Locksmith tore me apart

[Evan]

" I tell anyone who will listen not to pay good money learning to be a locksmith IF you can learn in the field while getting paid. 10 hours a day 6 days a week running calls/installs in the field will make you a battle hardened locksmith. Troubleshooting and product knowledge is something thats going to develop quickly in the field because thats the only way to survive.
If you want to be a kept locksmith i.e institutional/shop personnel then that lock degree will be considered for your hourly rate. "

So you are essentially looking for a highly skilled FINISH carpenter with an electrical license (which is not simply a low-voltage license as a tech, but a systems installer license) who also knows about locks...

The job must be very different in NYC, as not many locksmiths in New England are making $25-$30 per hour even in an institutional setting...

As far as the skill level with locks, I know some professional locksmiths who are really skilled with safes or automotive work who wouldn't be able to do masterkeying without the computer printouts of the system and pinning charts... It seems like you are saying that the most important part of locksmithing (the knowledge of locks) is something that a finish carpenter with an electrical license will be able to quickly learn as they go, when that is really pushing the limits logically...

In institutional settings the facilities personnel work as a team -- perhaps that solution would work for you as well -- skilled licensed telecom and fire alarm techs can earn $30 per hour and never have to learn about locks or finish carpentry...

~~ Evan

[Capt_Tom]

Many of those "Old Farts" realize that they are nearing retirement, and their light has never really shined. I began as a Vault and Safe tech with The Mosler Safe Company in 1972. After a few years, me, a fellow Mosler tech, and a banker opened American Safe and Lock. We ended up going up separate ways due to social reasons. During my time in this field, I have run across fellow locksmiths that have that drive to make their light shine. That is to reach what they have set as their goal in life. Some make it, many don't. Reason.... Many can do anything technical that they run across.... but can't make money, as they have no business skills. The best locksmith with no business skills would make more money working for someone else. I know, as that is how I started... and failed... got my business skills, and did it again. Many of those "old farts" have never realized what their problem is. They are unhappy and insecure. They see their end of service time approaching, and have sort of an anger towards the situation. Me, I am looking forward to finding a nephew or friend's son to teach the art to. I hate to waste knowledge!

As I said, I started in '72. I am in the Old Fart age group.... but i welcome young people that have a desire to take this road. Enthusiasm, hands on, honesty, will go a long way. If you want to work as a locksmith, those are required... if you want to get into the locksmith business.... get the business skills... including marketing and human relations. Good luck young man!

Good Luck..................

[taylorgdl]

To answer your first question

he was being a d***

[commadore]

Thanks for variety of responses everyone. I got a lot of useful feedback. After some time thinking about it I can "understand" how that particular locksmith was feeling at the time, I should have mentioned he has all the financial and large clients in the area.

So I wrote an email to another local locksmith asking him for advice to get into the field. I was kind of probing because I already know how to but im just trying to build a relationship. When I wrote the email I tried to keep in mind that these two locksmiths probably know each other so I don't know if the first guy mass emailed my picture or if everyone is at odds, either way im hoping for a positive response. I normally would have went in person but honestly that first smith really went hard on me.

Thanks again guys

[commadore]

I also want to mention that I do have the knowledge about locksmithing outside of picking. I actually find a lot of it more interesting and I know that picking is only a small amount of the work. I know most of the tools and what they are used for.

For me looking at a building or place and dreaming of the best ways it could be secured kind of drives me, that's why im trying to get a round knowledge on physical security. It boils down to what my networking teacher told me : Passion

[easy-e]

So I wrote an email to another local locksmith asking him for advice to get into the field.

I really think you should have gone and talked to them in person instead of e-mailing. I'm young, but I get a lot more business done by picking up the phone or going and visiting a customer in person than sending an e-mail. If I'm dealing with other young people, then email or text messages is the best way to reach them. If I'm working with older people or more experienced business people then face to face or at least a phone call goes a long way.

[commadore]

Yeah I think your right

[deralian]

I don't think anyone is going to freely give you information about how to take money away from their pockets. Most people aren't going to give away tips and tricks of their field. Esp to someone who will be working in the same area as them.

Training classes and Expos are very different. There everyone will answer questions and show you how to do things because its more about building relationships and everyone is already an established pro in some form.

[billdeserthills]

I sure as hell won't give out any information for free. I have folks call every once in awhile who want to know "How do I get this lock off my door?" Or even "How do I open my car, my keys are locked inside?"
I just ask them "What is in this for me?" before I hang up on them, usually.

[sentientsentinel]

Sounds like the guy was trying to lock you out,get it?He was protecting his territory it doesn't matter how old he was.This guy just doesn't want you in his business or anyone else.He definitely is not a practitioner of the golden rule though.I went to a locksmith not to long ago and I told him I just got a new set of picks and needed some locks to practice my new hobby on.He sold me a kwikset and schlage cylinder for 20 bucks and said come on back when you need a more difficult pinning.