6 tumblers: 1,2,3,4,5
6 springs
Lesson 19
empty cylinder
spring retainer, taped on
6 top pins
6 springs
6 assorted bottom pins
3 picks and turning wrench
disc tumbler padlock

Kit 4
1 locking garage T-handle with drilled poke handle
1 medium post bag
3 envelopes

Kit 5
1 nightlatch and wood block
1 Lockwood padlock and key
5 blanks
1 impression file, 6" Swiss pattern no.4
file handle
1 small post bag
1 medium post bag

Kit 6
1 Lockwood locksmiths padlock, loaded up and taped up
4 blanks
1 cylinder with broken key inside
segment of key
3 blanks
2 extractor tools

* Key cutting machine and $55 pick gun not included, everything else is.

[alias]

I just thought I'd add a little something here with regards to the Master Locksmiths Association of Australia (MLAA).

I've been in contact with someone from the MLAA and they've insisted that you don't have to do TAFE or be an apprentice to sit the tests for entrance to the MLAA as either a General or Master Locksmith but you must sit the competency tests. So if you have the skills and can prove it, they're satisfied.

From the MLAA site;

MLAA Competency Tests
The MLAA or its representatives conduct extensive Practical and Master Keying tests.

Achieving the pass marks of 60 in the Practical test and 80 per cent in the Master Keying test entitles the applicant to be considered for admission as a General Locksmith (Business or Individual).

Applicants who pass the Master Keying test and achieve 80 marks in the Practical test are entitled to be considered for admission as a Master Locksmith (Business or Individual).

You can find the details for the Practical test [Click me!] and the Master Keying test [Click me!] on the MLAA website.

[tsteward]

Gday,
I did the Stotts course albeit 18 years ago. From what you have listed the course dosn't seem to have changed in all that time. The course in my opinion is not worth the time or effort. It is not recognised by anyone or any official body that I know of.

When was the course last updated.
What qualifications & what trade affiliations is the instructor a member of?
Ask for specific information on the content to master keying.
Do they cover locks other than standard inline pin tumbler?
The holden sidebar locks are just about gone now days. What newer automotive work is covered?
Are transponders even loosly explained.
How about safe locks, Many various keyed locks, combination lock & electronic locks.
Are domestic combination locks covered?

In my experience most of the above is not covered adequately if at all.

Regards
Tony Steward