by Raymond » 25 Oct 2013 0:39
In order to expand you overall experience rather with specific eaxmples, go to your locksmiths and get them to know you. If they are usy come back later or wait quietly. Bring them a cup of coffee. Identify yourself and your purpose as a hobbiest. Most lock shops have MANY take out locks that are sitting in a bucket or box waiting to be used in a hurry when replacement parts cannot be ordered quickly or will be costly and timesome to replace. Many of these takeouts may be on your goal list. Ask to borrow,and return used samples, picked open; buy; or trade, or graciously accept if offered for free. Listen for experience and do not bragg about your exploits. Ask about those locks you wish to expand on and let the locksmith do most of the talking.
Ask if you can accompany on misc calls, un-paid, just to watch and be a fetch-and carry gofer because you are interested and have free time.
Dont get your feelings hurt with rejection. Use absolute politeness. Try again in a couple of weeks. Good luck
Nothing is foolproof to a talented fool. Wisdom is not just in determining how to do something, but also includes determining whether it should be done at all.