How do i get started in this business

[Challenger909]

i am a avid worker and experienced animal trainer who likes challenges i think lockpicking might provide challenges for me so i would like to start. problem is i am underage so i can't take a class anywhere. so it looks like i must learn from a book anyone know any good books or where to get lockpicks if i'm uncertified

[freakparade3]

First off we need to know where in the world you are located.

[Eyes_Only]

If you're in the North American area I would recommend books like this one to get started and learn about the many different aspects of locksmithing, http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Book-Loc ... 635&sr=1-1

If Bill Phillips books start to bore you, you can venture into Marc Tobais's book "Locks, Safes and Security". You can get a copy here, http://www.ccthomas.com/details.cfm?P_I ... 0398070793

Then there are a couple good correspondence locksmith courses you can take to get you a more structured hands on exposure to basic locksmith work and allow you access to a lot of special locksmith tools you may otherwise have a hard time getting. Foley-Belsaw and Assured Locksmith Training were the two I've taken and I think they were worth the money.

But ultimately try to search around this site as much as possible because there are a lot of locksmiths and other very knowledgeable people here on this site who have posted very useful and insightful hints and tips regarding locksmith work. Lots of helpful people on this site.

[Challenger909]

i'm in virginia

[Aleman]

Not to Hi Jack the thread, but I'm curious on the differences in the two correspondence schools Eyes mentioned. I was thinking of taking the Foley-Belsaw but the Assured Locksmith Training course looks interesting also. Would you recommend one over the other? I noticed that Assured also has an auto opening course. Will Assured barter on the price like Foley-Belsaw? Thanks for all your help!..

[Eyes_Only]

I don't know if Assured will barter as I don't think they send out flyers or anything like that to interested individuals, probably everything done over the internet.

It is a bit more pricey than FB and if you're low on funds I would just go with FB but I took Assured first and a few years later took FB and I was glad I did cos I felt they both compliment each other. The only draw backs about the Assured course is the key machine (better than the one supplied by FB) is a seperate cost and the text in their course manuals seems a bit watered down but still was a good course.

[Aleman]

Thanks for the info. On the assured site they now say you get the key machine included as a gift at the end of the course. I guess they did that to compete more with FB.