Starting out tools set chart i have come up with

[Hollywoodpick]

After lots and lots of reading ad talking with other locksmiths and asking a lot of ?s this is what i have come up with as a good started set of tools and equipment.

I all ready own some it and will be adding on the rest unless you all think i could get other items in pace of what i have here that would be better as a better price that could do more.

With all this i should be able to:
Do most home lock jobs including re-keying and installing of new locks and dead bolts.
I forgot to add to the chart the door install kit.

Do all car lock outs including dead locked cars using special picks just for that kind of car i hope.
Read key cut codes and make keys for older cars and newer non transponder key cars that the HS cutter can cut.

Add on Key remote programer and key cloner at some point or right away.

Read and make motercycle keys.

Here is the chart i made for my self to get a over view on this.
I am working up all the cost to buy what i do not all ready have and to see what i can afford to get right away.
Trying to make a list of all the most used car key readers i will need to start with.

I feel this is a good starting kit that will let me do a lot of jobs both auto and home at a not to big of a price tag to get started and then i would get more into commercial store locks and bars to and over time if i start getting the calls i could start adding on Transponder keys, cutters and all that is need for that.
But from what i have been reading that could be a never ending cost that never pays for it self now days.

http://www.pbase.com/digitaled/image/138288803/original.jpg

[cledry]

Are you talking about the HPC Speedex? I'm not fond of this machine, but it should be cheap, they sometimes sell for $100 used around here. I would spring for a used HPC1200 and a good Ilco manual machine first.

Looking at your list I see you are contemplating jumping right into the automotive business, transponders and high security keys. I'm not sure if you have added the not insignificant cost of key blanks. Just stocking the common ones could easily cost as much as everything on your list.

Do you need the high security machine for the majority of locks in your area, or just for a small portion? I would tackle what will handle the majority of the work in your area first.

I assume you are familiar with the skills for working on high security automotive locks already, but do you also know that most car dealers are cheap and will go with a competitor if he is even slightly less expensive. Paying back your investment in tools should be prioritized by the return for the investment.

[Hollywoodpick]

My list keeps changing as i learn more.

I have a used Framon 2 on the way and a used like new mint Curtis 3100 it was less then the Speedex.

You are also right -- i am not getting many calls at all for anything to do with transponder sidewinder keys that i would need to cut or program.

So i will use the Framon 2 to cut what i can and then at some point add on what is need to program the keys i can cut to start with.
Will order a blank set from American key they have a full set of 10 or more each of the most used keys you run into for a ok price

I am still just getting car lock out calls and home/condo lock out calls and a few now business lock out or door locks not working right calls.
So far nothing today.

[Hollywoodpick]

So i just sent back the used Farmon 2.
It was very used i talked with Framon and this one was 15 years or older and needed a lot of new parts.
With all the parts it needed the end cost would be way more then it is worth used.

Was going to buy a new ITL MMX today for $2500 and get something good and new from the get go but they are back ordered by 12 weeks to get one.
May end up with a used 950 if things work out. or i need to sell some things and just get the 950C new.

[limerick007]

a bit belated, but why not get a good used hpc 1200..
you can get one for around $700 on craigslist..
just use a search engine like 'zoom the list' to search nationwide
and use paypal to pay for it. worked for the 6 machines i've
bought over the last year...