Tools for Locksmithing

[Alan5510301]

nvm

[Alan5510301]

how do i delete my replys???

[globallockytoo]

you cannot.

you are responsible for what you say and can be held accountable. So be sure what you say is appropriate for the thread, because there is no going back.

[79commando]

A quick add on to going the NDE route. Like you say, it's good to look professional in front of the customer. There are plenty of locksmiths out there making money by drilling and I can see the reasoning behind snapping or drilling where no keys are present.

NDE is also a skill that some excel at but some will struggle no matter what training or advice they get. When I did domestic/commercial work I took the NDE route and for me it paid off in more ways than one. You rarely know who the customer is that asks for your services and in my case, fortunately within the first few months of trading I had a couple of letting agents use me. When you open a lock NDE in front of them with no damage to the door they will be impressed and unless they're stupid they will use you again. I took the majority of the letting agents in my area within 6 months and this brought me in on average £16,000 per year. The reason they gave for using me was the previous guy used to wedge the door or drill the locks out making a mess and also if it was carried out late a night they'd get complaints from neighbours about the noise THEIR TRADESMAN had made.

Word also spread to some of the other companies in my area and for Warrant work nationwide that I could pick locks. Within one year my work was made up of letting agents and warrant companies with only a small amount of private work as I never had to advertise. I probaly saved the best part of £5,000 per year on advertising which at roughly £50 profit per job works out at 100 jobs I never had to do. Add to this the fuel and time saved you can see where NDE worked for me. I'd also have my work booked in advance so no sitting around worrying about the phone ringing.

I'm now employed by a large company on a good wage with none of the pressures of running my own business. The reason I got the job in front of the other applicants was my ability to pick. I'm a firm believer in having a skill that makes you stick out. Anyone can buy a drill and set up in this trade and that's where it has gone wrong.

Fortunately locks are changing and things are getting harder for the locksmith with anti drill/snap/pull cylinders. It will still be easy for the burglar as they'll still kick the door in or smash a window. I still smile when my competitors phone me up asking how to bypass some locks as they've used 6 drill bits and the lock is still not opening and I say "You should have just picked it".

I've even tried to pass some work on and being asked "what lock is fitted as they don't do Mortices!" Always a good move to be unable to do a job which may be the only work you have that day.

I may however be completely wrong and you live in an area where you can get away with the drill. You may also be fortunate enough to have to do very little gain entries. A lot of locksmiths are finding that it takes up very little of their work in todays market with joiners/glaziers/Nationals etc doing the emergency work. Only you can tell.

[Rickthepick]

Good post.

A lot is dependent on the type of customer you are working for.

Iv done a fair bit of work for HMRC on investigative work and iv always managed to pull off NDE on those jobs (luckily nothing has beat me yet) and it DOES score some big brownie points, the first job i did for them i was congratulated and compared to 'so and so' who spent 40 minutes drilling the door... and have been used since.

However a lockout with no guarantee of ever retrieving the lost keys and i can just snap the cylinder... il try 60 seconds picking before taking the quicker option

Some destructive entry always has an element of risk and things can go pear shaped especially when dealing with unknown locks and therefore probably should be last resort. There is nothing more nerve racking than putting a drill hole in a posh door to open an unknown lever lock.

100% NDE success rate is impossible i dont care how good you are, so its always best to be prepared, packing as many methods of entry in your toolbag as possible.

[DannySmith]

Locksmith tool sets should not be used by the general public. If a lock needs repair, call a locksmith. They will have the tools and training to do a professional job.

[saurabhink]

Thanks for Great tools.....

[unlisted]

Locksmith tool sets should not be used by the general public. If a lock needs repair, call a locksmith. They will have the tools and training to do a professional job.

If this is going to be the content of most of your posts on this forum, you may be on the wrong forum.

[heritage]

Interesting topic.

I've been in the industry for 10+ yrs, but just starting on my own. Here's my list off the top of my head. (No auto)

STOCK

Mortise cylinder set screws
Mortise cylinder tailpieces assorted
Sc1/Kw1 mortise cylinders - Assorted sizes/colors
Thumb turn mortise cylinders - Assorted sizes/colors
Mortise cylinder security rings - Assorted colors
Kwikset knobs - entry/passage/variety of finishes
Kwikset deadbolts - dbl sided/single sided/variety of finishes
Kwikset latches/bolts/gate latches
Schlage knobs - entry/passage/variety of finishes
Schlage deadbolts - dbl sided/single sided/variety of finishes
Schlage latches/bolts/gate latches
SC1's - 50
SC4's - 50
KW1's - 250
Y11's - 50
Detex - A couple of their most popular models
Sliding glass door bar
Window locks
Peepholes - Assorted colors/styles
DND Stamp
Number/letter stamps
Assorted extra pins (especially kwikset to start)
Master key charts
Mortise cylinder spacers - Different sizes/colors
Door reinforcement plates
Kickplates - Assorted colors (optional)
Assorted variety of padlocks (get some with KW1 & SC1 keyways)
Assorted shackles for your padlocks

