"Surprise! You are enrolled with Foley Belsaw!"

[Phastor]

I have been looking for a career change and have always found the craft of locksmithing to be fascinating. I have this relative. Lets just say she takes a great interest in my future and will dish out money to aid me when she can. I told her about my interest in possibly taking this path and the next day she calls and surprises me with a line similar to the title of this thread. From what I hear, Belsaw is a fairly basic course. However, I think I will go along with it and see where it takes me after I'm done. I know I'm not going to be able to just grab a van and be off on my own business after only taking this course, but I've had a few ideas floating around on how to get to that point. Please keep in mind that I have no experience and hardly any knowledge in this profession at the current time, so if anything I say conflicts with reality, please correct me.

I live in an apartment complex. I do not know if their maintenance guy does the locks or if they have a smith come when they need work done. If the latter, I have considered approaching them about taking me on as their in-house locksmith, assuming I will learn enough in the course to be able to work on their master key system. I imagine working with a place like this would mostly be re-keying locks in their existing system after a tenant leaves and whatnot. But again, correct me if I'm wrong.

I do currently have a job that works a graveyard shift, so I would hope that this would be possible to do in addition to that current job. This could help me make some extra cash to slowly build up an arsenal of tools and get more expansive training for if and when I actually do want to go into business.

I'm probably thinking too much about something that I will get a "No" out of, but wanted to run the idea by here to see if it was even realistic before I approached them about it. If possible, I would also like to hear some other ideas on how I can get myself started while still working my current job. Money is very tight and I have nothing extra to spend on more training or tools unless I can work something out to do on the side.

For any California smiths that may be here, I have one more question. If somehow this idea is realistic and my landlord takes me up on it, would registration/licensing/whatever be required for an in-house arrangement like this? I read somewhere about this kind of arrangement being exempt from said requirements.

Thanks in advance.

[Tyler J. Thomas]

Not in California but you should go ahead and familiarize yourself with your state's licensing laws so that all your I's are dotted and T's crossed when the time comes to seek a formal employer.

[tberro]

I also work in an apt complex and their maintanace man does all their rekeying and lockouts ... However I spoke with the manager who said I could do it on the side when he was on vacation or needed a day off

[Phastor]

I apologize for the act of necromancy on this thread, but I didn't think it to be necessary to make a new one for the same topic.

Last week I received my first fifteen lessons and finished them last night. Hopefully the last fifteen lessons will be here shortly. This question is for any locksmiths in the field now who may have taken this course.

As stated before, I understand that I won't be ready to grab a van and go to work after just going through the Foley Belsaw curriculum. After I finish, where would you recommend that I turn to next as far as learning and experience?

Also as said before, I'm limited on money and will have to slowly purchase and build up a collection of tools and supplies over time while I'm learning. The idea stated above regarding working out something with my landlord is still up in the air. If anyone else can make any suggestions about it, or even let me know if it's realistic or not, I would appreciate it.

Thank you for the responses so far.

[Eyes_Only]

I would try to see if it is possible to join ClearStar, KeyPro or other professional locksmith forums to learn from seasoned smiths. And join any local Locksmith Associations that is in your area cos they might be sponsering or offering training classes.

[tomcat]

Phastor,

"Quote - I won't be ready to grab a van and go to work after just going through the Foley Belsaw curriculum. After I finish, where would you recommend that I turn to next as far as learning and experience?"

Don't dismiss the FB course. The fact is, that course had at one time introduced more people into the locksmith trade then anyone. Although some now view it as dated, it does provide some value. As far as your ability to grab a van and go to work after taking that course....The answer is YES in my opinion.

As long as you know where you fit with the skill sets you learned. Considering that you should be able to rekey a cylinder, impression and read wafers...there is a lot of servicing you can go after to begin your journey. Realistically, you can hit a target market and do rather well with the proper approach.

Check out [snip], it may be helpful for you. It is one of my projects and it has received positive feedback and state approvals.

