Brand newby and struggling

by **hypnotist1** » 29 Dec 2007 14:03

Hi Im hypnotist. I recently took on the foley-belsaw locksmith course. Ive been pleased with the simple material that i have recieved so far. I have completed lesson20 and am awaiting more lessons. they really take their time sending them out.

My concern is that the course seems so out of date that i wonder if im going to get anything on modern technology. The vehicle locks and information that I have gotten so far date back to the old styles. I know that some of those locks may still be around, but I'm wondering if it gets any better. does anybody have any experience with Foley-Belsaw... is it any good or am I just wasting my time and money. Please I'm open to any suggestions and information .
thanks...

by **Beyond** » 29 Dec 2007 14:18

Are you planning on working with a locksmith upon completion of the course?

If so, I wouldn't worry about staying up to date. I would worry about grasping their concepts. The locksmiths are the ones who get the trade magazines in bunches and know every time there is a change (or should at least) in technology, be it automotive, access control, etc. If you work with one of them, they will fill you in.

If not, look into subscribing to a few trade magazines to keep you up to date on the going on's of the locksmith world. The easiest to get a membership to is the Locksmith Ledger. You can try for the National Locksmith but they actually make you prove you're a locksmith by either providing key cut codes to random selections they provide or by making you send your license/business info to prove you are a locksmith.

Also, if you're truly interested you could join ALOA. They'll feed you plenty of info via email and their KeyNotes magazine.

You could also continue frequenting boards like this one. It's pretty current.

Hope that helped.

by **freakparade3** » 29 Dec 2007 15:51

When you get far enough in your Foley-Belsaw lessons you will be sent a offer to subscribe to The National Locksmith. Being a FB student is all they need. You will noe need to offer any other proof. It's pretty pricey as far as magazine subscriptions go, but it includes a $15,000 bond and the magazine is full of great information.

by **Beyond** » 29 Dec 2007 15:56

freakparade3 wrote:When you get far enough in your Foley-Belsaw lessons you will be sent a offer to subscribe to The National Locksmith. Being a FB student is all they need. You will noe need to offer any other proof. It's pretty pricey as far as magazine subscriptions go, but it includes a $15,000 bond and the magazine is full of great information.

Never knew, either way, awesome magazine. I'd rank it a bit higher than the Ledger. Their automotive tutorials are second to none.

by **freakparade3** » 29 Dec 2007 17:29

Do you recommend subscribing to Locksmith Ledger as well as National Locksmith? I've never seen LL. Is it worthwhile to get both?

by **Eyes_Only** » 29 Dec 2007 19:39

The Locksmith Ledger is far more technical than The National Locksmith. TNL really seems to be geared towards beginners and LL for trade veterans.

Plus TNL tends to emphisize advertising a lot. If you look at their entire issue for this month it's basically just a catalog. I was dissapointed with this months issue.

Another one out there is The Independant Locksmith Journal. It's only bi-monthly now but I got one of their mags when it was still free and its a pretty decent trade magazine, just like LL. I'm probably gonna subscribe to them starting next year.

by **freakparade3** » 29 Dec 2007 22:52

I agree about ILJ. It's a great read.

by **Beyond** » 29 Dec 2007 22:56

Eyes_Only wrote:The Locksmith Ledger is far more technical than The National Locksmith. TNL really seems to be geared towards beginners and LL for trade veterans.

Plus TNL tends to emphisize advertising a lot. If you look at their entire issue for this month it's basically just a catalog. I was dissapointed with this months issue.

Another one out there is The Independant Locksmith Journal. It's only bi-monthly now but I got one of their mags when it was still free and its a pretty decent trade magazine, just like LL. I'm probably gonna subscribe to them starting next year.

TNL does more automotive as well. LL seems to always restrict most of their coverage to the November issue each year. I like both, I've subscribed to both.

by **Eyes_Only** » 30 Dec 2007 0:56

Yeah, LL is more commercially geared. Always a lot of articles about hinges and door closers.

by **hypnotist1** » 4 Jan 2008 15:59

wow thanks for all the info.. helps a lot.

by **hypnotist1** » 8 Jan 2008 21:16

ok next question... have not had much success with the key making by impression is this an important phase or can I get by knowing the concept but not achieving the goal of filing an acceptable working key any body care to comment this is one of the final lessons. I have trouble finding the initial impressions madeby the pins on the key blank
hypnotist

by **Raelic** » 3 Aug 2008 1:12

I had problems with that lesson to. not finding the initial markings but as i filed down. I few things that really helped me.

1. A good light source (close to natural Light as possible) I switched from a florescent light to a Clear.

2. a magnifying lenses 4x

3. Many more blanks then the course supplies I got an extra 20 at the local hardware store P.S. I had to pay the cut prices and got in a pretty heated argument :twisted:

4. took lp101 advice and used a blue sharpie to help find marks.

5. Good impressioning files are a must, the fb ones are kinda cheap.

6. time and patience

good luck
-Raelic

by **prag** » 9 Aug 2008 2:10

This is a skill that will definitely help you in your locksmithing career. Its another potent weapon in your arsonal that will help you get the job done faster and more effectively.

A great thread to read is in the "FAQs, AND GENERAL INFORMATION" http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?t=1396

Brand newby and struggling

Brand newby and struggling

thanks

ref foley-belsaw locksmith lessons

I know what your going through

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