How to choose a course avoiding the rip offs

[Kyes]

I have been looking into a few courses and I found this one that comes with a few of the basic supplies and this overview for $900 canadian.

Instruction Set 1

* Learning Strategies
o The advantages of learning at home; types of study materials; types of examinations; accessing and using the features of our website; determining what kind of learner you are; establishing a study schedule; using study tips; preparing for and taking examinations.
* Locksmithing: An Expanding Career Field
o Definition of locksmithing and the security industry; how the locksmith can help fight crime; employment opportunities; qualifications for professional locksmiths.

Instruction Set 2

* Introduction to Locks and Keys
o Basic types of lock mechanisms; basic key types and their parts; typical locksmithing tasks; standard and specialized tools used by locksmiths.
* Key Identification
o Basic types of keys and their parts; how keys are duplicated; distinctive key characteristics; how to compare an original key to a blank; how to find key blanks in a key catalog.
* Practical Exercise: Identifying Keys
* Lock Mechanisms
o Construction and operation of warded locks, lever locks, disk tumbler locks, and pin tumbler locks; padlock construction and operation; how combination locks work.
* Supplement: Locksmithing Glossary
* Learning Aids:
o Assorted key blanks
o Lever Tumbler lock
o Disk Tumbler lock

Instruction Set 3

* Residential Locks
o The mortise lock and the rib lock; operation of key-in-knob locks and tubular deadbolts; installation steps for key-in-knob locks, deadbolts, rim locks, and other door locks.
* Keymaking and Rekeying
o Key duplication by hand and by machine; how to duplicate cylinder keys, flat keys, and bit keys; rekeying locks.
* Practical Exercises:
o Duplicating a key by hand
o Rekeying the Kwikset® door lock
* Supplement:Using Tools Safely
* Learning Aids:
o File Set
o Bench vise
o Kwikset® door lock
o Kwikset® pinning kit

Instruction Set 4

* Opening Locks Without Keys
o Various methods of opening locks without keys; lockpicking techniques; “reading” a lock; impressioning keys; forcing a lock open using emergency techniques.
* Home and Business Security
o Security in retail and industrial settings; “target hardening” techniques; improving security in home and business settings; performing a security analysis.
* Practical Exercise:
o Impressioning a Key for a Mortise Cylinder
o Shimming Open and Rekeying the Mortise Cylinder
* Learning Aids:
o Lockpicks
o Tension wrench
o Mortise cylinder
o Shims
o Screwdriver set

Instruction Set 5

* Automotive Locks
o Basic auto lock mechanisms; replacing lock cylinders in doors, ignitions, and trunks; troubleshooting and servicing auto lock cylinders; electronic security devices for auto protection.
* Safes and Vaults
o Basic safe construction; combination lock theory; basic safe maintenance and repair techniques; changing safe combinations; making keys for safe deposit boxes.
* Panic Hardware and Electric Locks
o Basic types of panic-hardware devices; installing panic hardware; repairing and troubleshooting panic hardware; basic electricity for locksmiths; installation of electric locks.
* Learning Aid:Master combination padlock

Instruction Set 6

* Electronic Security
o Basic types of alarm systems; alarm components; designing an alarm system for a customer’s use; troubleshooting and programming an alarm system.
* Starting a Small Business
o Creating a business plan; obtaining finances; obtaining needed insurance; necessary permits and licenses; finding a location; setting up your shop; purchasing office equipment and supplies; keeping business records.
* Working as a Professional Locksmith
o Determining what services to offer and what to charge; evaluating your competition and targeting your customers; setting an advertising budget; legal issues and locksmithing ethics; bonding and licensing; how to look and act like a professional.
* Supplement:Starting a Mobile Business

* Graduation Set
* Starting a Small Business
o IIco® Key Machine
o Pro Locksmith Patch
o Industry Trade Directory


So please tell me is it a good deal or to good to be true?

[chev49]

It looks like its in the normal price range for what you get, but i think you can get the same stuff probably $200 cheaper, if I remember right.

[Kyes]

Whats an ilco key cutter worth? It's going to be the most basic model they send with the course but I havent seen them for less than $250 so assuming they buy a bunch of them for a blow out price of $125 plus locks and picks how are these guys making money?