Yes, you would need to comply with CA. licensing if you hang your shingle. However, there may be a provision which allows you certain allowances based on the fact that you are enrolled in a training program. The licensing attempts to the best of my knowledge cannot restrict a person from participating in career training.

If I can help, let me know.

[CaptainPike]

Here's my trick for gaining experience with a real locksmithing outfit after you finish the Foley Belsaw course. And please remember, this is only if your current work schedule allows for it. This is for guys that are dedicated to getting into the business..

I'm completely serious:

After you finish the course, visit some locksmith shops and ask for work. Don't bother speaking with anyone less than management or the owner.

More than likely they'll say they don't need help. They could possibly say that they don't want to hire a Foley Belsaw graduate, but either way they'll probly try to blow you off.

The fact is, they probly would like to have more help. I'm convinced that most employers do want more help, and maybe they just can't justify the cost. So make it an easy decision for them... tell them you'll work for free in exchange for the experience.

If you are already working full time, this might be tough to pull off. But I worked a full time job while attending tech school, and tech school was 4 hours every night. You'll learn more with on the job training, and it won't cost you 20 grand like tech school.

I'm actually not a locksmith, but I know employers will go for this if you approach them the right way. They do want help, and free help is the best kind, especially in a hard economy.

I have thought many times about doing the Foley Belsaw course. I'm currently working on fire alarm systems and security related training does go well with it.

[lockpick1968]

I have to agree, FB is a great course and that is where I got my start.
Living in big areas business is gonna full force and something to be done all the time, smaller areas not so much but it is still there.
If your scheduling will allow it, then like others said, aproach some of the local shops and speak only to the management or owner, and explain them that you are a graduate, NEVER lie to them about that because some just might decide to do a background check then you cut your own throat.
If they don't have any opens at the moment, see if they will allow you to at least go with some of their crew and just watch. Hands on experience is the way to go, I'm not saying book work doesnt help you or show you, but you will learn if you have not already from taking the courses, that when attempting what the book shows to make it look so easy, sometimes isn't.
Practice makes perfect. I wish the best of luck and hope all goes well.
BTW: Make sure you follow by all laws and regualtions in your area as well, don't want to mess yourself up before you get started.
Im sure one of the local shops will work with you.

[amlwchlocksmiths]

hi i havent been on any courseis and i run my own bussiness,im 22 now and still learning,so dont get me wrong i do get stuck from time to time,i make my own tools,and the laws are very simple in the uk,iv learned everything by myself,i also open cars,and cut keys.im not being vain,but you dont really need a van or need to work for anyone else get your advertiseing up,leaflets out.bussiness cards,and next time you go out look at all the doors and learn the locks,most doors are the same,if you send me a pm(privert message) and i will give you a email address i will direct you on your way if you get stuck,it is very simple and i dont now why people think its hard.
you will need
drill + bits
pick set very basic
and a few other bits and bobs
you can use your car as theres no point in haveing a van to start with.
infact i started with a van and decided just to use my car as you dont need much tools really
hope this helps

[unlisted]

Some people need to learn proper punctuation, sentence structure/formatting and spelling.

Thanks, it makes the forums much easier to read.

[lockpick1968]

hi i havent been on any courseis and i run my own bussiness,im 22 now and still learning,so dont get me wrong i do get stuck from time to time,i make my own tools,and the laws are very simple in the uk,iv learned everything by myself,i also open cars,and cut keys.im not being vain,but you dont really need a van or need to work for anyone else get your advertiseing up,leaflets out.bussiness cards,and next time you go out look at all the doors and learn the locks,most doors are the same,if you send me a pm(privert message) and i will give you a email address i will direct you on your way if you get stuck,it is very simple and i dont now why people think its hard.
you will need
drill + bits
pick set very basic
and a few other bits and bobs
you can use your car as theres no point in haveing a van to start with.
infact i started with a van and decided just to use my car as you dont need much tools really
hope this helps

It is nice to have your own business at a young age. In this line of trade or hobby, one will never know all there is to know of it, one will always learn something new.
It is always of the wise to seek that of a instructor or teachers or the (oldtimers) advise or help, this only in time will make you more experienced and more professional at your work.
The padawan that wanted to become that great Jedi Master was placed with his teacher and taught the ways of the force to become of what he seeks.

