Finding and Approaching Locksmiths

[njcanderson]

Hi all,

I've found a few locks around my place and from asking my parents/friends for any old padlocks or deadbolts they may have lying around. I'm in the process of moving on to security pins in the locks that I pick since I've become increasingly comfortable picking most anything that doesn't have them. I've read on a few threads that the best way to increase your lock collection may be to approach a local locksmith and ask for old locks they may have.

My guess would be that a Mom and Pop type locksmith would be more likely than someone who works out of a chain store, but is there a registry or something where I can find them. I've tried googling local locksmiths but the only ones that come up are chains. Also, what's the best way to approach a locksmith to ask for locks without coming off like I have some nefarious intent. Can I come out and say that I want them to pick for hobby?

Thanks

- Nick

[Squelchtone]

please check your PM on the left side of the screen, I have sent you a link to a local locksmith shop.

Squelchtone

[Onz]

Just ask that your learning about locksmithing and would like to know if you have any old locks I could have. Where I love to look for locks are Yard yales, car wreckage or even a yard tip. Most Locksmiths will know what you mean and be happy to help.

P.s fill out your profile so we know where you live and can help you out more.

[njcanderson]

Thanks Squelchtone and Onz,

Squelchtone: I'll check out that shop early next week after the ice and snow melts here.

Onz: Thanks for the tip, I filled out my profile so it'll be more useful in the future.

Hopefully I'll be able to pick up some stuff to help me out.

[KarkarnRed]

I approached the guys that work at the local skip (kind of like a rubbish dump) and asked if they wouldn't mind putting aside any old locks, padlocks or doors they may find. If you ask nicely and give them a little money if they find you something good most guys will be more than happy to give you a call when they find something for you. Approached a locksmith but they just assumed I was up to no good because I don't have an apprenticeship.

[JoshuaWest]

Approached a locksmith but they just assumed I was up to no good because I don't have an apprenticeship.

I had the same issue on my end!

Interestingly as my skills develop my close friends and family are using me as their inner circle smith, every time someone moves I get 2-3 new locks when they rekey the new place!

[jeffmoss26]

http://www.findalocksmith.com/search.aspx

[billdeserthills]

Honestly before I joined this forum I had treated any type of lock info as to be jealously guarded. Over the years many folks have called me inquiring about apprenticeship & my answer has always been No Thanks, as I can't afford to give my business away to some newcomer. I can say now that I would be more helpful to the next folks who may come along, not that I want an apprentice, but I will be more understanding towards folks who want to buy blank keys and other locksmith supplies in the future. I just never thought of lock picking as any kind of a hobby, before reading about you guys who seem to enjoy doing that. For me it is mostly just a job and if I can't pick an offending lock, it will generally be destroyed and replaced.

[Sublimis]

Yeah, most of the "locksmiths" here are a bunch of D bags. They are always thinking your up to no good. It's really annoying. After of 30min of talking they finally submit to me.

[KPick]

Yeah, most of the "locksmiths" here are a bunch of D bags. They are always thinking your up to no good. It's really annoying. After of 30min of talking they finally submit to me.

You can't blame it on him Sublimis. He's like that for a reason. You just have to think like him and have some empathy for him. What would you think if you knew lock security and someone came up asking you how to defeat it? I would fear weary about giving that knowledge up. I'm sorry but that's very sensitiver information. It's like teaching someone how to get away with murder, and not knowing their intentions.