[Michael Weston]

I think that instead of spending a ton of money on courses it would be easier and more efficient to make friends with a local locksmith. Sure buying a few videos or books wouldn't hurt but I can't see spending a fortune on courses you're not sure about(that's what college is for).

[Kyes]

I think that instead of spending a ton of money on courses it would be easier and more efficient to make friends with a local locksmith. Sure buying a few videos or books wouldn't hurt but I can't see spending a fortune on courses you're not sure about(that's what college is for).

I would agree with you how ever my local lock smith is "not a nice or knowlegable person" I get 2 or more calls a week with people asking if I do locks because they cant stand to deal with the man or he has left them waiting on a replacement lock for a month or two. Not my pick for a mentor my next option is a tow truck drive that only does car lock outs. Or I can drive 340 Km to the City.

Besides the police in town tell me I need a certificate to open a buisness and to have the record check done.

[globallockytoo]

One of the best around (if not the best all around) is the course designed by the folks at STI.

The Security Training Institute and The Society of Professional Locksmiths offer a thorough professional course with many modules.

There are few choices out there, but these guys are true locksmith professionals with longevity in the trade.

I've seen the syllabus and the text and it is very intensive and thorough.
(more designed for the US market)

There is no way to get everything through a text book or course. The best training is on the job....the best learning is from making mistakes...and Knowing what not to do next time.

[globallockytoo]

hey guys you dont always have to go out and start your own. Who needs to reinvent the wheel. I know i dont. I am new to locksmithing 4 monthes old just a young guy trying it out. so far i love it! do you need to start your own or could you work for a company who knows what they are doing. Thats what i have done and they train me for no expence of mine. Take it slow nobody runs before they walk. If anyone is looking for a job look and live in the USA look up POP-A-LOCK you will like what you do. thanks for reading.

better yet....steer clear of pop-a-lock....unless you want to be trained to change tires, fill empties with a gal of gas and learn how to drill open locks.....

I pick up a lot of work from people who had PAL guys out......then they get it fixed correctly after learning a well deserved lesson.

[vince63]

Hello Im the new guy here! I want some advice on the foley-belsaw school verses the locksmith video school? which one would be better for me as a beginner? I like the fact that mike i think his name is on the video school, shows you what and how to do what he is talking about. can any of you guys out there give me some advice?

[CharlieCroker]

After a bit of research on locksmith training here is the best and most convenient option which offers a nationally recognized Certificate in Locksmithing. The cost is $1100 Australian and is part-time for a year.

Here is a list of subjects covered in the course and any feedback on whether this sounds like a fair deal would be greatly appreciated

* History of locks & keys
* Tools of the trade
* Types of locks & keys
* Rotating part of a pin tumbler lock
* Making a 'cut throat'
* Wire brushing a newly cut key
* Most secure type of lock
* How a key operates the plug of a pin tumbler cylinder lock
* Common problems with safety deposit locks
* Locking, decoding & emergency entry
* Electrical access & exit control systems
* The business & law of locksmithing
* Key duplicating machines
* Special door hardware
* Magna locks on exterior gates
* Calculating & planning wiring size & circuit resistance

* Emergency exit door devices
* Two-key automotive system in most cars
* Key cutting using a Rexa key cutter
* Unique points of the magna lock
* Key cutter for service calls
* Polarity
* GM factory original keys
* Electricity for locksmiths
* Automatic door servicing

[globallockytoo]

That sounds like the Stott's College Course in Australia, Charlie.

Not really acceptable to bonafide locksmiths who took the apprenticeship method, but there really isnt many alternatives for elder locksmith applicants, so I think that Stott's would be on par with Foley-Belsaw in the USA. A good grounding without the mentored experience.

[vov35]

Shrub, I see what you mean. I know the course management software has some protection measures in place. I haven't looked thru it totally.

What about a free (or very inexpensive) online course put together by people here? The way that software works, only one person would have to upload it and get it running. Once it's installed, multiple people can then be added as teachers to create and edit courses.

Limit people to one shipping address per account. Can't get the locks/papers/any proof of course completion. simple? works? good.

[saurabhink]

I really Need it for my cousin. Thanks You so much... .
Locksmith Toronto

[lockprosmith]

Again ive put up this simple dos and donts when selecting trainers in the uk, as i get 12 or more emails a day asking these questions.