[zeke79]

Not to sound negative but it may be best for you to skip taking care of the locks in the complex you live in. If anything were to go missing with no signs of forced entry you are going to be the first person they look at and since just starting out in the trade you would likely not have an actual business started yet it could be easy for you to be blamed for things you didn't do.

Another idea once done with the belsaw course is NOT to try and start your business with just that experience. Try contacting locksmiths in your area to see if you can get a job as an apprentice. If you do land a job as an apprentice try working for a few years with the experienced lockie. In that time you should learn how to perform most of the jobs that you need to do and you will likely have the opportunity to do each job many times. This way you will gain knowledge in how to best do the jobs which will greatly increase your speed in performing these tasks. This will help you make money if you decide to pursue the career in your own business. An apprentice job will teach you so much and will ensure that you have all the skills you need to successfully start your own business and that experience is something that you will never get from a book or any course you buy. You will save alot of money having someone around you to help prevent costly mistakes. One thing to be sure of is to make sure the locksmith you apprentice for is a good locksmith. There are alot of bad locksmiths out there and you don't need to be working with them and picking up their bad habits.

I wish you all the best.

[CaptainPike]

I've been receiving mailings from Foley Belsaw ever since I was 16.

My dad filled out a slip in a magazine, sent it to Foley Belsaw and he was signed up for their small engine repair course. I looked through his lesson books and it wasn't too difficult to follow along and figure things out. So I filled out a card to request more information about the locksmith course.

Ever since I've been receiving mail from them. Sometimes the price is high. Sometimes it's low. Sometimes they offer a free pick gun.

Finally, after 15 years of getting mail from them, I signed up for the course. It's my birthday gift. Since getting their first mailing, I've wanted to take their course but never did.

I don't think I'll persue a career in just locksmithing. Right now I'm doing fire alarm inspections and service. What I know about fire alarms applies heavily also to security alarms, so I figure adding locksmithing skills is a hell of a bonus. I've also done some installation and service on mag locks. I figure that's a skill a locksmith should have.

I wonder about the advanced course, and I hear there's an additional security and fire alarm course.

At worst, it's something I can put down on my resume. At best, I'll learn some valuable skills.

I can't wait to get the first set of lessons.

[amlwchlocksmiths]

hi i havent been on any courseis and i run my own bussiness,im 22 now and still learning,so dont get me wrong i do get stuck from time to time,i make my own tools,and the laws are very simple in the uk,iv learned everything by myself,i also open cars,and cut keys.im not being vain,but you dont really need a van or need to work for anyone else get your advertiseing up,leaflets out.bussiness cards,and next time you go out look at all the doors and learn the locks,most doors are the same,if you send me a pm(privert message) and i will give you a email address i will direct you on your way if you get stuck,it is very simple and i dont now why people think its hard.
you will need
drill + bits
pick set very basic
and a few other bits and bobs
you can use your car as theres no point in haveing a van to start with.
infact i started with a van and decided just to use my car as you dont need much tools really
hope this helps

It is nice to have your own business at a young age. In this line of trade or hobby, one will never know all there is to know of it, one will always learn something new.
It is always of the wise to seek that of a instructor or teachers or the (oldtimers) advise or help, this only in time will make you more experienced and more professional at your work.
The padawan that wanted to become that great Jedi Master was placed with his teacher and taught the ways of the force to become of what he seeks.

i did set to to work for a locksmith but they was only one place around here back then,and they wouldnt take me on so i decided to go alone,iv learned a lot from books,but iv learned more just by picking myself,and pulling locks apart,opened a van the other day.keys got locked in while the engain was runing,had to push the rod down with the jimmy.

[CaptainPike]

My first set of lessons came in the mail today. I'm really happy