Technical Manuals

[JohnnyWalker]

Hi all,

I am looking into becoming a licensed locksmith as a backup plan, but I'm not certain I will at this point. In my state the locksmith license exam is based on information published in "The Complete Book of Locks and Locksmithing" (6th Edition) by Bill Phillips. After reading several reviews (not on this site) about this book there seem to be many people who like the book, but there are also many, most of whom seem to be professional locksmiths and have been one for many years, who really dislike the book. However, I can't help but think that if the state is basing their exam on the material in this book that it would be sufficient for the purposes of taking the licensing exam.

I was hoping that if any of you have read this book you could provide further insight on this book. I would also be appreciative if any of you could recommend additional resources that would help me to learn about lock picking and other skills a locksmith needs to be successful. I've seen a few resources that look really good, especially for lock picking in particular, but I don't want to mention them in case that's considered a form of spamming here. I'm not here to sell my own resources or promote others. I'm just looking for some friendly advice. However, I am happy to name these other resources I have been considering if that is permitted. Right now I want to focus on my lock picking skills and gradually learn the others over time. I have a basic understanding of locksmith terms like pins, tumblers, et cetera, but I know there is still a lot for me to learn. Any advice you can provide me will be much appreciated. Thanks.

- JW

[3-in-1]

Johnny, generally speaking, picking locks is just a small part of what locksmithing is all about. There are many other skills that can lead yourself into the trade depending on what type of work you are interested in doing. Cars, residential, and so on. Carpentry, machining, electrical, welding and just general mechanical skills can all be important. When I was doing general locksmithing, I was pretty good at picking, but the skill of impressioning keys was probably more important. If one book can get you the license all well and good, it is just an entrance into the field where the learning never ends.

[raimundo]

the "complete book of locksmithing" has been out for a long time, it has new editions every few years.

ITs a very good book for locksmiths, and its completely about locksmithing, however, it does not contain everything so the word complete may be misleading, it does have all the basics though, so its not like some stevehampton pamphlet that pretends to know it all.

My own copy has been around since the 90's and is dated in the contents.
It is not about lockpicking but it does an overview. locksmiths drill locks and sell replacements and installation.

[3-in-1]

I forgot to mention the very important value of getting and reading every issue of the trade magazines that you can lay your hands on. ALOA Keynotes (Associated Locksmiths Of America), The National Locksmith, and the Locksmith Ledger. I have never read any of the general books on locksmithing but have run across several at my library and as Raimundo recommends this "Complete Book of Locksmithing", that is probably a good place to start. The only problem I can imagine you may find in reading several of the general books is repetition. Locksmithing is both a "brain on" and 'hands on" trade. I know things are somewhat different today, but when I was working as a locksmith, the skills of picking, impressioning and repairing locks were more important than drilling open and replacing them. I rarely drilled a lock open and because of that locksmithing was much more fulfilling as a trade. Still in it after some 35 years although I only work on safes now and it is still very enjoyable.

[JohnnyWalker]

3-in-1 and raimundo,

Thank you for your responses. I think I should have been more clear in my first post, but I was afraid of writing one that was too long. At the moment I am only a hobbyist trying to sharpen my lock picking skills and I'm still not sure I will become a licensed locksmith. Currently I am focusing on my lock picking skills because I already have a basic set of lock picks and right now I don't have access to the other tools of the trade to learn things like how to rekey a lock, impressioning a key, and other skills a locksmith needs to be successful.

With respect to the book I asked about, I was asking about that one because the state website states that "The Complete Book of Locks and Locksmithing" is what the exam is based on, although I was wondering why they haven't chosen to base it on a more recent edition. Sorry if this post is coming across as defensive, I'm not trying to be, but after reading my first post I thought I wasn't as clear as I should have been. Thanks for taking the time to read and respond to my post here. It's much appreciated.

- JW

[Evan]

@JohnnyWalker:

Which state are you located in ?

The recommended "study" for preparation for the exam is one thing but there may be other resources which can prepare you for the exam more specifically... The ALOA sells exam prep guides tailored to a couple of states...

The exams in some states are much more thorough than in others...

~~ Evan

[raimundo]

the bill phillips book is not a book on lockpicking, it only has a basic chapter that you can do without if you are already on this site.
the book is general locksmithing knowlege including business record keeping and such as well as a few example locks they go in depth on and which are common types so the knowlege of one brand will apply to others.

[JohnnyWalker]

Evan,

Thanks for your reply and advice. I am in Oregon. The state says their locksmith license exam is based on material from "The Complete Guide to Locks and Locksmithing" (6th edition) and the ALOA Locksmith Dictionary. It also says the exam is 80 questions tested to 100% and is self-paced.

raimundo,

Thanks for your additional reply. Your comment pretty much confirms the reviews I've read about this book on other sites. I'm going to continue coming here for lock picking advice and instructions until I can get a manual and/or DVD and wait to see how a few other things turn out before I decide whether or not to pursue getting my locksmith license. Right now I am purely a hobbyist lock picker and this is what has piqued my interest in becoming a full fledged locksmith (which I realize does far more than just picking locks lol). Thanks again for your help.

Thanks, you guys!

- JW