General tool advice...

[!*AMP*!]

Hi all...been a while since I have been on here...life just seems to catch up on you. Hope no one has been shot, knifed, mugged, or incarcerated while I've been gone

I was wondering if some practicing locksmiths, or very experienced hobbyists, could give me some advice on tool purchasing. I've been wanting to gradually buy some locksmithing tools, that are high-quality, and actually useful, and could be used in the profession.

So simply put, what should be my first purchases, and what should I gradually get? Currently I simply have a 14 piece Southord set, so it isn't much, LOL.

Also, as I have two jobs, I am not some 11 y/o kid saying "I got 20 bucks, where can I get something?". I have the money to invest in it, but just need the advice.

I've been thinking of talking to a couple of the local locksmiths here about apprenticeship, and seeing their starting pay, but that's another matter.

Thanks everyone.

[Raccoon]

a nice pinning kit. multiple brand specific, brand universal, and lab universal pinning kits.

[!*AMP*!]

So, are you saying I should keep with my picks that I have with the moment and go for a repinning kit? Because I'm not saying I'm ready to break into the business yet, but at this point I can't even attempt a double sided lock, because I don't have the tools needed.

I'm not saying repinning kits are something I have not considered getting...it's just that I didn't know that that was what you should get when you can't even get into some of the locks that you want torepin. Thanks M8...any other suggestions?

[Raccoon]

Well, I find that I'm repinning more homes than I'm picking... and the locks that I encounter-- Kwikset and Schlage, are quite happily picked with my southern specialities pick set.

If you want a set of nice picks, give peterson's a try. yeah, they're expensive. or go for broke and get a fallesafe set.

[!*AMP*!]

Well, there's definitely more money in the repinning, than just doing a lockout...I think I'll probably look into some repinning kits then. Anyone find general tools very helpful? I mean, should I go and get a plugspinner, circle-tension tool, etc?

[Shrub]

Opposite here, repinning cheaper than new lock or else whats the point in repinning?

[!*AMP*!]

Um, I was saying other than just getting it open. New locks always more cha ching, right? So, um, what do you think the general consensus is on what I should concentrate on?

[Raccoon]

Well, lockouts do bring in some fast dough for hours worked. Repinning doesn't earn as much unless you charge a high hourly fee, which I don't.

If you want to learn lockouts, then learn lockouts, invest in lockout tools, etc.

[Shrub]

Sorry lads i mis read the opening post,

Take a look at varjeals thread on lockie tools, you will eventually need all of them,

The re-pinning kits should be one of your first buys then things like bypass tools and then EPG maybe or such like, its all dependant on what your wanting to do,

and tools are a must, a good set of chisels and a drill with cutters for fitting locks etc, really try for your apprenticeship first as you dont know what may come with any job and would save your money,

For the price keyed alike locks etc cost here most dont bother repinning and i admit i think ive only repinned on the job a handull of times same goes for a small MK system here and there but they are handy,

[!*AMP*!]

ok, so, back to my original question...does anyone have particular suggestions on tools to invest in?

[bpc293]

the locksmith Nair me pulled out his plug spinner shook it at me and said gotta have one of these.

[bpc293]

i posted a question its called good tools it was mostly about regular tools read what input they had for me.

[!*AMP*!]

hey, thnx everyone!

[HeadHunterCEO]

ok, so, back to my original question...does anyone have particular suggestions on tools to invest in?

a cell phone so you can call tech support

[!*AMP*!]

then theres one check for that tool, LOL