Ongoing education and gaining legitimacy

[Handyman]

A few months ago, I inherited all my father's locksmithing tools and supplies. In my home repair and handyman business, I've been replacing and rekeying locks for some time. I have even been able to cut keys since my father gave me his old key duplicator and code cutter when he upgraded to newer equipment.

Now that I have the tools and equipment, I'd like to enhance my knowledge of how to use them, provide a better service to my customers, and a bit more money in my pocket.

I have looked into taking one of the many correspondence courses, but they all come with tools. Since I already have all the tools, including two duplicators and two code cutters, I don't really need any more and don't want to pay anything extra to get equipment I don't need.

At this point, I've been self-taught, but realize that I need to be able to show proof that I am doing locksmithing work legitimately in order to purchase tools, etc. This is a secondary reason to go through a more formal training process.

Questions:

Keeping in mind that I don't want to add to my collection of key cutting machines, what is the best way to pursue a more formal education in locksmithing?

Is there another way to gain the legitimacy to be able to purchase tools and supplies as well as legally possess lock picks and the like?

Thank you, in advance, for any thoughts you have on my dilemma.

Wayne.

[toomush2drink]

The answers you require will vary depending on where in the world you are, be a good chap and fill in your profile then you should get the answers

[Handyman]

Sorry.

I've updated my profile.

I'm in North Billerica, Massachusetts, USA.

Thanks,

Wayne.

[rakemaster]

Funny you should ask about that. I was talking with one of the universty locksmiths I'm friendly with here (in LA) about where he learned the trade. He went to a school in boston called something like the bennet street school or something like that. Said he learned a lot there. From talking to him I'd say he's right. If your in MA you could check it out if it's still there.

Rakemaster

[Dimmy Locks]

Your local Locksmith wholesale suppliers will know of good training courses in your area. ( Even traing schools need trade accounts to replenish stocks).
And as luck would have it, Lockpickshop.com is based in Massachusetts, and their advert is just on the left of this post, so theres a starting point for you

[Handyman]

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

I've checked out the North Bennett school. It looks like a very interesting place. Unfortunately, it is a full-time proposal and I must still keep my customers happy (not to mention cash flowing into my bank).

I was hoping for a correspondence course (or, perhaps, a night course) that I could do while still keeping up with my other responsibilities.

I'll check out lockpickshop.com.

Thanks, again.

Wayne.

[Buggs41]

FB is another option. They are also a supplier. I had inherited my sister's FB-200 machine. I wanted to learn the trade, and asked FB for a price on the course that did not include the machine. They do not offer that as an option. Now I have two of them, but also have a supplier, and a card for my wallet.

Hope this helps a little.

[Chucklz]

If you do the Foley Belsaw route, you could always set that cutter up for flat steel keys, and just keep it that way. Or sell it.

[keysman]

Since you have a couple of machines and a little experience you should just buy a FB or american school of locksmithing , course book , ( there may be other courses but I can't think of any right now) try e-bay or ask around on some web sites , like clearstar or national locksmith, both have a public area.
After you get a little experience from the course books make friends with your local lockie.. don't expect him/her to train/ teach you for free, offer to work for him/her for a few hours a week for free or very low wages, so you can ask questions and get some 1st hand experience. Keep in mind that they will be training their competition , and may not be real receptive to showing you everything they know. but you will learn enough to make it worth your time.

good luck

[Handyman]

Thanks again. There are lots of good ideas here.

Questions:

If I spring for the Foley Belsaw course, do the key machines have much resale value? Is it against the rules to sell one on eBay?

I appreciate the idea of setting a machine up for steel keys, but I've already got two duplicator machines and one of the code cutting machines will, supposedly, duplicate as well (HPC Blitz).

Is the course book all that is necessary for the Foley Belsaw course? I understood that they also send practice locks, etc. that you work on and send back as part of the education process.

Thanks, once again, for all your help.

Wayne.

[wtf|pickproof?]

As far as I know, ebay forbidds sale of locksmith tools. (e.g. they close the auction as asoon as they get aware of it)

[Dimmy Locks]

As far as I know, ebay forbidds sale of locksmith tools. (e.g. they close the auction as asoon as they get aware of it)

I've seen a few posts saying EBAY close auctions involving locksmith tools. this must vary from country to country as Ebay.co.uk actually has a locksmith category and sub sections.

[Handyman]

I contacted lockpickshop.com as suggested by Dimmy Locks. They were kind enough to respond and recommended a school about 15 miles from me that offers a night school option (2 nights a week). It looks pretty interesting. I have a while to decide as they just started a class earlier this month, so I have to wait until another one comes around.

Have any of you heard anything good or bad about The Peterson School in Woburn, Massachusetts?

They seem to handle training for most of the licensed trades in Massachusetts (Construction Supervisors, Electricians, Plumbers, etc.).

Wayne.