COURSES AND TRAINERS TO AVOID

1 ) avoid all courses that make wild claims of low set up costs and an easy £1000 + earnt per week.

2 ) avoid all courses from locksmiths who cannot prove at least 3 years trading history, as they just wont have enough experience to pass on.

3 ) avoid all courses that claim you will be qualified and experienced enough to set up as a competent locksmith after their 2 day course.

4 ) avoid all courses that run bigger classes than 2 trainees per instructor, 1 to 1 is the ideal, little will be covered and no where near enough learnt on the classes of 6 or more, especially in 2 days.

5 ) Avoid courses that look too good to be true ? like those offering to teach you , general locksmithing, video entry , alarms , electronic locks and autos in just a few days.

6 ) avoid all courses that offer to teach you to open 95% of all cars in a day or 2, again just wont happen.

7 ) avoid courses that teach drilling over picking

8 ) avoid courses that dont teach you hands on to pick BS3621 locks using a range of curtain picks, as a minimum you should be taught the methods of picking, ERA Invincible and profits , Legge BS range , Chubb 3U114 , Union 2134 and yale 562 ranges.

9 ) avoid the courses that dont teach you to pick the latest ERA fortress and the other new BS3621-2004 range of locks just released.

10 ) avoid the courses that dont teach you how to pick dimple locks , such as the 7 pin mul t lock garrison lock.

11 ) avoid trainers making wild claims, 1 claims to have been a locksmith for far longer than he has, claiming his company has been trading for 25 years, yet he was trained as a novice just 3 to 4 years ago on a 2 day course, its possible that someone with 3 years experience and ability will be a fairly good trainer, so why lie about your experience ?

12 ) avoid anything that looks too good to be true.

What to look for when selecting training;

1 ) what is your trainers reputation like within the industry

2 ) how busy is he as a locksmith

3 ) How long has he been trading as a locksmith that can be proven

4 ) can your trainer open the locks you took along to him to open

5 ) ask to pop along with some locks prior to booking a course and ask them to pick them, a 7 pin garrison an ERA invincible a legge 5641 and a Chubb 3U114 would give you an idea of his ability.

6 ) research your trainer, check with yellow pages how long he has advertised as a locksmith, this will give you a good indication on how long hes traded from novice.

7 ) ask the training company for the truth on how much realisticly you can expect to earn in your 1st few years, and how long it will take to become competent, their answers will indicate their honesty and current knowledge of the state of the industry.

8 ) You will find in an earlier thread on what should be included in a basic course, print this and ask if these subjects are taught fully hands on.

9 ) always choose a course that teaches on a 1 to 1 basis or maximum of 2 trainees to 1 instructor for novice courses.

10 ) ensure you will be taught to pick by hand with curtain picks at least the following, ERA invincible and profit locks, Legge 5641 locks , chubb 3u114, union 2134 and yale 560 locks.

11 ) ensure that you are taught the methods for picking the new BS3621-2004 locks such as ERA fortress , as these do pick with curtain pick and decoder, these are the locks of the future so its important you know how to pick them.

12 ) Dimple locks are proving more popular these days, so ensure that you are taught to pick these open.

In short research your training company with as much energy as you do your business plan, ensure all relevent subjects are taught fully hands on and that your trainer is honest and reputeable and trading for at least 2 to 3 years as a trading locksmith and can prove it, this may well stop the hundreds of people a month from throwing away their life savings to line a sharks pocket.

[rphillips52]

Being a locksmith isn't just about opening locks.
It's running a small business - either a retail shop (rent/buy; outfitting; stocking), or a mobile vehicle. All the overheads of running either.
Servicing and fitting ; and selling products - in every sense of the word.
Being expert in relevant laws and standards, able to give expert advice homeowners, businesses, architects and builders can rely on.
3 days' training is scarcely adequate for a complete novice.
As well as time, there is a substantial investment in money to set up, and even with advertising, few small shops make a living from opening day. So reckon on just paying out overheads to start, for a while, before there's any income. Do you have enough capital for this? - either savings or a loan. A lender will need to see a robust business plan to show how you will get through the initial period, as well as the longterm prospects. Census and household survey stats can tell you the market potential, but you might even have to buy some of the marketing info to create your business plan ... yet another initial expense.

[datachildren]

penn-foster????????? seems bogus. anybody out there know the downlow on them