TOOLS

Pin kit (.003 lab is the standard)
Duplicator
Code cutter - expensive initial cost but eventually essential for any serious locksmith
Duplicator
Plug followers (I use a Keedex brass and the hollow HPC followers)
Picks - Don't need anything fancy, I use PIP-13
Pick gun - mechanical (you will eventually end up with two (2)(I use majestic)
Plug spinner
Kwikset cylinder removal tool
Round file (#4)
Flat file (bastard mill)
Shims
Tweezers
Safe combo change tool
Ladder/step stool
Extension cords
Shop Vac
Blanket (easy to lay under door for new lock installation to catch metal/wood chips)
Laptop w/codesource program (HPC)
Drill bits/hole saws
Cordless/corded drill
Bench vise



There are many more things here and there that you will find you will need. Automotive is a whole nutter breed (and opens another can of worms). I've done plenty of it, and I'm going to stick with residential and commercial for now.

There are also many ways you could interpret tools too, like inverter, workbench, van, etc.
If anyone has any questions, comments, or additives to the list, feel free to let me know. I will update as my (giant) mind processes more info.

I'm based out of USA-AZ

***This list was off the top of my head and would apply to a newcomer looking for a basic stock list.

[Evan]

I've been in the industry for 10+ yrs, but just starting on my own. Here's my list off the top of my head. (No auto)

STOCK

Assorted extra pins (especially kwikset to start)
Master key charts

Assorted variety of padlocks (get some with KW1 & SC1 keyways)
Assorted shackles for your padlocks

***This list was off the top of my head and would apply to a newcomer looking for a basic stock list.

I take issue with the above items snipped from your list for the reasons stated below:

-- Assorted extra pins (especially kwikset to start):

You would need at minimum a Lab pins .003 or .005 wedge pinning kit in order to service locks above and beyond what you can do with your Schlage or Kwikset factory pin kits... You shouldn't even entertain the idea of working on locks until you have such a pin kit... You won't look very professional at all if you are working on re-pinning locks with plastic vials or packages of pins and doing that work in view of the customer...

If you are going to be doing a lot of service on commercial locks then invest in a lock manufacturer specific pinning kit and use OEM brass or nickel-silver pins as the Lab colored pins can be sight read by people with experience and reduce the security offered by the cylinder... You needed to buy a special pinning kit for the high security cylinder line you offer (Medeco, Primus, etc.) to customers who are obsessed with having a more secure/overkill lock installed... It also wouldn't hurt to have an A2 SFIC pinning kit and the associated core service tools on hand either, occasionally you will receive a panicked call from a store employee whose lock has stopped working and they are stuck there until someone can come and fix it...

-- Master key charts:

You really need to learn how to write your own master key systems or purchase software which will do this for you... A professional locksmith should never be using pre-made generic master key system charts, as the second you do, you are selling an identical system to something that has already been installed by someone else in your area, this could be an institutional locksmith's system, a system installed by a maintenance person or property management company in-house at the buildings they are responsible for OR another newcomer locksmith who is well intentioned but doesn't know any better yet... For each of the different charts you can buy there have to be several of those systems already installed and in use in a densely populated area... You don't want to contribute to that problem by adding another cookie-cutter keying system to the mix...

-- Assorted variety of padlocks (get some with KW1 & SC1 keyways):

This can get very expensive very quickly holding onto stock just in case you are ever called to use it... Most customers are just fine with waiting a day or two while you order something from your supply chain... The Abus house-key padlocks are in stock at most Grainger supply stores... You wouldn't keep 10,000 mortise cylinders in stock in various keyways and finishes just in case a commercial building calls you up needing 100 locks changed by installing new cylinders with a new keyway -- you would do a site survey, place an order for exactly what you need to get the job done to the customer's satisfaction and schedule the job based on the required lead time for turnaround and delivery of the necessary stock order from your supply chain...

If you insist on keeping padlocks in stock, it is much better to use a re-keyable type of padlock that is easily taken apart -- those type of locks usually come with many different options for shackle clearances, and since they can be re-keyed you can provide several keyed the same way or even master keyed for a customer... Master Lock company Pro-Series is a good choice for that sort of situation... Your only other options are: ordering padlocks for each job in the quantity needed and having to deliver them to the customer when they come in from your distributor; keeping a quantity of KD padlocks in stock at all times knowing that some customers will ask for more than one lock which will work with the same key; keep KA padlocks in stock and sell your customers locks which can be opened with the same key -- this is not very ethical at all but it is one of the possible options...

The above comments are based on my experience and opinion, yours may vary... Remember in the locksmithing profession the most ethical option possible is always the best choice to make...

~~ Evan

[Varjeal]

Feel free to keep going but much of this has been in the first post of this thread for awhile.

