Just signed up for Foley-Belsaw locksmithing school...

by **Minus** » 4 Mar 2004 18:44

I thought i would post a quick update on my progress with the course. I have received my grades for the first 10 lessons, I had 9 perfect lessons and i missed one question on lesson 10(a mental error on a easy question). I received my next 10 lessons today and just finished lesson 11 which dealt with learning the workings of a disc tumbler lock and picking it with increasing amounts of discs in the lock(ofcourse i just picked it with all 5 as i have some experience). So far im pretty happy with the course and i feel i have a better understanding of the inner workings of the locks ive been picking as a hobby. My favorite lesson so far was duplicating a key by hand with a warding file. I would like to hear some other people post about thier experiences with the course.

by **Chucklz** » 4 Mar 2004 18:47

For those of us who aren't familiar with the course, what are the general topics in these lessons? Would you mind sharing what you've done so far?

by **plot** » 4 Mar 2004 19:35

6-9 months for completion? how many lessons are there?

... looks extremely interesting, i've always loved locks and such. ... but, i'm currently at a university majoring in Electronics Engineering Technology. Since i've got over 20,000$ in it already and am over half way done, might as well finish it...

when i get out though, i'd love to take this course or something similar.

by **Minus** » 4 Mar 2004 20:01

Sure here is a list of the lessons ive completed so far:

1. The key blank catalog: To aquaint you with the key blank catalog and different types of keys

2. Key identification: to learn the names of the parts for different keys and how to match keys

3. How to duplicate flat keys: to learn the hand filing method of duplicating flat keys

4. How to duplicate bit & cylinder keys: to learn the hand filing method to duplicate bit and cylinder keys

5. Auto lock servicing: to learn the basic servicing procedures neccessary on auto locks

6. Warded lock construction: to learn the names of the basic parts and the function they perform in warded locks

7. Making keys by impression for warded locks: to learn how to make a key for a warded lock without taking it apart and without duplicating from another key

8: Warded bit key lock construction: to learn the names of the parts and the function othey perform in the bit key lock

9. Corbin sesamee lock construction & operation: to learn how to pick open when the combination is lost and how to change the combination

10. Lever tumbler lock construction, picking & key impressioning: to learn the basic construction of the lever tumbler lock, how to pick it open and make keys by impression

I will continue to list the lessons as i go along for anyone who is interested and might be on the fence between signing up or not.

by **Chucklz** » 4 Mar 2004 20:09

Thanks, this sounds like great fun.

by **plot** » 4 Mar 2004 21:25

could this be done as like a weekend course?

by **CitySpider** » 4 Mar 2004 21:33

I haven't done it, but I've had the opportunity to read the lessons of someone who has, and it's _significantly_ more than you could do in a weekend.

by **Chucklz** » 4 Mar 2004 21:37

Am I right in assuming that, it is an "at your own pace" course?

by **Minus** » 4 Mar 2004 22:11

Yes, there is no set time limit. They send the next set of lessons as you get graded on the previous set. Im paying ahead of time so i can get the lessons faster. Im serious about getting the course finished and getting out there into the field. Ive talked to some local locksmiths and i should be in line for a apprenticeship once i complete my course.

by **Chucklz** » 4 Mar 2004 22:43

Well good luck. From what I understand, you are shipped some locks, perform the service thats required and ship them back for grading. Do you pay for return postage?

What kinds of tools have you accumulated so far?

by **Minus** » 5 Mar 2004 0:35

Yes, you do have to pay postage on sending the lessons back. They provide you with a priority mail shipping package and the postage on it is usually $3.50 - $4.00 dollars depending on if you get tracking or not(which i always do because im paranoid). You are suppose to ship 5 completed lessons per package for grading each time.

by **plot** » 5 Mar 2004 5:51

CitySpider wrote:I haven't done it, but I've had the opportunity to read the lessons of someone who has, and it's _significantly_ more than you could do in a weekend.

i didnt mean do the entire thing in a weekend, but like, just do the lessons on the weekend type of thing and get done in a reasonable amount of time... which from the sounds of it, you can.

by **Minus** » 9 Mar 2004 23:55

Ok here is the latest set of lessons ive completed

lessons 11-15:

11. Disc tumbler lock construction & picking

12. Combination locks

13. Sidebar wafer lock construction

14. Car opening & lockouts

15. Automotive lock and cylinder removal

I just sent it out for grading and i started work on lessons 16-20.

by **plot** » 10 Mar 2004 5:06

how many lessons are there total?

how effective are they? can you get into your own car now?

by **Minus** » 10 Mar 2004 14:36

Well there are 30 lessons in the basic course then it goes on to advanced etc... To be honest i found the first 15 lessons to be very easy, but its starting to pick up now. Lesson 16 involves taking apart a pin tumbler lock changing the pins then hand filing a key to fit the lock with no working key as a reference. The lessons are easy to understand and after about a hour of work ive already changed the pins and im ready to start making the key(i have no prior experience). So i would say the lessons are executed fairly well.

Just signed up for Foley-Belsaw locksmithing school...

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