[heritage]

I've been in the industry for 10+ yrs, but just starting on my own. Here's my list off the top of my head. (No auto)

STOCK

Assorted extra pins (especially kwikset to start)
Master key charts

Assorted variety of padlocks (get some with KW1 & SC1 keyways)
Assorted shackles for your padlocks

***This list was off the top of my head and would apply to a newcomer looking for a basic stock list.

I take issue with the above items snipped from your list for the reasons stated below:

-- Assorted extra pins (especially kwikset to start):

You would need at minimum a Lab pins .003 or .005 wedge pinning kit in order to service locks above and beyond what you can do with your Schlage or Kwikset factory pin kits... You shouldn't even entertain the idea of working on locks until you have such a pin kit... You won't look very professional at all if you are working on re-pinning locks with plastic vials or packages of pins and doing that work in view of the customer...

A .003 lab pin kit was on the list. Extra pins to keep your kit stocked is what was meant.

If you are going to be doing a lot of service on commercial locks then invest in a lock manufacturer specific pinning kit and use OEM brass or nickel-silver pins as the Lab colored pins can be sight read by people with experience and reduce the security offered by the cylinder... You needed to buy a special pinning kit for the high security cylinder line you offer (Medeco, Primus, etc.) to customers who are obsessed with having a more secure/overkill lock installed... It also wouldn't hurt to have an A2 SFIC pinning kit and the associated core service tools on hand either, occasionally you will receive a panicked call from a store employee whose lock has stopped working and they are stuck there until someone can come and fix it...

If you can sight read colored pins, then you are probably a locksmith.

-- Master key charts:

You really need to learn how to write your own master key systems or purchase software which will do this for you... A professional locksmith should never be using pre-made generic master key system charts, as the second you do, you are selling an identical system to something that has already been installed by someone else in your area, this could be an institutional locksmith's system, a system installed by a maintenance person or property management company in-house at the buildings they are responsible for OR another newcomer locksmith who is well intentioned but doesn't know any better yet... For each of the different charts you can buy there have to be several of those systems already installed and in use in a densely populated area... You don't want to contribute to that problem by adding another cookie-cutter keying system to the mix...

I use master key charts I acquired years ago. The are a series of letters that you can assign pin depths to. The charts I have are about six pages, but you could get away with about a 1/2 page due to the way you can customize it. Coming up with your own master key chart on the jobsite is easy enough anyway.

-- Assorted variety of padlocks (get some with KW1 & SC1 keyways):

This can get very expensive very quickly holding onto stock just in case you are ever called to use it... Most customers are just fine with waiting a day or two while you order something from your supply chain... The Abus house-key padlocks are in stock at most Grainger supply stores... You wouldn't keep 10,000 mortise cylinders in stock in various keyways and finishes just in case a commercial building calls you up needing 100 locks changed by installing new cylinders with a new keyway -- you would do a site survey, place an order for exactly what you need to get the job done to the customer's satisfaction and schedule the job based on the required lead time for turnaround and delivery of the necessary stock order from your supply chain...

If you insist on keeping padlocks in stock, it is much better to use a re-keyable type of padlock that is easily taken apart -- those type of locks usually come with many different options for shackle clearances, and since they can be re-keyed you can provide several keyed the same way or even master keyed for a customer... Master Lock company Pro-Series is a good choice for that sort of situation... Your only other options are: ordering padlocks for each job in the quantity needed and having to deliver them to the customer when they come in from your distributor; keeping a quantity of KD padlocks in stock at all times knowing that some customers will ask for more than one lock which will work with the same key; keep KA padlocks in stock and sell your customers locks which can be opened with the same key -- this is not very ethical at all but it is one of the possible options...

I like to keep a variety of padlocks, mortise cylinders, knobs, etc. If my customer needs a couple padlocks keyed the same as their office/home, I have them in my van and that saves me gas and a second trip to my customers office/home. Restock the next time I'm at my supplier.

The above comments are based on my experience and opinion, yours may vary... Remember in the locksmithing profession the most ethical option possible is always the best choice to make...

~~ Evan

[heritage]

What are you using them for?

I use titanium coated DeWalt bits. If you are consistently snapping bits, it's either operator error, or you are a bargain hunter. Drill bits from the Dollar Tree aren't going to cut it.

Good luck!

[cledry]

I think having some basic stock such as the padlocks, shackles and cylinders is much better than having a customer wait for a day or two. If you do much commercial work you will find they are more about getting things done ASAP and don't quibble over price if you can deliver fast. We charge more because we have things in stock.

Our business does $750,000 plus turnover a year with just 4 guys on the road whilst others in the area are struggling to keep the doors open. I put this down to having stock for 90% of jobs on hand and being able to get 75% of jobs completed the same day. Things we don't stock are odd sized steel doors and some high security locks, but we stock a good supply of standard doors, Roton hinges, panic bars, safes, access control as well as the more common stuff.

[the_green_goddess]

Wow...that's a lot of tools! I'm starting to think again about getting into this industry!! I used this company when I was having lock problems:
I used their car door unlocking services. They were really awesome and I thought, hey why not do it myself! But I see now that I don't have the funding aha.
But just in case I have a random case of "I WANNA DO THIS SO BADLY", can you tell me what the total and complete cost of all this would be?? Thankkkks